The International Jump Rope Union (IJRU), after much deliberation, has decided to host an online Virtual World Championships in 2021. This will replace the in-person tournament originally scheduled for July 2021 in Ottawa, Canada. The Virtual World Championship Series will include the: 

• Virtual World Championship 

• Virtual Junior World Championship 

• Virtual International Open Tournament 

Due to health and safety concerns, as well as global travel uncertainty, we’ve decided a virtual event is the best way to move forward for 2021. Review the updated IJRU rules for a virtual tournament. We look forward to seeing all of the amazing submissions from our athletes and hope that we can all meet in person again soon. 

Understanding the bigger picture 

The sport of jump rope/rope skipping is facing the same challenges that many other sports are experiencing as a result of COVID-19. In order to continue to offer opportunities for athletes to participate in our sport, we need to innovate and find new ways to host events. Here is a brief description of the bigger picture facing IJRU and many other sporting federations. 

Keeping our athletes engaged 

Global sport is seeing a decline in athlete participation at an alarming rate. If athletes can't engage in the sport of jump rope/rope skipping, they will likely move to another activity. It is important for jump rope/rope skipping to continue to provide opportunities for participation at all levels, including at the world championship level. We believe that jump rope/rope skipping is actually in a unique position. Unlike some other sports, we can participate in and practice the sport without contact while maintaining distance. IJRU, by hosting a Virtual World Championship Series, will develop a model that we hope our members can use to continue offering events. 

Innovation can lead to growth and wider exposure 

A virtual event will drive innovation. In order to produce a successful and engaging virtual production, we need to transform our viewer experience. This innovation will carry over to future in-person events and will help us package jump rope so that we can sell the production of our events within the global marketplace. 

Opportunity for greater inclusivity 

Attending an in-person World Championship can be expensive and unfortunately some athletes and countries are unable to participate. The 2021 Virtual Competition Series participation cost will be significantly less than the cost of attending an in-person event. We hope that this will provide more athletes with an opportunity to participate in jump rope/rope skipping at the highest level.  

Support today means we can host events in the future 

If we don’t have a financially successful event in 2021, IJRU may not have the financial resources needed to produce an in-person event in the future. So support today means ensuring our sport can continue internationally.   

Solidarity 

The sport of jump rope/rope skipping unites us all and we ask our community to come together to support the future of our sport.