This follows an incident at the 2024 National Yo-Yo Contest where the NYYL made a statement regarding an individual who had an interaction with a staff member that we addressed on social media. That statement contained factual inaccuracies and was made prior to protocols being established for handling matters of this nature.
- Our social media post labelled the interaction as ‘racist’ which was wrong based on our subsequent internal investigations involving outside counsel and with those directly involved.
- Contrary to the original post, no one was removed from the Contest.
- This matter should have been handled confidentially and subjected to a thorough internal investigation prior to any public report. Making a statement prematurely on social media ultimately caused harm and the spread of misinformation.
The NYYL has since adopted measures to ensure future incidents are handled appropriately. These include a structured confidential review process, defined internal communication policies, and a publicly accessible Code of Conduct for all attendees and representatives.
The NYYL is committed to maintaining a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability at NYYL sanctioned events. Our contests bring together individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. It is our duty to ensure that these spaces are welcoming and supportive for everyone involved.
This community thrives because of the dedication, kindness, and shared passion of its members. With better systems now in place, we are focused on moving forward and delivering the high standards that the community deserves.
On behalf of the NYYL Board, thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding.