The Malta Gymnastics Federation's decision to restrict applications for the national competition in March to athletes belonging to clubs affiliated with and recognised by the federation has faced criticism from parents of excluded gymnasts, who argue it exemplifies social class discrimination.

"This is establishing social class discrimination because the academy is subsidised by the government," a parent told The Malta Independent on Sunday. They remarked that if social discrimination is being established here, then it can be put into everything and become widespread.

The parent continued that the federation's decision dictated that if a gymnast is part of a private club, then they are able to participate and compete in the national championships, but if they come from an academy such as that of SportMalta, then the gymnasts are not being permitted to participate.

In the federation's announcement of the decision, it stated that there would be a one-time exception for individual gymnasts who are not members of a federation-recognised club but intend or wish to apply for the National Sports School as part of the October 2025 year 7 intake.

Making a point about the merit of national competition, a parent speaking with this media house commented that people participate in the Olympics based on national participation, and added that outside of Malta, people do not need to be affiliated with clubs to take part in the Olympics. Continuing on that point, the parent said that here in Malta, not only does one need to be affiliated with a club, but they also now cannot participate in national championships if they are not club members.

"I think it's unfair and unjust. We are a group of one hundred parents and our children are disappointed after all that training not to be able to participate and showcase their talent... We took part last year, and our children had various podium standings, so the argument that there is a lack of quality is not the case."

The decision to not allow non-club members to participate, the parent said, was made "behind everyone's back", and continued that when the decision was discovered, discussions began and chaos subsequently started.

Parents have not received any active communication from the federation, The Malta Independent on Sunday was told, which includes a lack of responses to emails. "We have a lot of questions and no one is answering... The federation is not communicating with us." The parents have also stated that they have requested a copy of a Board resolution on the matter, but have not been provided with such as of yet.

The parents said that their children have been sidelined and rendered unable to participate. They questioned what the federation wants so that their children may be allowed to participate.

"The things we are facing are unbelievable. We are talking about children... We cannot spend three years fighting for the same thing, and if we do not speak up as parents, then we are always left with the last opportunities or, at times, none at all."

"All we can do is make our voices heard... We are there for the common interest, for the interest of our children and those who have ability in the sport... Why are opportunities being limited? We understand if they want to make opportunities between private clubs aside from SportMalta, but not when it comes to the national competition which dictates whether you enter the National Sports School."

The parent commented that if it is a privatised national competition, then it is not a national competition at all.

Parents believe that this decision announced by the federation is one based on greed, with The Malta Independent on Sunday being told that the indication parents were given is that SportMalta's function in the sport should be to promote the sport and for the government to assist those who are in financial difficulty.

"If there are people with financial difficulties with us, then is the assessment truly being done based on ability and potential, or is it determined by one's ability to pay? Is that the method of fair assessment for our children?"

The parent said that if given the opportunity to speak with the federation, they would like to ask on what basis the decision was made, what the federation wants to get by making such choices, as well as what vision or direction there is, if any, for gymnastics in the country within the coming years.

"Do not leave our children out. Give them the opportunity. How prestigious is a victory if it is against four people vs 20 people? Give the children that opportunity, do not limit them. We are talking about basic things."

The crux of the situation, the parent said, is that the federation has to keep in mind that it is dealing with the parents of the children, and so if it is requesting something that is not up to the parents, then it should deal with the relevant parties without taking away opportunities from gymnasts. "Our children are not their sacrifices," the parent remarked. "Do we need to bare our teeth with children? Can you go lower than that?"

The parent concluded by questioning if it is true at all that the country and abilities of the children come first and foremost in competition. "We have fallen to a ridiculous level. The children should not be the ones being punished. We are citizens, we pay the academy for training, on our end we are doing our part."

They added that if the federation wants to add on some form of membership fee, then the matter could be discussed around a table to see what is possible, though they added that non-club members already pay more to enter competitions. "If they want something else, they should tell us so. There is no transparency."