«I’m resigning because I’m considered too fat»- Corriere.it

In the photo posted on Facebook he shows his smiling face, wrapped in dark curls. He is wearing the national volleyball referee uniform, a goal achieved after more than ten years of apprenticeship in the provincial and regional championships. Where she would have returned next year due to the failure to comply with some physical parameters imposed by international regulations in the early 2000s to which the national federations have adapted. «Dear Paola Egonu – writes the Calabrian Martina Scavelli addressing the blue champion who, also on the Sanremo stage last week, recounted the episodes of racism she experienced – you are black, I am fat! (written in all capital letters to underline the concept even more strongly, ed). For this reason, this morning I communicated my resignation from the role of Serie B referee to Fipav (Italian Volleyball Federation)».

On Valentine’s Day Scavelli he talks about the difficulties of returning to the parameters imposed by the regulations. “I can’t stand being measured and weighed like cows!” underlines harshly, inevitably bringing to mind the complaints of many young promises of artistic gymnastics who in recent months have undermined a system of abuse and psychological violence related to weight. «Sport should unite, rather than marginalize and I no longer want to be cornered for a few centimeters or a few extra kilos». And then she explains in detail the reasons that prompted her to resign: «I exceeded the expected values ​​of bmi (the body mass index, ed) and abdominal circumference (nothing excessive). I received a 3-point penalty in the “Sector Managers” score and exemption from employment until the expected values ​​were reached. The penalty will lead me, at the end of the season, to move from Serie B to the regional championship, taking a huge step backwards. Parameters out of the norm, of course, but only slightly. A little that doesn’t affect the quality of my service. As if three extra fingers on my waist could jeopardize a game of volleyball which, among other things, does not provide for the referee to run around the field as happens in football. Rules are rules, I have accepted them and I respect them, but it doesn’t mean that they are sacred and immutable».

The referee then explains how since 2007, the year in which she entered her role, she has always tried to return to the anthropometric parameters, she has reported herself when she exceeded them and even suspended herself waiting to return again. Now, however, she is tired and says enough. «I am not willing to accept that a career based on sacrifices and the utmost respect can be “trampled” by such impositions that do not include tolerance thresholds. I’ve decided to say enough, for me and for all fat people. Enough of rules that are not always enforced erga omnes. No more narrow-mindedness. Enough for a system that does not question whether those extra kilos arise from health problems or particular periods of one’s life. Enough for those who rely on numbers and bury their emotions. Mental health, the integrity of an individual, the passion and sacrifice of a human being are worth much more than a few centimeters too much! From today begins my battle to overcome the discrimination imposed by certain rules. Help me make my voice heard because it’s not just my voice. I’m fat yes! But also of content, the will to fight and hope. Happy Valentine’s Day. Today I have chosen to love myself a little more».