After the questionable behavior of Olympic judges last week during the figure skating competition, it is evident that even the officials need specific guidelines to follow. It should be obvious, but apparently there needs to be a rule that clarifies that judges should not trade votes with other judges.

The controversy stems from the awarding of the gold medal to the Russian pair Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze, rather than the Canadian pair of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier in the pairs figure skating program. The Canadians performed what appeared to be a flawless show while the Russians made a technical mistake in their program.

According to reports, a judge from France confirmed with the International Skating Union’s technical committee that favors were traded by the judges from France and Russia. Each judge agreed to vote for each other’s country in two separate competition events.

The second gold medal awarded this weekend for a tie, was a good idea. The Canadian pair did nothing but skate a perfect program. They deserve to be awarded the gold medal, even if they have to share the title with the Russian skaters. It is a good compromise because the medal should not be yanked from the Russians. They did not do anything wrong either. Having to share the title is a sour deal for the Canadians.

The judge deserved the punishment she received. Her behavior was unacceptable and the punishment will hopefully deter future judges from making the same mistake. If one universal governing body watched over the judges for Olympic competitions and objectively trained them, this might end the favor-swapping that tainted the skating competition.

These Olympic athletes put their whole lives into their sports, and because the judges made an ethical error, they lost the right to gold medal they rightfully deserved.