THE SIDELINES : World Olympic Panel Reaffirms Ban on S. Africa Participation

The International Olympic Committee reaffirmed its ban on South Africa today, despite recent liberalization by the country’s white government.

The IOC’s executive committee opened four days of meetings by deciding that because apartheid still exists in South Africa, there will be no change in policy.

Michele Verdier, the IOC spokeswoman, said the board also reaffirmed a decision against having team events in rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis and archery at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

During the meetings, the board will hear progress reports on attempts to reduce the size of the Summer Olympics, which the IOC is committed to doing for the 1996 Games.

Also, the IOC’s medical commission will make its first report on its inquiry into boxing, which could eventually lead to boxing’s being banned from the Games.