LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is loosening its restrictions on protests and rules against “athlete expression” for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Participants at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics will have more opportunities for expressing themselves but would be disqualified or stripped of medals if they engage in social activism in areas and manners other than those permitted.
The guidelines were approved by the IOC executive board on Friday.
The new version of the IOC Guidelines provides further clarity and guidance to athletes competing in Tokyo on the “range of opportunities available” to them to express their views, including on the Field of Play prior to the start of the competition. The guidelines say:
“During the Olympic Games, athletes also have the opportunity to express their views, including:
In the mixed zones, including when speaking to the media
In the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) or the Main Media Centre (MMC), including when speaking to the media
During press conferences in the venue or in the MMC
During interviews
At team meetings
In traditional media or digital media
Through social media channels
On the field of play prior to the start of the competition (i.e. after leaving the “call room” (or similar area) or during the introduction of the individual athlete or team) provided that the expression (for example, gesture) is:
consistent with the Fundamental Principles of Olympism;
not targeted, directly or indirectly, against people, countries, organisations and/or their dignity;
not disruptive (by way of example only, the following expressions are considered disruptive:expressions during another athlete’s or team’s national anthem and/or introduction, as this may interfere with such other athlete’s or team’s concentration on and/or preparation for the competition; physical interference with the introduction of another athlete or team or the protocol itself (for example by unfurling a flag, a banner etc.); causing (or assuming the risk of causing) physical harm to persons or property, etc.); and
not prohibited or otherwise limited by the rules of the relevant National Olympic Committee (NOC) and/or the competition regulations of the relevant International Federation (IF).”
The guidelines further state that: “When expressing their views, athletes are expected to respect the applicable laws, the Olympic values and their fellow athletes. It should be recognised that any behaviour and/or expression that constitutes or signals discrimination, hatred, hostility or the potential for violence on any basis whatsoever is contrary to the Fundamental Principles of Olympism.”
Additionally, the Guidelines describe the disciplinary procedure that would apply in the event that the conditions stated above were not to be respected. The evaluation of cases and the determination of potential disciplinary consequences will be handled by the IOC in full transparency.
“The new guidelines are a result of our extensive consultation with the global athletes’ community,” said IOC AC chair Kirsty Coventry. “While the guidelines offer new opportunities for athletes to express themselves prior to the competition, they preserve the competitions on the Field of Play, the ceremonies, the victory ceremonies and the Olympic Village. This was the wish of a big majority of athletes in our global consultation.”
In April this year, following the IOC AC consultation on athlete expression and Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, the IOC EB approved a set of recommendations proposed by the IOC AC. The recommendations were the result of an extensive qualitative and quantitative consultation process implemented by the IOC AC, which started in June 2020 and involved over 3,500 athletes representing 185 different NOCs and all 41 Olympic sports, and ensured fully gender-equal representation. The consultation was supported by the NOC Continental Associations’ Athletes’ Commissions and the World Olympians Association.
Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter provides for the protection of the neutrality of sport at the Olympic Games and the neutrality of the Games themselves. It states that, “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
The full document can be found here…
