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A tugboat moves a symbol installed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on a barge away from its usual location in front of Tokyo’s Odaiba Marine Park on Thursday, August 6, 2020 (Hiro Komae / The Canadian Press / AP).
Canadian athletes are asking the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to clarify and define certain aspects of its anti-protest rule.
In a statement Monday, The Athletes Commission of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC AC), has presented seven recommendations to Rule 50 of the IOC, which establishes that “Any type of political, religious or racial manifestation or propaganda is not allowed in the sites, venues or other Olympic areas. “
Earlier this year, the IOC developed Rule 50, which specifies what types of protests athletes could participate in during the Olympics, in order to provide a framework to “protect the neutrality of sport and the Olympics.”
As part of the seven recommendations of the COC AC, the Canadian athletes asked that the IOC clearly define what constitutes a demonstration, propaganda protest, as well as establish parameters for what is considered an acceptable, peaceful and respectful demonstration with other athletes and countries. .
They also asked the IOC to maintain or create neutral spaces that allow peaceful demonstrations that do not interfere with the competition.
According to IOC Rule 50, athletes are prohibited from taking a political position on the field of play, in the Olympic village or at any official or medal ceremony, so they must not kneel or raise their fists.
The only place athletes could protest is during press conferences, team meetings, or on digital media.
“Based on our findings, our recommendations focus on asking for more clarity and advocating for the IOC Athletes Commission to explore and define meaningful ways to protest or demonstrate peacefully while respecting other athletes and countries, ensuring non-interference with competition and protecting itself. of the demonstrations. contrary to the values of Olympism or that are harmful, misleading, discriminatory or based on hatred ”. Oluseyi Smith, twice Olympian and president of the COC AC
“We will continue to work closely with the IOC Athletes Commission and will encourage all Canadian athletes to participate in its global survey which will be launched this fall,” added Smith.
The COC AC also recommended that the IOC clearly define and describe the consequences and degrees of violations around demonstrations, protests and propaganda. Currently, IOC Rule 50 only says that disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Two-time Olympic Trampoline Champion and COC AC Vice President Rosie MacLennan said a wide range of comments were solicited from as many stakeholders as possible to balance different points of view and communicate the perspective of the majority, as well as highlight where Canadian athletes did. not having strong collective perspectives.
The seven recommendations from the COC AC to the IOC are listed below:
- Establish two different rules when expressing opinions: one related to expressions through commercial matters such as emblems, advertising and commercial installations and another related to demonstrations, protests and propaganda.
- Clearly define the terms used in Rule 50, including what constitutes a demonstration or “protest” or “propaganda”.
- Establish provisions for what is considered an acceptable display based on the values and principles of Olympism.
- Establish clear parameters for an acceptable, peaceful and respectful demonstration with other athletes and countries.
- Maintain and / or establish neutral or protected spaces that allow a peaceful demonstration that does not interfere with competition.
- Define and clearly describe the consequences and “degrees of violation” surrounding the demonstration, protest and propaganda.
- Explore other opportunities to meaningfully celebrate unity and inclusion by taking a stand against racism and discrimination.
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