paralympics gb staff - sportcentric

MEDIA PROTOCOL
FOR MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARALYMPIC SWIMMING SQUAD
The media protocol has been designed to help achieve an understanding between all media and those representing
the British Paralympic team in swimming. It aims to create opportunities for the media as well as appreciate the
commitments of athletes and staff. This media protocol will be utilised leading up to and during the Paralympic
Games in Athens.
The protocol recognises that everybody is present at a major competition to do a job - whether they are athletes,
team staff or the media. Each group experiences their own pressures to deliver, however, consideration of each other’s
circumstances, roles and responsibilities will help ensure everybody has a successful and productive experience.
As a rule of thumb, all media enquiries relating to members of the British Paralympic Team in Athens (and earlier in
Cyprus) should be routed via the team press office. The key contact for swimming in that press office will be Caroline
Searle (Greek mobile number: [00 30] 6946 167253). A landline number will also be available for the BPA press office
at the Games in due course.
In Athens, British Swimming communications officer Amanda Smith will be handling the media at the swimming venue
on a daily basis, including any on the spot interview requests.
Early access to any British Paralympic Team member prior to the Paralympic Games
Access to swimmers, the Performance Director (PD) and coaches will be limited to press conferences and/or individual
interviews that may be scheduled at the BPA holding camp in Cyprus.
Access to the Director of disability swimming (PD), Tim Reddish MBE during the Paralympic Games
Media requests in relation to the PD should go through the BPA Press office by telephone or through Amanda Smith
at the swimming venue. Those wishing to put a question to the PD should provide as much warning as possible so the
PD can identify a window of opportunity to respond. If the PD is unable to respond in person an alternative will be
arranged if possible. During the competition the PD will only give his views on the performances of Team GB swimmers
as a whole. Due to the demands of the job at hand, the PD’s time will be limited so prior notice to any requests would
be greatly appreciated.
Access to the British coaches during the Paralympic Games
Due to the nature of the role of a coach for Disability Swimming it may not be possible for the media to gain access to
a specific coach post heats and/or finals. If a specific coach is unavailable in person then an alternative will be arranged
if possible. Comments on the overall team performance will only be given by the PD.
Access to Swimmers or Team Staff during competition
Requests for interviews with swimmers or team staff must go through the BPA press office by telephone or through
Amanda Smith at the venue. Whereas media deadlines will always be considered, these interviews will be arranged at
a time the swimmer or coach can be made available. This is obviously due to the demands of the competition. Athletes
and team coaches will only comment on their relevant performances. Overall comments will be provided by the PD or
the Team Manager, sometimes via Amanda Smith. The Team Manager must always be aware of the exact location of
every athlete or member of staff at all times.
Access to swimmers and coaches will be limited to the official mixed zone, press conferences or through prior
arrangements made via the BPA press office or through Amanda Smith at the venue. All swimmers will be
encouraged to speak to the media at this point.
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