paralympics gb staff - sportcentric
paralympics gb staff - sportcentric
paralympics gb staff - sportcentric
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MEDIA PROTOCOL<br />
FOR MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARALYMPIC SWIMMING SQUAD<br />
The media protocol has been designed to help achieve an understanding between all media and those representing<br />
the British Paralympic team in swimming. It aims to create opportunities for the media as well as appreciate the<br />
commitments of athletes and <strong>staff</strong>. This media protocol will be utilised leading up to and during the Paralympic<br />
Games in Athens.<br />
The protocol recognises that everybody is present at a major competition to do a job - whether they are athletes,<br />
team <strong>staff</strong> or the media. Each group experiences their own pressures to deliver, however, consideration of each other’s<br />
circumstances, roles and responsibilities will help ensure everybody has a successful and productive experience.<br />
As a rule of thumb, all media enquiries relating to members of the British Paralympic Team in Athens (and earlier in<br />
Cyprus) should be routed via the team press office. The key contact for swimming in that press office will be Caroline<br />
Searle (Greek mobile number: [00 30] 6946 167253). A landline number will also be available for the BPA press office<br />
at the Games in due course.<br />
In Athens, British Swimming communications officer Amanda Smith will be handling the media at the swimming venue<br />
on a daily basis, including any on the spot interview requests.<br />
Early access to any British Paralympic Team member prior to the Paralympic Games<br />
Access to swimmers, the Performance Director (PD) and coaches will be limited to press conferences and/or individual<br />
interviews that may be scheduled at the BPA holding camp in Cyprus.<br />
Access to the Director of disability swimming (PD), Tim Reddish MBE during the Paralympic Games<br />
Media requests in relation to the PD should go through the BPA Press office by telephone or through Amanda Smith<br />
at the swimming venue. Those wishing to put a question to the PD should provide as much warning as possible so the<br />
PD can identify a window of opportunity to respond. If the PD is unable to respond in person an alternative will be<br />
arranged if possible. During the competition the PD will only give his views on the performances of Team GB swimmers<br />
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<br />
be greatly appreciated.<br />
Access to the British coaches during the Paralympic Games<br />
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<br />
a specific coach post heats and/or finals. If a specific coach is unavailable in person then an alternative will be arranged<br />
if possible. Comments on the overall team performance will only be given by the PD.<br />
Access to Swimmers or Team Staff during competition<br />
Requests for interviews with swimmers or team <strong>staff</strong> must go through the BPA press office by telephone or through<br />
Amanda Smith at the venue. Whereas media deadlines will always be considered, these interviews will be arranged at<br />
a time the swimmer or coach can be made available. This is obviously due to the demands of the competition. Athletes<br />
and team coaches will only comment on their relevant performances. Overall comments will be provided by the PD or<br />
the Team Manager, sometimes via Amanda Smith. The Team Manager must always be aware of the exact location of<br />
every athlete or member of <strong>staff</strong> at all times.<br />
Access to swimmers and coaches will be limited to the official mixed zone, press conferences or through prior<br />
arrangements made via the BPA press office or through Amanda Smith at the venue. All swimmers will be<br />
encouraged to speak to the media at this point.<br />
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