Olympic Media Guide 5/8/04 - sportcentric

MEDIA PROTOCOL FOR TEAM GB AQUATICS SQUADThe media protocol has been designed to help achieve an understanding between all media and those representingTeam GB in aquatics events. It aims to create opportunities for the media as well as appreciate the commitments ofathletes and staff. This media protocol will be utilised leading up to and during the Olympic 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’scircumstances, roles and responsibilities will help ensure everybody has a successful and productive experience.EARLY ACCESS TO ANY TEAM GB MEMBER PRIOR TO THE OLYMPIC GAMESA media blackout is in place during the run up to the aquatic events. Access to swimmers, the NPD and coaches willbe limited to press conferences that may be scheduled at the BOA holding camp in Cyprus.ACCESS TO NPD BILL SWEETENHAM DURING THE OLYMPIC GAMESMedia requests in relation to the NPD should go through the Press Attaché. Those wishing to put a question to theNPD should provide as much warning as possible so the NPD can identify a window of opportunity to respond. If theNPD is unable to respond in person, the Press Attaché will pass on the NPD’s views. During the competition the NPDwill only give his views on the performances of Team GB swimmers/divers as a whole. Due to the demands of the jobat hand, the NPD’s time will be limited so prior notice to any requests would be greatly appreciated.ACCESS TO THE BRITISH COACHES DURING THE OLYMPIC GAMESFollowing morning heats a coach or coaches will be available to comment on the heats as well as prospects for thesemi-finals and finals. If a situation arises, however, that demands the coaches’ time then an alternative will be offeredto the media or the Press Attaché will pass on relevant information.After the final race of each day a coach or coaches with relevance to that evening’s finals will make themselvesavailable to the media at a location within the venue. This will be co-ordinated through the Press Attaché. Thesecoaches will only speak on their swimmers’ performances. Comments on the overall team performance will only begiven by the NPD.ACCESS TO SWIMMERS OR TEAM STAFF DURING COMPETITIONRequests for interviews with swimmers or team staff must go through the Press Attaché. Whereas media deadlineswill 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 on time. Athletes and team coaches will only comment ontheir relevant performances. Overall comments will be provided by the NPD or a coach, sometimes via the PressAttaché. The Team Manager must always be aware of the exact location of every athlete or member of staff at alltimes.Access to swimmers and coaches will be limited to the official mixed zone, press conferences or through priorarrangements made via the Press Attaché. All swimmers will be encouraged to speak to the media at this point.However, due to the need to recover by ‘’swimming down’’ in another pool immediately after an event, this timewill be limited – especially between heats, semi-finals and finals - and it is envisaged the media will collect at agood vantage point to be informed as a group rather than as individuals.5