USOPC To Allow Athlete Demonstrations at Olympic Trials

April 2, 2021 

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced that they will allow athletes to demonstrate in support of racial and social justice at the upcoming Olympic trials. Most US trials for the Tokyo Olympics will take place over the next three months ahead of the July 23 opening of the Games.

In a new detailed document, the USOPC outlined a range of ways athletes can advocate for racial and social justice, including kneeling, raising a clenched fist on the podium or at the starting line during the national anthem. The document states that any demonstration "which is aimed at (1) advancing racial and social justice; or (2) promoting the human dignity of individuals or groups that have historically been underrepresented, minoritized or marginalized in their respective societal context" will be permitted. 

But they also drew the line at what will be unacceptable, including "acts that advocate against people, their dignity or their rights, including – but not limited to – hate speech, racist propaganda or threatening, abusive or discriminatory remarks or physical harm to others or to property." It also rules out actions that physically impede competition or medal ceremonies.

The USOPC made it clear that the guidelines are only meant for the U.S. Olympic trials and not the Tokyo Olympics or any competition or forum outside of Trials venues. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has its own guidelines with Rule 50 and Section 2.2 prohibiting protests and demonstrations. 

In an open letter sent to Team USA athletes, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said the organization “values the voices of athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice as a positive force for change aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements.” 

Hirshland vowed to ensure fair application of the guidance at the Olympic and Paralympic Team Trials, as well as an evaluation of the guidance prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The USOPC has also promised to create opportunities through Team USA platforms to promote America’s elite athletes and their commitment to racial and social justice. 

The guidelines were developed and finalized in collaboration with the Team USA Council on Racial and Social Justice’s Protests and Demonstrations steering committee, as well as the Team USA Delegation Rules Demonstrations Working Group that provided additional athlete and National Governing Body perspectives.

The organization added that it will provide education through community town halls to promote dialogue and provide an understanding of the Trials rules, along with future engagement opportunities for athletes to share first hand experience. 

Source: Yahoo! Sports