Federations, Athletes Get First Playbooks for Tokyo 2020

(ATR) Athletes and their sports federations are first in line for the much anticipated playbooks now prepared for the Tokyo Olympics.

The two groups are the target of the first playbooks released by Tokyo 2020 and IOC covering protocols and behavior expected during the Olympics and Paralympics.

The playbooks are the opening salvo in the organizer's plan for a safe Olympics. The book for the federations was released Wednesday in Tokyo at a press conference held under strict attendance limits.

In the coming weeks, separate playbooks for broadcasters, team officials (via National Olympic Committees) and press. Each will be updated on several occasions ahead of the Games with details added for each subsequent edition.

Inside the first Tokyo 2020 Playbook

The International Federations Playbook is described as ‘Your guide to a safe and successful Games’.

This first Playbook is for IF delegates, accompanying guests, IF Technical Officials, judges, jury members, National Technical Officials, Equipment Technicians. IF Full Time Senior Staff, IF Staff, Head of Media, IF Media Staff for Paralympic Games and the IF Medical Officer.

It features a guide to pre-travel regulations and conduct, entering Japan, Games-time regulations and conduct and has a section of leaving Japan.

Kit McConnell, IOC Sports Director, writes in the Playbook: "No doubt you will have questions. This first version of the Playbook aims to provide the main principles that will guide us all as we continue to build more detailed plans – and the context that we will face becomes clearer.

"An update will be published by April following ongoing consultation with International Federations and may continue to evolve as we get closer to the Games. We will make sure you have all the information you need, as quickly and as clearly as possible.

"We are #StrongerTogether. The values we share – Excellence, Friendship and Respect – will lead us to a safe and successful Games. We firmly believe that if every single one of us commits to following the Playbook, we will come together in the summer for an extraordinary Games that will stand out in our memories for all the right reasons – and with the vital contribution of every single individual involved. Thank you and see you at the Games."

The first section outlines the aim to minimize physical interactions and to test, trace and isolate in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The importance of good hygiene is emphasized in the form of regularly washing your hands, using sanitizers, wearing a face mask and supporting athletes by clapping and not singing or chanting. Sanctions for clapping and singing by athletes and fans is something that is still to be determined with no decision made yet on what number of fans will be able to attend and whether can they can come from overseas.

Principles on how to travel to the Games and the process of arriving in Japan, staying in Japan and leaving are detailed and require negative tests before travelling and on arrival in Tokyo.

Athletes will be tested for COVID-19 regularly during the Games depending on the nature of their role and schedule. Temperature checks will be carried out upon athletes accessing a Games venue and COVID-19 Liaison Officers will be on hand and must be contacted if athletes experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

Regarding vaccines the playbook states: "Vaccines are one of many tools available in the toolbox, to be used at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. The IOC continues to strongly support the priority of vaccinating vulnerable groups, nurses, medical doctors and everyone who is keeping our societies safe.

"You will not be required to have received a vaccine in order to participate in the Games – and all of the rules outlined in this Playbook will apply, whether or not you have received the vaccine."

Sanctions will be in place for those who fail to adhere to the strict protocols and the Playbook stipulates that "repeated or serious failures to comply with these rules may result in the withdrawal of your accreditation and right to participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The officials would not be drawn on examples and what actions would merit a ban from the Olympics with more information to be circulated in future editions of this Playbook.

The Playbook for Broadcasters will be unveiled next (Feb. 8), before Athletes and Team Officials (via National Olympic Committees) on Feb. 9 and finally the Playbook for the Press on Feb. 10.

Click here for more on the release of the Playbook, including comment from the IOC and Tokyo 2020.

Written and reported by Mark Pickering in Tokyo

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