Many Olympic track and field athletes have tweeted their displeasure with what is known as Rule 40. It basically stipulates that Olympians are prohibited from engaging in advertising during and shortly after the Olympic Games.
I am very disappointed in Rule 40 of the USOC as I just had to take down my picture of my shoes and comments… http://t.co/ckzwCsLn
— Leo Manzano (@Leomanzano) July 29, 2012
Leo Manzano explains that he has already been forced to take action concerning the rule.
I am very disappointed in Rule 40 of the USOC as I just had to take down my picture of my shoes and comments… http://t.co/ckzwCsLn
— Leo Manzano (@Leomanzano) July 29, 2012
Here is a summary of Rule 40 from London2012.com:
Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter limits athletes competing in the Olympic Games from appearing in advertising during and shortly before the Olympic Games. This helps prevent ambush marketing which might otherwise utilise athletes to create an association with the Games.
I am honored to be an Olympian, but #WeDemandChange #Rule40
— Doc Patton (@doc_patton) July 29, 2012
I am honored to be an Olympian, but #rule40 #wedemandchange @NBCOlympics
— Amy Hastings Cragg (@HastyHastings) July 29, 2012
Jamaicans like @usainbolt & @SanyaRichiRoss are a gift to the world. #WeDemandChange” #TeamJamaica #TeamUSA
— David Riley (@davidrileyja) July 23, 2012
I am honored to be an Olympian, but #WeDemandChange2012 #Rule40 @NBCOlympics
— Nick Symmonds (@NickSymmonds) July 29, 2012
https://twitter.com/JesCosby/status/229695537266450432
I am PROUD to represent my Country… but at the end of the day… THIS IS MY JOB!!!!!! #WeDemandChange of #Rule40 @NBCOlympics
— Manteo Mitchell (@ManteoMitchell) July 29, 2012
I AM honored to be an Olympian, but #WeDemandChange2012 #RULE40
— Khadevis Robinson (@sivedahk) July 29, 2012
This definitely seems like a coordinated effort by track and field athletes.
I am honored to be an Olympian but #WeDemandChange #Rule40
— Jesse (@Jessehj1) July 29, 2012
@NBCOlympics I am an Olympian, BUT #WeDemandChange of #Rule40
— FreeIndeed_Tv (@FreeIndeed_Tv) July 29, 2012
https://twitter.com/DTrott400m/status/229689013882204164
I am honored to be an Olympian, but #WeDemandChange2012 #Rule40
— Tyrone Smith ᴏʟʏ (@iFlyNoWings) July 29, 2012
https://twitter.com/MidKnightDreams/status/229700740195692544
https://twitter.com/MidKnightDreams/status/229701285543292928
https://twitter.com/MidKnightDreams/status/229701637608992771
Non-athletes are also voicing their support for change in this area.
Didn't know what #rule40 was until I just looked it up. I'm not an Olympian but I agree change is needed.
— Simon Scholes (@SimonScholes) July 29, 2012
I'm Not An Olympian But I Stand w/My Fellow American Olympians #WeDemandChange #Rule40 http://t.co/6XbjQgO0 #London2012 #TeamUSA #Olympics
— ???? ?????-?????? ???✊ (@AprilLiesel) July 29, 2012
HELP SPREAD THE WORD! RT @ArethaThrows I am honored to be an Olympian, but #WeDemandChange #rule40 @NBCOlympics
— Mandie Garcia (@ManDTheHotMess) July 29, 2012
Ex: If Pepsi (non-Olympic sponsor) wants to sign @kimrhode who just won a Gold Medal, they CANT use her in any ads during Olympics #Rule40
— Carlos Scott (@NVisionMarketin) July 29, 2012
this #rule40 is definitely unfair.. Olympics need to do better smh..
— Rachel Coaxum (@rae_noel) July 29, 2012
The International Olympic Committee has also given athletes directions on how to use social media. Here is an excerpt from the guideline bulletin to Track and Field Athletes Association:
First and foremost, the IOC does not want social media to take any form of advertising. Sadly, their definition of advertising is quite strict and it appears any shout-out to sponsors who have supported an athlete cannot happen
IOC+Guidelines+for+Social+Media http://t.co/PL5JLtZB #WeDemandChange
— Tyrone Smith ᴏʟʏ (@iFlyNoWings) July 29, 2012
Sports business analyst Darren Rovell, who recently was employed by CNBC, also gave his thoughts on the rule.
Kudos to the Olympic athletes who are shouting out against Rule 40 DURING the games. Only way to change ridiculous IOC rules.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2012
The worst part of Rule 40 prohibits athletes from doing any business with non IOC sponsors immediately before, during & after games.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2012
Olympic athletes have a very short window to capitalize. If they do business with a non Olympic sponsor, that time is that much shorter.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2012
The IOC argues Rule 40 protects the investment of those who sponsor the games. It does. It also shows no regard for the athletes.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2012
Like the NCAA, the IOC can just say: If you don’t like our rules then don’t compete in the Olympics.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 29, 2012
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