Racial and Social Justice Demonstrations
USOPC Demonstration Rules For The Olympic & Paralympic Games #
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee values the expression of Team USA athletes and believes their right to advocate for racial and social justice, and to be a positive force for change, absolutely aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
In summary, the USOPC’s Delegation Rules:
Reflect and reinforce the USOPC’s position on racial and social justice demonstrations as previously defined in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Trials Participant Rules.
Respect the authority of the IOC and IPC in governing their respective events. The IOC’s Rule 50 and IPC Handbook Section 1, paragraph 3, subsection 2.2 govern all Games participants, including U.S. delegation members. The USOPC’s delegation rules do not replace these international rules; rather, they supplement them by better defining the USOPC’s own requirements and commitments.
Provide clarity around USOPC support that will be offered to U.S. athletes and delegates who choose to engage in a racial and social justice demonstration at the Games.
Athletes are welcome to contact athleteservices@usopc.org to learn more about resources available to you.
As always, the Office of the Athlete Ombuds is also a resource to provide athletes with independent and confidential advice regarding these rules. Athletes may contact the Athlete Ombuds at ombudsman@usathlete.org and 719-866-5000 or visit usathlete.org for more information.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Trials #
Team USA Council On Racial And Social Justice #
In August 2020, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee commissioned the Team USA Council on Racial and Social Justice. The Council was formed when the U.S. and the global community witnessed increased calls for racial justice and systemic change. The athlete-led council, formed to address the rules and systems in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements that create barriers to progress, was committed to working collaboratively to provide solutions and recommendations with the aim of eradicating social injustice and cultivating change through strengthened athlete voices.
The Council was committed to being athlete-led and collaborating with Team USA athletes, the Athletes’ Advisory Council, U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association, National Governing Bodies, USOPC and academic and industry thought leaders for recommended solutions. The Council focused on four areas: (a) right to protests and demonstrations; (b) athlete expression and advocacy; (c) institutional awareness and cultural change, and (d) acts of racism and discrimination.
Each of the Council’s four recommendations can be found below, including an executive summary of the Council’s work:
Athlete Expression and Advocacy
Institutional Awareness and Cultural Change