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Judges must be experienced & impartial: Coates

 

Judges must be experienced & impartial: Coates

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AOC
Judges must be experienced & impartial: Coates

With athletes now experiencing the highs and lows of Olympic selection the President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) John Coates today stressed the need for all athletes to be treated fairly.

With athletes now experiencing the highs and lows of Olympic selection the President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) John Coates today stressed the need for all athletes to be treated fairly.

“Athletes striving for selection at the London Games must be confident that the events are being conducted in a proper manner and they are being given every opportunity to realise their Olympic dream” Coates said.

“The sports must be aware of what is at stake for the athletes and follow proper procedures and be fair and transparent at all times”.

The AOC has written to all its member sports reminding them that all events must be conducted in accordance with “your NF (National Federation) and International Federation Rules”.

The AOC highlighted two areas of concern, weight-class and judged sports.

The letter outlined the following:
•    Importance of highly experienced, impartial, international judges/referees on any judging panel;
•    Ensure all procedures regarding weigh-ins are properly followed, including technical, personnel and procedural matters; and
•    Athletes must be appropriately briefed on the right to lodge a protest for field of play decisions (during the event) and the process they must follow in order to lodge any protest. In this regard, athletes must be provided with a reasonable opportunity to ask questions regarding the process of lodging a protest.

Coates wants these matters raised with competition personnel particularly judging panels to ensure they are aware of the rules. He has recommended pre-event briefings for athletes, their coaches and relevant personnel.

The AOC has appointed two of  Australia’s leading QC’s, Brian Collis and Bruce Collins as Olympic Appeal Consultants for London 2012.

“Any Australian athlete in contention for London who is aggrieved by the selection process has the right to appeal” Coates said.”The Appeal Consultants will effectively act as an athlete ombudsmen”.

NF’s are encouraged to make available the contact details of the Olympic Appeals Consultants should athletes wish to discuss any aspects of the appeals process.

AOC

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