London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Information for family and friends of Olympic and Paralympic Team athletes

The Australian Government: Proudly supporting Australia’s Olympic and

Paralympic Games athletes and sports

Acknowledgments

The Australian Sports Commission wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the following people and

organisations to the development and production of this resource:

– the National Athlete Career and Education program

– Lynn Fowlie from the NSW Institute of Sport Athlete Career and Education program

– Australian Olympic Committee and Australian Paralympic Committee.

i ALONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

© Australian Sports Commission 2012

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The Australian Sports Commission’s preference is that you attribute this publication (and any material sourced from it) using the following wording — Source: Licensed from the Australian Sports Commission

under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia Licence.

Contact us

For enquiries regarding the licence and any use of this publication contact:

Tel: (02) 6214 1111Fax: (02) 6214 1836Email: [email protected]: ausport.gov.au

Olympic images: Australian Olympic Committee/Getty Images

Paralympic images: Australian Paralympic Committee/Serena Corporate Photography

Front cover images (L–R): Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony fl ag bearer James Tomkins (rowing); Kurt Fearnley (Paralympic track and fi eld); Angie Lambert (hockey)

Back cover images (L–R): Scott Brennan (rowing); Evan O’Hanlon (Paralympic track and fi eld); Kylie Palmer, Bronte Barratt, Linda Mackenzie and Stephanie Rice (swimming)

iiLONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Pre-Games preparation 2

> Tickets 2

> Accommodation 3

> Selection/non-selection 3

> Planning for communication during the Games 4

> Communicating family-related issues 5

> Key contacts 5

During the Games 6

> Minimising potential distractions 6

> Team policies 6

> Team receptions and events 6

> Opening ceremonies 6

> Transport to venues 7

> Plan now! 7

> Security 8

> Athlete village 8

> Family and friend access to the athlete village 8

Post-event and post-Games 9

> National Athlete Counselling Support Network Initiative 9

Anti-doping 10

Things to remember 11

Key contacts and useful websites 12

Notes 13

1

INTRODUCTION

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are fast approaching, with approximately 10 500

athletes expected to compete in 300 events across 26 sports at the Olympic Games, and approximately

4200 athletes expected to compete in 500 events across 20 sports at the Paralympic Games.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) will send a team of around 400 athletes to the Games,

accompanied by 250 support personnel. Expectations are high for the 2012 Australian Olympic Team

to achieve a top-fi ve fi nish on the medal tally.

The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) will select a team of approximately 165 athletes with 140

support personnel. This is the largest team Australia has sent to a Paralympic Games. The Australian

Paralympic Team fi nished fourth on the overall medal tally in 2008, and is hoping to achieve the same

result, or better, in 2012.

Athletes from across the country are working hard to gain selection to the 2012 Australian Olympic and

Paralympic Teams, and in so doing many will realise a lifelong dream.

The AOC and APC recognise the importance of an effective support structure for athletes. This can

improve their ability to gain selection to an Australian Olympic or Paralympic Team and compete

successfully on the international stage.

Australian athletes are surrounded by the very best coaching, sports science and medicine, and career

and education personnel. However, their greatest supporters, many of whom have been with them since

the start of their sporting journey, are their family and friends.

This information booklet is designed to enhance the support that family and friends provide

Olympic and Paralympic Team athletes, regardless of their level of prior Olympic or Paralympic

and international experience.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

Rebecca McDonnell (Paralympic table tennis)

2 A

Tip

Always make sure you are aware of the return ticket policy of each

ticketing company when purchasing tickets.


FAMILY AND FRIENDS … WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

PRE-GAMES PREPARATION

Tickets

Organising tickets

By now, friends and family members who plan on attending the Games will have already booked or planned

to book tickets and accommodation.

Athletes’ friends and family members are responsible for coordinating their own tickets and accommodation.

It is not the responsibility of athletes or coaches.

Please also note neither the AOC nor the APC have event tickets available for sale.

Olympic Games

The London 2012 Olympic Games is experiencing unprecedented ticket sales, with many fi nals events

already sold out. Limited tickets are available to limited sessions, so while ticketing agents will try to

support requests, this may not always be possible.

CoSport Australia is the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) Authorised Ticket

Reseller (ATR) and the offi cial ticket provider in Australia. CoSport strongly recommends that you do not

purchase tickets from unauthorised domestic or offshore operations, particularly those operating on websites.

Address: Suite 304, Level 3, 220 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Toll free: +61 2 9241 5500 or 1800 668 570

Email: [email protected]

Website: cosport.com.au

Paralympic Games

Paralympics Australia Travel Offi ce has been appointed by LOCOG as an ATR in Australia. The Paralympics

Australia Travel Offi ce is working closely with LOCOG and the APC to ensure that Australian team supporters have

the best access to Games tickets. However, like the Olympics, it is expected that tickets will sell out for most

events and therefore it may not be possible to secure a ticket to all events. Early expressions of interest are vital.

Address: Level 7, 11 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

Tel: +61 3 9676 2439


Website: paralympicsaustraliatraveloffi ce.com.au

3

Accommodation

Olympic Games Accommodation

CoSport can also assist with accommodation arrangements, or family and friends can make their own

arrangements online. Check the LOCOG website for information: london2012.com/accommodation

Athlete Family Homestay Programme

Up to two (2) family members per athlete may be accommodated as part of the More Than Gold Athlete

Family Homestay Programme.

As a guest, you will be welcomed by your host, provided with bed and breakfast during your stay, receive

care and help to make the most of your time at the Olympic Games, and be taken to the nearest public

transport venue where the athlete you are supporting will compete.

Guests will be able to make use of this programme for a period within 25 July – 13 August 2012 for the

Olympic Games.

For more information on this programme, or to apply to be a guest, please go to staywimi.com/morethangold

Palaralympic Team Accommodation

The APC has appointed General Travel Group (GTG) as the offi cial Australian travel agent for the 2012

Paralympic Games in London. GTG has established the Paralympics Australia Travel Offi ce. To join the

hundreds of supporters cheering on Australia’s Paralympic athletes in London next year, contact the

Paralympics Australia Travel Offi ce at [email protected]

Selection/non-selection

Many athletes have not yet been nominated or selected to the Olympic or Paralympic Teams.

It is important that family and friends are sensitive to their situation to ensure undue pressure

and expectations are not placed on them. It may be necessary to make plans independent of

athlete selection.

For information on selection, visit:

> Olympic Games: london2012.olympics.com.au/athletes/selection-overview

> Paralympic Games: paralympic.org.au/games-amp-events/london-2012/2012-team-

information/2012-team-information

> Olympic event schedule: london2012.olympics.com.au/in-london/competition-schedule

> Paralympic event schedule: london2012.com/paralympic-schedule

Tip

There may be other family members or friends from an athlete’s sport,

or the broader Australian team, who would be keen to share the cost of

room hire, food, or even form a cheer squad.


4 ALONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

Planning for communication during the Games

Family members and friends should expect that communicating with athletes during the Games will be

diffi cult. It is recommended that communication ‘rules of engagement’ with athletes are discussed and

planned before the Games start. This should also take into consideration any policies implemented by

individual sports regarding communication at Games time.

Topics that should be discussed and agreed with athletes include:

> nominating one contact point — one family member or friend should be the main point of contact

for the athlete

> leaving messages — determining whether to leave messages or not

> establishing a contact plan — outline who contacts whom, when and how. For example, an athlete

rings one family member or friend, and they pass on messages to others

> agreeing on the timing and duration of calls — an athlete’s preparation, recovery and sleep are

critical to performance so it is best to plan the best times for communicating

> agreeing what subjects are taboo — some athletes prefer not to talk about their preparation,

performance or their sport at all.

Other considerations that may affect communication during the Games include:

> phone access may be diffi cult in the village

> athlete mobiles may be turned off at certain times

> unreturned calls

> immediate responses from athletes to your emails may be diffi cult due to limited computer

or email access

> different time zones

> athletes will be distracted and not as attentive as usual.

Family and friends should consider maintaining usual behaviour and communication used for previous

national or international sporting events.

The Olympics and Paralympics can also be stressful for family and friends. It is recommended

a support network independent of athletes is planned so athletes are free to focus on their competition

during the Games.

Tips for communicating

Consider when you call — calls and text messages from a mobile phone can

be highly distracting when an athlete and/or their roommate is trying to rest.

Check your time zone before you call — it might be useful to pre-arrange the

times you call.

Avoid late night phone calls where possible.

5

Communicating family-related issues

It is important to establish a plan for dealing with, and communicating, family-related issues with

athletes during the Games. This should be included in the communication ‘rules of engagement’ plan. It

is recommended that family members discuss their athlete’s preferences, the nature of the issues they

wish to be notifi ed of, and the appropriate procedure for doing so.

Some examples of issues that might arise include:

> a family pet dies

> kids are ill

> a death in the family

> a car accident (large or minor)

> a family member wins the lottery

> family accommodation in London is not good

> tickets are lost

> luggage is lost

> seats at the venue are not as anticipated.

Key contacts

The AOC and APC will distribute a list of important numbers (such as emergency contacts) closer to

Games time. Athletes are encouraged to share these with family and friends. Section Managers are

another point of contact for family and friends, but the Section Managers are also busy undertaking their

Games responsibilities and will prioritise management of athlete issues.


Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby (sailing)


DURING THE GAMES

Minimising potential distractions

Family members and friends will likely be excited by the Olympic or Paralympic Games and watching athletes perform. Minimising distractions will ensure athletes stay on track with preparation plans and are provided with the best possible opportunity to achieve their goals.

Sometimes family and friends can have an unintended negative effect on an athlete’s performance by ‘over-involving’ themselves or inadvertently distracting athletes from their task.

Things that may cause distraction or unintentional pressure on athletes include:

> requesting athletes or coaches to obtain event tickets

> interrupting an athlete’s optimal performance focus or routine

> requesting an athlete to ‘spend time with the family’

> acting differently than at other events

> requesting access to team housing ‘just to visit’

> late night phone calls

> stress about family and friends’ accommodation and/or travel issues

> being unaware of athlete commitments to the Olympic or Paralympic Team.

Team policies

The AOC and APC have various policies regarding communications, such as mobile phones and village visits. Family and friends are asked to take these policies into consideration when making plans or arrangements with athletes.

Team receptions and events

Families and friends are encouraged to stay in close contact with the AOC and APC about team receptions and events in London before and during the Games. The AOC will host a reception for athletes, sponsors, families and friends two days out from the start of the Games on 26 July 2012. At this event, the fl ag bearer will be announced and there may be an opportunity for family and friends to see athletes.

The APC will host the offi cial Team Reception during the Cardiff Staging Camp at Cardiff Castle on 21 August 2012. The APC will be hosting an end of Games celebration following the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Sunday evening, 9 September. Both events will be open to family and friends to attend. More information about both events will be provided to athletes in the lead-up to the Games to share with family and friends.

Opening ceremonies

The Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games will be held on 27 July. The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony will be held on 29 August.

Athletes may choose not to participate having consideration of the date their competition event is scheduled. Many sports place restrictions on marching in ceremonies. For example, if athletes are competing in the fi rst three days of the Games, all athletes in that sport may be restricted from marching. Many athletes who miss the Opening Ceremony enjoy participating in the Closing Ceremony at the end of Games.

The Opening Ceremonies will take place on the evening before the fi rst day of competition, with the Olympic Games commencing at 9.00pm and Paralympic Games from 7.30pm–10.30pm. While the ceremonies may only be three

hours in length, the entire process can take up to eight hours.

7

Transport to venues

While some family and friends are veterans of attending and supporting an athlete at the Olympic or

Paralympic Games, others are fi rst timers. Whichever the case, it is useful to plan your travel well

ahead of time. What normally takes 30 minutes may take two hours or even longer during the Games,

so be prepared.

Every ticket for a Games event includes a one-day Games Travelcard for the day of that event. Games

events include all ticketed sporting events and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Games Travelcard

holders can travel within zones one to nine of the London public transport network on days when they

are attending events.

This includes London Underground (Tube), London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), buses,

trams and National Rail services.

Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick Express trains, or taxis and private hire vehicles are not included.

Preparation tips

> Plan to arrive early and enjoy the atmosphere of the Games.

> Allow time for security checks on the way into venues.

> Arrive in time for the commencement of the match or event.

Plan now!

The London 2012 spectator journey planner is recommended as the best way to get to venues from

anywhere in Great Britain: travel.london2012.com/SJPWeb/Pages/JourneyPlannerInput.aspx

The LOGOC website also has information on rail services, park and ride, bus and river services:

london2012.com/getting-to-the-games

For information on the venues, visit: london2012.com/venues

Travel tips

– Venues will be very busy so allow time for airport-style security and ticket checks.

– Plan and book transport — allow plenty of time for the journey.

– Avoid driving to venues.

– Plan the return journey.

– Follow instructions from transport staff on the day of events.

– Bring London 2012 event tickets when travelling on the 2012 Games rail services

— including for the return journey.

Source: LOCOG website



Security

LOCOG has pledged a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, which everyone

can enjoy. For more information on security plans in place for London, visit: london2012.com/

safety-and-security

The AOC, APC and the Australian Government will be working together with the London Organising

Committee to ensure the Australian Team remains safe and secure during the Olympic and

Paralympic Games.

Family and friends are encouraged to register their details on the Australian Department of Foreign

Affairs and Trade website in advance of their travel to the Games. Travel advice is also provided on this

website: smarttraveller.gov.au

Athlete village

During the Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Village will comprise residential apartments for

thousands of athletes and offi cials, along with shops, restaurants, medical, media and leisure facilities

and large open spaces. The village will also include a plaza area where athletes can meet with friends

and family. More information on the village is provided at: london2012.com/athletes-village

Under the AOC and APC Team Membership Agreements, an athlete is not allowed to stay outside the

village, even after competing, without prior written permission from the Chef de Mission.

As athletes must stay in the village, they may at times feel confi ned by these restrictions. It is important

that family and friends encourage the athlete and support them in adhering to team requirements.

Village life is an important part of the Olympic or Paralympic Games experience and allows the athlete to

meet other competitors and watch their performances. Friends and family can support them to enjoy this

incredible experience.

Family and friend access to the village

Guest passes to the village are extremely limited and are beyond the control of athletes. Family and friends

who receive a guest pass must be booked in by an athlete before the visit (usually by noon the day before).

Visitors must complete application forms, including their passport details. It is recommended that visitors

allow plenty of time for the entry process and take their passport for identifi cation.

Family members and friends must be accompanied by an accredited athlete in the village at all times. They

may be able to purchase tickets to enjoy a meal at the dining hall, one of the highlights of a village visit.

Guest passes can be issued for access to the village from 9am to 9pm. However, some sports limit the

time family and friends can visit the village, if they allow it at all. These restrictions generally depend

on the preparation needs of each sport. It is important to note that guest passes are prioritised for

team support staff without accredited village access on a day-to-day basis. Very few are predicted to

be available to family and friends. For information on visiting restrictions, contact the relevant national

sporting organisation (NSO) or Section Manager.

9

POST-EVENT AND POST-GAMES

Athletes may be required to participate in post-event and Games activities, such as Team sponsor

appearances and celebration parades, and may not be able to return home immediately after the

Closing Ceremony.

The AOC and APC will charter fl ights to bring the team home after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This is a big part of the Games experience. The AOC and APC require all team members to travel home on

the Olympic and Paralympic Team charter fl ights. There will be a team reception on arrival and a host of

media in attendance.

Athletes may also be involved in a number of welcome home functions that involve touring around the

country. They may not be aware of these requirements until after they have competed. The AOC and APC

will notify athletes at the Games of their participation requirements and appreciate the support of family

and friends in allowing this time commitment.

After the natural high of competition at the Games, there is typically a letdown period. Returning to everyday

activities after the excitement of the Olympic or Paralympic Games may be diffi cult. It is normal for athletes

to feel this way. Any concerns friends or family members have regarding an athlete’s behaviour can be raised

with their coach or support staff. The National Athlete Career and Education (NACE) network and sport

psychologists across the country are available to assist athletes through this process.

National Athlete Counselling Support Network Initiative

Preparing for and coping with the unique challenges of training, being selected (or not selected) and

participating in an Olympic or Paralympic Games can be a test for even seasoned elite athletes.

To ensure athletes are supported on their journey to and beyond the Games, the Australian Government

has committed additional funding to provide an extended network of psychological and career and

education support to all AOC or APC shadow squad athletes.

This is in addition to the support services already offered by NACE and sport psychology networks that

athletes may currently be accessing within their home institute or academy of sport, or through the team

psychologist appointed by their NSO.

Athletes can arrange a referral by contacting their home institute or academy of sport psychologist, their

ACE consultant, or their NSO-appointed team psychologist, who will support them to identify their area/s

of need and the most suitable support service consultant to address those needs.

For further details on the Australian Sports Commission’s National Athlete Counselling Support Network

Initiative for London 2012, visit www.corporate.olympics.com.au/athlete-hub/athlete-support-services


A10 LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

ANTI-DOPING

Drugs in sport is a serious issue and one that all elite athletes must understand and accept. Anti-doping

procedures in place for the 2012 Olympic Games in London will be in accordance with the World

Anti-Doping Code and the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee

anti-doping rules.

Athletes must be aware of policies and agreements by which they must abide. Family and friends

are asked to assist with this process. If there is ever a question about the status of a substance,

contact the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA). In addition, Australian Olympic Team

athletes must comply with Athlete Whereabouts requirements from 16 July to 12 August 2012 and

Australian Paralympic Team athletes from 22 August to 9 September 2012. If they are experiencing

any diffi culties with compliance, they should speak to their NSO/NF, or check the ASADA or World

Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) websites.

Anti-doping contact details

Website: asada.gov.au


Hotline: 13-000-ASADA; (13-000-23732)

Athlete Whereabouts: asada.gov.au/whereabouts/index.html

Anti-Doping Administration and Management System login: wada-ama.org/en/ADAMS/

WADA: wada-ama.org/en/

London 2012 IOC Anti-Doping Rules: corporate.olympics.com.au/athlete-hub/anti-doping

11

THINGS TO REMEMBER

For most athletes, this is their opportunity to realise an important personal dream. Family and friends, as

their support network, have an important role to play. Some tips to provide the best level of support for

athletes include:

Pre-Games

> Organise tickets and accommodation early, remembering it is not the athlete’s responsibility.

> Develop and agree on communication ‘rules of engagement’.

> Nominate a single contact person to make it easier on athletes.

> Establish a plan for dealing with, and communicating, family-related issues with athletes

during the Games.

During the Games

> Establish a support system outside of the athletes — family and friends may also fi nd the

Olympics or Paralympics stressful and need to talk to someone about these issues.

> Keep to established routines as much as possible.

> Treat the Olympic or Paralympic experience the same as any other overseas

international tournament.

> Accept that athletes may need to say ‘no’ due to the pressure of performance or other

Games commitments.

> Family and friends may be contacted by members of the media. Only discuss topics that are familiar.

If assistance is required, the media liaison offi cers working with the Australian Olympic

and Paralympic Teams may be able to assist.

> Remember not to place too much pressure on athletes in regard to performance expectations.

> Most importantly, enjoy the experience of the Games and be proud of the athlete/s

you are supporting.


A

KEY CONTACTS AND USEFUL WEBSITES

Australian Olympic Committee: olympics.com.au

Australian Paralympic Committee: paralympic.org.au

London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games: london2012.com/

International Olympic Committee: olympic.org/

International Paralympic Committee: paralympic.org/index.html

National ACE network contacts: ausport.gov.au/participating/career_and_education/contact_us

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: smarttraveller.gov.au

Lonely Planet information for London: lonelyplanet.com/england/london

Currency information: ozforex.com.au/cgi-bin/currency-converter.asp


Emma Snowsill and Emma Moffatt (triathlon)

NOTES

13LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES: INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TEAM ATHLETES

NOTES


London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

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