No personal coaches, media blackout – Firstpost

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has laid down strict rules for shooters heading to the Paris Olympics, including no use of personal trainers during the national camp and a “blackout media” to ensure athletes are prepared for the quadrennial competition.

The federation issued a “national team protocol”, in which, among other things, it tells shooters that parents will not be allowed to “stay” or “visit” them in the camps, and that exceptions can only be done at their discretion. from the Director of High Performance (DHP), Pierre Beauchamp.

In a letter sent to shooters, titled “NRAI Olympic Team Commitment and SOP for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Pistol/Rifle Teams,” the NRAI said the aim was “to ensure clarity of training and preparation plan for the Olympic Games. Paris 2024 by shooters, national team coaches and sports science support.

“It is essential to have an effective organization, discipline, planned and dedicated training program for the best performance of the shooters participating as the Indian national team in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the letter said.

As per the letter, only personal trainers and sports science consultants approved by the NRAI and having signed SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) will be allowed to assist “the national training team of the concerned shooter(s) by assisting and /or by discussing with the national training team. Team under the direction of HPD and head coach (rifle and pistol).

NRAI has made it clear that personal trainers, who are not licensed, will not be allowed.

“Personal trainers, including physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists, will not be eligible for the NRAI Olympics national team program.”

Under the subtitle “Media Blackout,” the NRAI urged the shooters to stay away from the media.

“Athletes will not be permitted to speak to the media during the media blackout, except on media designated days which will be communicated separately to you (shooters). During NRAI blackout periods, athletes will refrain from speaking to the media prior to their event.

For their safety, the NRAI will also impose restrictions on athletes’ travel abroad. “When traveling abroad, free movement of shooters will be restricted from hotel and elsewhere without permission of the Head Coach/HPD and/or designee,” the letter added.

“Parents and personal trainers should not stay with or visit affected shooters during camp and/or competition. However, HPD and the head coach may consider their request to interact with parents/personal trainers as necessary without disrupting the team environment at a different location,” the letter added.

Shooters were also asked to be “respectful” to their colleagues under the “Code of Conduct” clause.

“All team members are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct throughout the trip. This includes punctuality and respectful behavior towards team members, coaches, officials and competitors. Everyone is required to sign a pledge and strictly follow the code of conduct,” the letter added.

In the event of non-compliance, the NRAI may initiate disciplinary proceedings. “Any violation of the SOPs may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of the shooter/personal trainer. Athletes, coaches and officials are responsible for understanding and following these SOPs. Shooters are required to submit to the NRAI a code of conduct and undertaking duly signed by them. Parents are required to countersign the code of conduct and engagement with shooters under 18 years of age.