No personal coaches and media blackout as NRAI implements strict guidelines for Olympic-bound shooters
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has laid out strict guidelines for the Paris Olympics 2024, including restrictions on personal coaches and a complete media blackout to help athletes prepare for the mega event in Paris.
The letter sent to the shooters states that only NRAI-approved personal coaches and sport science consultants, who have signed an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), will be allowed to assist shooters.
Furthermore, the National Rifle Association of India clarified that unauthorized personal coaches, physios, nutritionists, and psychologists are completely banned from the Paris Olympics 2024.
NRAI had sent a detailed letter to all the Olympic-bound shooters
In a detailed letter sent to the shooters, titled, “NRAI Olympic Team Undertaking and SOP for Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Pistol/Rifle Teams”, the NRAI has indicated that the aim is to “ensure the clarity of the training and readiness plan for Olympic Games Paris 2024 by the shooters and the National Team Coaches and Sport Science support.”
“It is essential to have effective organisation, discipline, planned and dedicated training programme for the best performance of shooters participating as National Team India at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the letter stated.
Notably, in the “Media Blackout” sub-head, the association has requested the shooters to completely stay away from the media, except for the designated media days. Additionally, for the shooters' safety, the federation will also set restrictions on their movement abroad, requiring permission from the Chief Coach or the High-Performance Director (HPD), Pierre Beauchamp.
Moreover, family members are also not allowed to visit the shooting contingent while at the camp or during the competition. However, without disturbing the team environment, parents or personal coaches are allowed to meet at a different location., if HPD and Chief Coach approve their request.
“Parents and personal coaches shall not stay or visit the concerned shooters while at camp and/or competition. However, HPD and Chief Coach may consider their request to interact with parents/personal coaches if required without disturbing the team environment at a different location,” the letter added.
In conclusion, the federation has also urged the shooters to be respectful towards fellow members under the sub-head Code of Conduct. All shooters should submit a signed CoC (Code of Conduct) declaration cum Undertaking. Any violations of the SOP may lead to strict disciplinary actions, including suspension.