The Sport Solution Clinic Blog

    Athletes have value. They are obviously hard-working, determined and incredibly talented individuals, but that’s not what I’m referring to here. Many Canadian National Athletes also possess immense value in marketing themselves. It is no secret that Athletes, even those fortunate enough to be carded, rely on sponsorship and advertising agreements to pay the bills. For our top-level Athletes, their value in leveraging these agreements is at its peak during the Olympic Games. However, there has historically been what is referred to as a “blackout period” of approximately five weeks where the Athletes were not allowed to take advantage of the spotlight they earned by way of promoting personal sponsors. [1]   The home of the rules surrounding Athlete’s marketing rights is the Olympic Charter . [2] Bye-law 3 to Rule 40 (the Rule that prohibited personal advertising during the blackout period) was amended in June of 2019. Olympic Athletes may now m...

  Introduction:   Athletes should be provided with a safe and healthy environment to train and perform. This includes an environment which is free from harassment, discrimination, and mental and/or physical abuse. Although Government organizations have implemented a number of mechanisms to address harassment in sport, this can often be a difficult issue for Athletes to navigate. This is part two (2) of a five (5) part series. The purpose of these posts is to educate Athletes on recognizing harassment and abuse in sport, as well as to outline their rights and remedies available.   Warning: This post contains information about psychological, physical, and sexual harassment and abuse which may be triggering for some readers.     What Mechanisms Can Be Used Harass and Abuse?   In Part I of Addressing Harassment and Abuse in Sport, the International Olympic Committee’s five (5) definitions of harassment and abuse in sport were ...