Booze ban to wipe out disruptive Olympians

Australian Olympic Committee chiefs have spelled out their tough new alcohol policy, attempting to end the bad behaviour which plagued them in London.

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Australian Olympic Committee chief John Coates.

Attempts to eliminate the anti-social behaviour which plagued Australia's London Olympic campaign won't necessarily centre on banning alcohol - but on the disruptions they cause teammates.

New guidelines, which highlight drunken behaviour, were set out on Tuesday in a position statement sent to all national governing bodies of Olympic sports.

They are being enforced by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) in an attempt to eradicate anti-social behaviour from the team environment.

Australia's London campaign was plagued by stories of drunken activity with members of the men's 100m relay, dubbed the "Stilnox six", accused of obnoxious and disruptive behaviour.

Despite insisting the new guidelines are not a reaction to the London incidents, Kitty Chiller, Chef de Mission of the 2016 Australian Olympic Team, said it was all about removing anti-social behaviour which can hinder the performances of their teammates.

As such, swaying, staggering, falling down and rambling conversations will be cause for suspicion in future Australian Olympic teams.

Unless, of course, the symptoms are on display soon after completing a marathon, a 1500m swim or perhaps a lengthy equestrian event.

"It's totally about respect," Chiller said on Tuesday.

"It's about respect for the coat of arms that we wear. It's about respect for the green and gold.

"It's about respect for Australian Olympians of decades past, and the great reputation that they have built for us.

"It's about respecting all that tradition and history.

"Most of all, it's about respecting their fellow team members."

Under the rules to apply at both Summer and Winter Games, team members are not permitted to be present in the Olympic Village or other team locations if intoxicated and displaying inappropriate or disruptive conduct.

This conduct includes:

- Being disorderly or argumentative

- Being bad tempered, aggressive or using offensive language

- Swaying, staggering or falling down

- Speech which is loud and boisterous

- Having rambling conversations

- Having difficulty in paying attention or comprehending others

- Annoying fellow team members and others

- Other conduct deemed by the Chef de Mission to be inconsistent with team standards.

Possessing, serving or consuming alcohol within the Olympic Village or other team locations is not permitted.

Drinking alcohol on the team charter flight returning to Australia is also banned.

Under the guidelines, the team boss - the chef de mission - will have sole power to rule and impose sanctions for any breaches of the policy.

"This is not about telling athletes they can't drink alcohol or celebrate their achievements responsibly - they are welcome to do so out of the (Olympic village)," Olympic silver medallist, and chair of the AOC Athletes' Commission, Kim Crow said in a statement.

"It is about respecting the athlete village as a place of performance.

"Every athlete deserves the chance to prepare for their competition without distractions.

"It is a good reminder that being an Australian Olympian is an honour that brings with it responsibility, and we expect athletes to wear the green and gold with pride - on and off the sporting field."

Chiller admitted it was disappointing to have to impose the rules on professional athletes, most of whom are responsible enough not to need policing.


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Source: AAP


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