FITA statement: “We ask for fair play”

FITA statement: “We ask for fair play” Delhi – 8 October 2010   First release 13h45, addendum below:   After the team competitions in compound yesterday and recurve women on Friday morning, FITA Secretary General Tom DIELEN is making a statement to ask the crowd for fair play.   FITA Secretary General Tom DIELEN states, “While we are glad to have an enthusiastic crowd in the archery stands, we need to strongly remind the fans that they must respect all the athletes on the field.”   “Specifically, we ask the public to be quiet when the archers draw their bow up until the arrow has been shot. If you wish, this is like in tennis, when the empire asks for silence when a player is about to serve. This is a matter of fair play for all the athletes who have worked very hard to come and perform at these Commonwealth Games. All the athletes should be given a fair chance to compete and should not be disturbed at the time that they are shooting. There are many other moments, when the crowd can cheer for their favourites. If necessary, FITA will take the appropriate measures to ensure a safe and fair field of play. We ask for fair play.”   There is an explicit line in the FITA rules that state that the Director of Shooting can intervene and not (re)start the competition if there is an issue with the public. Extract below:   7.7.2 The Director of Shooting will institute and enforce any reasonable safety measures he considers necessary (see also article 7.1.1.10), the duties include:   7.7.2.2 Exercising control over the use of the audio equipment, the activities of photographers, and spectators so that athletes are not disturbed. FITA asks to observe the following rules and requirements: -      Encouragement of the public/coaches/athletes and music is allowed during archery competition. -      The public should be quiet as soon as the archer comes to full draw up until the arrow has been shot. -      At no time the public (including coaches and athletes) can use whistles or car horns or flash photography. -      Anybody in the public who doesn’t respect these policies may be asked to leave the venue.   FITA wishes an enjoyable, fair and respectful competition to everyone.   Addendum, 17h00:   At the press conference after the men’s recurve event, Tom DIELEN stated, “We would like to thank the fans for the excellent atmosphere in the venue this afternoon. It was an atmosphere of sports and fair play. We hope that the following days of competition will also bring emotion and cheers, while respecting the athletes on the field.”   Tom DIELEN FITA Secretary General   C/O Didier MIEVILLE FITA Communication Director