Following the IOC’s relaxation of the restrictions placed on Olympic participants during the Olympic Games period pursuant to Bylaw 40.3 of the Olympic Charter (colloquially known as “Rule 40”) earlier this year, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) finally released its guidance on how Olympic athletes’ personal sponsors that are not IOC or Team USA sponsors may run marketing campaigns incorporating athletes during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games blackout period (which is July 14, 2020 through August 11, 2020) – and now permits personal sponsor advertising during the blackout period under certain circumstances and only for two particular types of marketing.
Advertising Law Updates – Olympic Athlete Marketing: Easing Up On Rule 40, But With Strings Attached
For American gymnasts it seems to mean that …
Athletes are now able to thank personal sponsors and receive congratulatory messages from personal sponsors during the Games.
Personal sponsors, meanwhile, can engage in generic advertising during the Games. … (not mentioning the Olympics nor showing Olympic Rings)
A step forward.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 