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Tourists line up to pose behind an Olympic torchbearer mock-up for photos in Beijing.
Tourists line up to pose behind an Olympic torchbearer mock-up for photos in Beijing.
USOC Adds Etiquette to Olympians’ Training Regimen
A new required course aimed at improving the etiquette of Olympic athletes calls to mind similar programs for U.S. diplomats and recent NFL legislation.
30-Second Summary
For the first time, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has mandated that every athlete participate in an etiquette course as part of preparation for the Beijing Games.
Referred to as the “ambassador program,” the course is thought by many to be a response by the USOC to the poor behavior of athletes in previous Olympics, particularly skier Bode Miller in the 2006 Winter Games.
Beijing is also doing its part to cater to Olympics visitors. Pamphlets have been distributed to residents of the city with advice on appropriate behavior in the presence of foreigners. For example, don’t shake hands for too long and don’t stare.
The benefits of the ambassador program are two-fold: athletes will find it easier to adjust to being abroad, and offensive behavior by American athletes could be prevented at a time when the United States is in need of an image overhaul.
Athletes are not alone in their quest to have better manners. Before working internationally, U.S. diplomats and business people often receive training in language, culture and etiquette.
The National Football League has also taken steps to reduce brash, inappropriate behavior, but this time the focus is on the fans. A new policy introduced August 5 requires football fans to stay somewhat sober and keep foul language to a minimum; violators could lose their season tickets.
Referred to as the “ambassador program,” the course is thought by many to be a response by the USOC to the poor behavior of athletes in previous Olympics, particularly skier Bode Miller in the 2006 Winter Games.
Beijing is also doing its part to cater to Olympics visitors. Pamphlets have been distributed to residents of the city with advice on appropriate behavior in the presence of foreigners. For example, don’t shake hands for too long and don’t stare.
The benefits of the ambassador program are two-fold: athletes will find it easier to adjust to being abroad, and offensive behavior by American athletes could be prevented at a time when the United States is in need of an image overhaul.
Athletes are not alone in their quest to have better manners. Before working internationally, U.S. diplomats and business people often receive training in language, culture and etiquette.
The National Football League has also taken steps to reduce brash, inappropriate behavior, but this time the focus is on the fans. A new policy introduced August 5 requires football fans to stay somewhat sober and keep foul language to a minimum; violators could lose their season tickets.
Headline Links: Olympic etiquette
The Wall Street Journal reports that the USOC is mandating that each of the 596 Olympians attend an etiquette course they’ve dubbed the “ambassador program.” Many athletes feel that the committee is trying to prevent a repeat of Bode Miller’s unsportsmanlike conduct at the 2006 winter games.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
A video clip of a CBS2 Chicago news report on the USOC etiquette class also explains how Chinese officials have been coaching Beijing residents on how to behave in the presence of foreigners. Etiquette pamphlets distributed to people in Beijing gave advice on proper handshakes and asked that residents not stare at foreigners.
Source: CBS2 Chicago
Background: The Bode Miller issue
A column in The Washington Post discussed the antics of skier Bode Miller, who focused more on partying than competition during the 2006 Winter Olympics. “There are few things less worthy of respect than the athlete who pretends not to care about the outcome,” said the column.
Source: The Washington Post
Related Topics: Etiquette for diplomats, business people, football fans
The U.S. government’s Foreign Service Institute is the training institution for members of the U.S. foreign affairs community, including diplomats. Nearly 500 courses are provided for enrollees, including 70 foreign language classes. The Institute’s Transition Center prepares workers and their families for life abroad with country information.
Source: U.S. Department of State
In March 2008, The Protocol School of Washington sponsored a week of recognition for national protocol officers, employees of American companies who’ve received training in business etiquette prior to working overseas. “The school believes that every individual can be their own Good Will Ambassador for America by learning as much as possible about the people and cultures they work with,” said a press release published by Reuters.
Source: Reuters
Recently, the National Football League released a revised code of conduct for fans in an effort to reduce violent and disruptive behavior at games. The league-wide code includes bans on drunkenness, cursing, and harassment of opposing fans. Violations will be met with ejections from stadiums and loss of season tickets.
Source: findingDulcinea
Reference: Learning good manners
The Protocol School of Washington has etiquette training courses for citizen diplomats, corporate executives, and consultants, preparing them for a “rapidly changing global marketplace” by informing about world cultures.
Source: Protocol School of Washington
© 2013 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
