European Athletics issues guidelines to limit on-screen sexualisation of female athletes

New broadcasting standards for major sporting events were unveiled this week after a series of consultations with athletes who reported that certain camera angles and rapid zooms caused visual discomfort and disrupted concentration during competition. The guidelines, issued jointly by the International Sports Federation and leading broadcasters, outline permissible shot types, limiting the use of extreme close‑ups, high‑speed pans, and overhead perspectives that have been identified as sources of distraction. Feedback collected from athletes across disciplines such as track and field, swimming, and gymnastics highlighted that abrupt changes in focus and overly intrusive framing could impair performance, prompting the governing bodies to formalize recommendations aimed at preserving a fair and athlete‑friendly viewing environment.

Implementation of the new protocol will be phased in over the next competitive season, with broadcasters required to train camera crews on the stipulated practices and to incorporate real‑time monitoring to ensure compliance. The federation plans to review the impact of the guidelines annually, gathering further input from participants to refine the standards as technology evolves. By aligning broadcast techniques with athlete comfort, the initiative seeks to enhance both the integrity of competition and the quality of the spectator experience.