What is Rule 40?
Rule 40 is the section of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Charter which sets out how participants, including athletes participating in the Olympic Games can engage in, and benefit from, commercial activities around the Games.
What Does Rule 40 mean for the Athlete
Put simply, Rule 40 for the athlete is a process whereby an athlete’s personal sponsor(s) can obtain permission to continue to promote their brand or product during the Games period of the Paris Olympics. It also enables the athlete to post a thank-you message to social media during the Games which their sponsors can re-post.
When Does Rule 40 Apply?
During the Games period, which for the Paris Olympics is 18/07 to 13/08 2024.
Where Does the OFI Come in to Rule 40?
The OFI is a National Olympic Committee or NOC and under the Olympic Charter, each country’s NOC is responsible for the implementation of Rule 40 within its national territory.
How Does Rule 40 Affect the Athlete?
At the OFI, we want the athlete to focus on performance. So instead of dealing with Rule 40, the athlete’s personal sponsor is responsible for engaging in the process and completing the necessary steps to obtain marketing permissions.
What Does the Athlete Need to Do?
1. Log on to the Team Ireland Portal
2. Click on Rule 40
3. Enter the details of their personal sponsor(s).
This allows the sponsor to be connected directly with the OFI. We then guide the sponsor through the process so that they can successfully get Rule 40 marketing permissions and avoid any breaches.
What Does the Personal Sponsor Need to Do?
1. Be acquainted with the Rule 40 Guidelines and how they apply in Ireland. These are contained in two documents
Ofi-Rule40-Guidelines
4.1-PARIS-2024–Commercial-Opportunities-for-Athletes–OFI-version
2. Sign the Personal Sponsor Commitment (a copy will be sent for e-signature once the sponsor has been added to the portal by the athlete)
3. Submit their Generic Marketing Plans via the Submission Form
Once these steps have been completed satisfactorily, the personal sponsors marketing plans will be signed off by the OFI and Rule 40 permissions will be applied.
I still have questions
That’s ok – just drop an email to [email protected]
