Media Face Bare Feet Ban at London Olympics

(ATR) Flip flops and other flimsy footwear that expose the foot will be banned for media covering the 2012 Games, Around the Rings can reveal.

Safety and aesthetics are the reasons cited for the flip flop ban formulated by the UK Style Board, the quango charged with overseeing workplace-related dress code issues in the British Isles.

The rule would prohibit entry to Olympic venues, including the Main Press Center, for any credentialed reporter "shod in any footwear that exposes the toes, instep or heel to injury", says a section of the rule obtained by ATR.

The rule comes after dozens of footwear-related injuries among the media were reportedly treated at the MPC medical clinic and venue first aid stations for the Beijing Olympics. Ankle sprains and lacerations were the most common problems.

"I saw the reports on foot injuries in Beijing and was shocked," says an IOC member familiar with press arrangements at the Olympics.

"We have to address that," he said.

"At the same time I have also seen a decline in the attire of some members of the press corps that I think it will be a great relief to look down when I am interviewed and not see hairy feet or fluorescent-painted toes," he observed.

The UK Style Board edict to LOCOG expands a footwear ban that already affects credentialed photographers. Officials with the IOC and London 2012 tell Around the Rings that dress code requirements for photographers currently ban flip flops.

"Open-toed shoes will not be permitted" says the LOCOG guide for photographers, which also bars sleeveless shirts from the photo pits at the Games.

(Late last year Major League Baseball introduced a dress code for reporters that prohibits flip flops as well as shorts and skirts that are too short.)

But the Olympics footwear rule will not apply to athletes, for whom dressing down is part of the Olympic look, swimmers especially. Outside the pool in Beijing, U.S. gold medalist Michael Phelps trod his way to TV interviews and other appearances with his toes flopping about.

"It’s a matter for national Olympic committees to set the rules for their athletes," says a LOCOG official.

In its employee handbook, LOCOG does not specifically ban any type of footwear, but counsels that shoes should not compromise sponsors of the Games.

"With respect to footwear, if this is not provided, you may wear a competitors’ footwear but make sure that the name and logo are not overtly conspicuous," says the employee handbook.

The UK Style Board also contributed to the LOCOG employee dress code.

"We are gratified to play a small part in helping England put its best foot forward for the Olympics," says Style Board chair Baroness Flake.

"Not only are we helping provide a safe work environment, but one that is refined and professionally attired," she claims.

Written by Ed Hula.