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Professionalism
It is important to the future of our sport that you--and your fellow
athletes--help raise the bar of professional demeanor, attitude, and interaction
before, during, and after events. To that end, here are some things you can do
to assist in making the sport more attractive to sponsors:
- Act like a professional. Professionals in all sports study the
venue in which they will compete, so go see as much of the competition
area prior to the event as you can, keeping in mind that an area may
look different during competition.
- Look like a professional. Wear the proper clothing and
competition uniform, particularly if you are sponsored or are on a
national team. Accept the obligation to wear bib numbers, particularly
where they are sponsored since you are a beneficiary of that
sponsorship; do not alter the bib in any way, but wear it in the best
place to preserve your uniform's sponsor marks and team name.
- Compete like a professional. The statistics/results of the
competition will be available after the event. It is inappropriate for
you to worry about your time at the finish line or your marks from each
round in the field. Distance athletes: it looks particularly bad
when you stop your watch at the finish--blocking your bib with the
sponsor's name on it and the name of your team or country.
- Be a model for professional manners. Whenever you have an
opportunity, make sure you thank the sponsors who enable the event to
take place. This goodwill can generate increased levels of support from
those sponsors, which could, in turn, encourage other sponsors to get
involved in the sport.
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