Beijing Games issues fan behavior rules

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Beijing Games organizers have issued fan behavior rules that cover such banned items as flammable materials, corrosive chemicals, crossbows and daggers. Restricted items include flags, banners and flash cameras.

On the banned list are ‘support banners and leaflets of commercial publicity, religion, politics, military, human rights and environmental and animal protection, among others,’ according to the China Daily newspaper.

Zhang Zhenliang, vice-director of the volunteer department of the Olympic organizing committee and chief of the Spectator Call Center for the Beijing Olympics, said at a news conference earlier today that the fan rules were designed to produce an orderly, civilized and peaceful environment.

The Beijing Games website paraphrases Zhang as saying that ‘the rule restricts articles and behavior that are not illegal but not in conformity with Olympic and Paralympic regulations and tend to interfere with order, venue environment and interests of athletes and other spectators; banned articles and behavior which are against current Chinese laws and regulations. Legal action may be taken against violators.’

In all, 22 ‘restrictions’ and four ‘prohibitions’ were announced during the news conference in Beijing. One Beijing Games staffer told the news media that Chinese fans will be prohibited from displaying banners that support the home team: ‘Spectators should cheer for both Chinese and foreign athletes.’

The rule also prohibits the use of flash photography, drunkenness, gambling, whistles, cigarette lighters, umbrellas with long handles and radios.

-- Greg Johnson