Strict Dress Code for Media at Asian Games Shooting Events

Media Dress Code at the Asian Games

At the shooting range for the Asian Games, it's not only the athletes who must adhere to regulations; photographers and TV cameramen are also required to follow a specific dress code. The Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery has made this expectation abundantly clear.

While the dress code has been part of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) guidelines for some time, it is rarely emphasized so explicitly at international events or prominently displayed throughout the venue.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) has taken steps to eliminate any confusion for accredited media personnel who are allowed on the field. The directive is straightforward: they are in a public setting and must uphold a professional appearance.

Located about 70-75 km from central Nagoya, the scenic shooting gallery features signs that clearly communicate the dress code.

One such sign states, “All media covering shooting events must follow the dress code.”

However, the wording may have been overly enthusiastic. Although the rule primarily targets photographers and TV cameramen, the signage broadly addresses 'all media'.

This became evident when a video journalist was instructed to swap blue jeans for black ones, deemed more formal according to the dress code.

The challenge was that the shooting venue is situated in the hills, and returning to Nagoya to change would take approximately four hours, effectively cutting short the journalist's workday.

The situation was later clarified: the blue jeans restriction applies only to photographers and TV cameramen, not to journalists.

The sign is quite explicit, listing prohibited attire such as 'Blue jeans (black jeans are acceptable), camouflage clothing, and very short shorts (shorts must be of appropriate length),' along with a reminder to 'Please follow the ISSF dress code at all times.' The ISSF guidelines are more comprehensive, prohibiting sleeveless shirts, cut-offs, ragged clothing, pants with patches or holes, gym shorts, and open-toed shoes like sandals and flip-flops. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety.

Some of these restrictions have a sporting rationale as well.

One athlete noted that camouflage attire might suggest a connection to hunting, rather than showcasing shooting as a legitimate sport. The ban on blue jeans is less about aesthetics and more about ensuring a professional look for those in front of spectators and cameras.

Though it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of the Asian Games, the dress code exemplifies Japan's meticulous approach to event organization: clearly communicate expectations, display signs, and minimize ambiguity.