Judging by the letter from U.S.A.T.F., Symmonds said, the federation apparently wants him to wear Nike gear for the world championships from the time he leaves his apartment in Seattle. “I deserve the right to know what an official team function is,” Symmonds said. He said he would comply with regulations governing attire if they were clearly defined, adding, “I’m not for chaos.”īut Symmonds said the document he was being asked to sign seemed to violate his own contract with Brooks. He said the federation “frequently uses bullying tactics to force athletes to do what they want, even when they have no legal right to do that.” Track & Field “has confiscated advertising space that I own,” Symmonds, 31, said. Surely, coffee is not an official team function, said Symmonds, who was formerly sponsored by Nike. 1, 2014, Symmonds has been asked by American officials to remove Brooks gear, even while having morning coffee at the United States team hotel at the 2014 world indoor championships in Poland, he said. Geer, the federation spokeswoman, said the document regulating official attire adhered to industry standards that govern international sports and professional leagues.īut Symmonds said the document that American athletes were being required to sign took the commitment far beyond the playing field.

The list of official gear includes uniforms, bandannas, headbands, hats, sweatbands, wristbands, socks, sports bras and travel bags, but it does not include sunglasses, watches and shoes, according to the letter. The word “only” is uppercased and underlined in the letter.

It mentions team functions “at the athlete hotel” and “during training.” The letter also asks athletes to “pack only Team U.S.A., Nike or nonbranded apparel” for the world championships in Beijing. The document also mentions “other official team functions” that are not described in detail.Ī separate letter that Symmonds said he had received from the federation several weeks ago included broader language.

It stipulates that athletes agree to wear team gear at official functions while representing the United States.Īccording to the document, official team functions include competitions, awards ceremonies and news conferences. document at issue, known as a statement of conditions, is included in the federation’s bylaws. The question at the heart of Symmonds’s apparel dispute is: What is an official team function?

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