European athletics broadcasters have received fresh guidance aimed at eliminating the sexualisation of female competitors through inappropriate filming techniques.
The European Broadcasting Union and European Athletics jointly published a comprehensive 23-page document titled “Raising the Bar” on Tuesday, setting out recommendations for television production crews covering women’s track and field events.
The publication was developed with input from elite athletes, including British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic, and Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic.
Glen Killane, Executive Director of EBU Sports, said: “The sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices continues to be a significant concern across many sports broadcasts.”
The voluntary guidelines encourage crews to prioritise athletic achievement and technical excellence over shots that objectify competitors.
Production teams are advised to steer clear of prolonged close-up shots focused on athletes’ chests or buttocks, which divert attention from sporting accomplishments.
The document specifically discourages filming from low positions behind or beneath competitors, particularly during pole vault, high jump, long jump, and sprint events.
Slow-motion replays should only feature when they illuminate technical aspects or contribute meaningfully to the sporting narrative, according to the guidance.
New photography rules have been brought in to stop the sexualisation of female competitors through inappropriate filming techniques
|
GETTY
Killane noted: “Lingering shots on bodies, low-angle cameras that capture revealing views, and excessive slow-motion replays that serve no technical or storytelling purpose are among the issues observed in the media coverage of women’s athletics competitions today.”
The recommendations instead promote wider camera positions that capture complete athletic movements, including approach runs, take-offs, and landing techniques.
Bradshaw revealed that camera positioning has affected her concentration during competitions, with athletes becoming preoccupied by filming equipment rather than their events.
“Many athletes, myself included have been in competitive scenarios where they are more focused on the cameras instead of their own performance,” she said.
NEW: Europe rolls out new broadcasting rules to stop sexualization of women athletes via sleazy camera angles and slow-motion replays pic.twitter.com/YeH1vviACJ
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) July 14, 2026
The 34-year-old retired pole vaulter also disclosed experiencing online harassment stemming from broadcast footage.
“I first-hand have received social media abuse and witnessed inappropriate videos online of myself and colleagues when slow motion content of us competing is captured,” Bradshaw stated.
She emphasised that competitors should be able to enjoy their sport without anxiety about live coverage.
“Athletes want to enjoy themselves doing the sport they love without feeling uncomfortable or anxious about the footage being shown live,” she added.
Serbian long jumper Spanovic highlighted additional concerns beyond distraction, pointing to potential physical dangers from camera placement during warm-ups and the lasting psychological toll on competitors.
“Certain camera angles, combined with gender stereotypes, not only cause discomfort for athletes and unnecessary distractions during competition but how it is broadcasted can also have serious long-term effects on athlete’s mental health, sometimes even the position of the camera is not in the right place and can cause risk of injuries during warm-up etc,” she explained.
Killane warned that inappropriate filming choices “risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes” and shape how audiences perceive female athletes.
The recommendations carry no penalties for non-compliance, remaining voluntary guidance rather than enforceable regulations.
European Athletics president Dobromir Karamarinov described the filming guidelines as “a crucial step toward eliminating harmful portrayals of women in our sports”.