The new framework responds to athlete concerns regarding camera angles that cause discomfort and distraction.
European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have launched new guidelines designed to prevent the sexualisation of female athletes through inappropriate camera angles and selective use of replays.
“Developing these filming guidelines is a vital step toward eliminating harmful portrayals of women in sports while maintaining high standards of storytelling and technical excellence,” stated European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov on Wednesday.
The new directive, titled “Raising the Bar,” was prompted by feedback from athletes who reported that certain camera shots cause discomfort and divert focus away from their athletic performances.
Broadcasters are advised to avoid prolonged close-ups of specific body parts, low-angle shots filmed from behind or beneath athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not provide meaningful insight into the sporting action.
The goal of these guidelines is to ensure that media coverage remains centered on athletic achievement and to reduce the risk of footage being taken out of context and shared inappropriately online.
Additionally, the organizations have encouraged production teams to utilize wider camera angles that capture the full scope of an athlete’s movement and performance.
Former world long jump champion Ivana Spanovic suggested that broadcasters should adopt innovative techniques, such as aerial views and educational graphics, to better explain various aspects of athletic feats.
“Our sport provides many opportunities to showcase technique and the beauty of movement, such as using slow-motion shots to highlight technical precision during a take-off or a stride,” the Serbian athlete added.
The guidelines include animated visuals for filming events like the high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and running events. These visuals use “positive” and “negative” angle indicators, marked with checkmarks or crosses, accompanied by detailed explanations.
![A screengrab from the recently issued guidelines from the European Broadcasting Union on respectful coverage of women’s sport [EBU Sports]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==)
Regarding the high jump, the guidelines note that “a low camera angle underneath the athlete has a high chance of generating compromising images,” adding that “slow-motion replays of the athlete clearing the bar diminishes technical insight and may produce compromising images.”
The document also notes instances where extreme close-up zooms fail to offer any additional value to the commentator or the viewer.
Furthermore, the guidelines provide instructions on how to respectfully and effectively capture athletes’ emotions, celebrations, and interactions with their coaching staff.
“The sexualisation of female athletes through selective camera angles and editing choices remains a significant concern in many sports broadcasts,” said Glen Killane, Executive Director of EBU Sport.
“Lingering shots on bodies, low-angle cameras capturing revealing views, and excessive slow-motion replays that lack technical or storytelling purpose are issues currently observed in women’s athletics coverage.”
“These choices have profound implications. They shape audience perception by diverting attention from the remarkable achievements and technical skills of women athletes, and risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes,” he added.
The document, which is available to all broadcasters, concluded: “We hope these guidelines serve not as a set of restrictions, but as the start of a conversation between broadcasters, directors, camera operators, and athletes that we can continue together.”
