- Greet everyone in the same courteous, friendly and helpful way
- Be respectful: refrain from touching people
- Avoid using abbreviations or jargon when talking to people
- Refrain from giving your personal opinion on issues such as religion, politics and other social issues[/breakout]
The large document features maps, timings and explanations of the more complex rules of some of the different sports – as well as style tips, advice on protocol and warnings for how to spot fatigue in fellow Games Makers.
But it is the more officious ‘rules’ in the 79-page document that have raised eyebrows – such as the strict advice given on how to wear the official uniform, including the diktat that Games makers must not ‘wear their jackets tied around their waist or slung over their shoulders’.
Games Makers are also reminded to wear ‘COMFORTABLE’ shoes (bolded, underlined and capped up for emphasis) during what will be a busy week and to wear their hair in a ‘neat and tidy manner’.
Perhaps the most alarming advice – for journalists, anyway – was the following: ‘In the event of an emergency, remember Safety First. Keep calm and move people away from danger as a priority. Don’t worry about the press’.
It is hoped that this rather clumsy sentence indicates that volunteers should not be concerned about being photographed or pestered by reporters during an emergency, rather than being advised to not worry about the welfare of journalists during a fire or other catastrophe.
Jersey’s Games Makers may consider themselves lucky, however, when compared to the rigorous training experienced by China’s paramilitary police ahead of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
It was revealed ahead of the Games that officers had been wearing pins in their collars to ensure they did not stop staring straight ahead and wooden crosses on their backs to learn perfect posture.
Also, female immigration staff were allegedly advised on the right amount of teeth to show in their greeting smiles and learned how to curtsy by using chopsticks as markers to keep their legs the correct distance apart.
- Basketball is not just for tall people
- It is thought that Victorians in England invented table tennis in the 1880s as a genteel, after-dinner game using whatever they could find as equipment.
- Floater: A beach volleyball serve that follows an uneven trajectory and floats over the net
- Use common sense in your humour. Steer clear of poor taste and avoid sarcasm and jokes about peoples personal backgrounds. Trying too hard to be funny will not create a positive impression.[/breakout]
