http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=254757&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

Team Canada will have to find a new logo to display on its jersey for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Chris Rudge, the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, tells the Globe and Mail they will not be seeking an exemption to allow Canada's hockey teams to use the Maple Leaf logo which they have worn at the past three Winter Games.

The International Olympic Committee forbids national sport federations from using logos on team uniforms at the Olympics. Rudge tells the newspaper that the IOC warned countries as far back as two years ago that it would begin enforcing the rule.

The IOC strictly enforced its rules at the recent Beijing Games - notably with the Brazilian and Argentine soccer teams

Sportsnet New Logo Poll:

Which logo would you place on the front of Team Canada's jersey in 2010?

Plain Maple Leaf

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/images/plainleaf.jpg

Lucky Loonie

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/images/luckyloonie.jpg

Inukshuk

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/images/inukshuk.jpg

Other

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/images/other.jpg

Any Thoughts?

Screw the IOC, just wear the maple leaf jerseys! What's the IOC going to do, bounce the host nation from the tournament?

Hey, a rule is a rule. If its universally enforced, then I think Canada should just get on with it.

Personally, I feel if they have allowed it in the past then there's a precident for it. A rule isn't a rule if they haven't been enforcing it for the last few games. Maybe they should be taking away our Medals too then if we had illegal jerseys on in the past.

Who cares about the past? The rule is in effect now and the IOC gave fair warning.

Why should Canada be allowed to break the rules?

Can we not just use the word Canada?

maybe we could use the likeness of Bob and Doug!

The issue I have is that it's not a new rule, it's always been there but they chose not to enforce it. Suddenly after allowing certain logos in the past they are now going to enforce a rule they wouldn't enforce previously. Why the change now after allowing it for the past 3 games?

A fair compromise might have been to allow an exemption for logos that were previously allowed. It's hard to argue hard and fast rules when you haven't enforced them.

It's hard to argue hard and fast rules when you haven't enforced them

Perhaps you missed this part.

The IOC strictly enforced its rules at the recent Beijing Games

The International Olympic Committee forbids national sport federations from using logos on team uniforms at the Olympics.

My question is, what is the reasoning behind the rule in the first place? Most rules are supported by an obvious reason; I see no obvious reason for the rule in this particular case. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Really,
What logo, or lack thereof, on the jersey won't have any impact on the outcome of the games. The thought that it could, is only in the minds of the viewers.

Let the IOC enforce their silly rule. No big deal.

As long as the Canadian flag is still there when the National anthem is played following the gold medal game, I'm fine with it

Does anyone agree with me that Team Canada's new jersey should be the classic 72 Summit Series one? It would be awesome if they brought it back, it doesn't get anymore classier than that.

My question is, what is the reasoning behind the rule in the first place? Most rules are supported by an obvious reason; I see no obvious reason for the rule in this particular case. Anyone care to enlighten me?

From what I understand, the logos had become marketing logos and the IOC is trying to get rid of it. I can understand the rule for logos that are essentially corporate logos but I really don't see how they determine it.

"To give them their due, the IOC, in a sense, has been cleaning up its act," said Chris Rudge, chief executive officer of the COC. "If you go back to the IOC that existed many years ago, there were many issues within the IOC that were questioned by people. But the IOC has been doing a good job of cleaning up its act in the bidding process and everything; this is probably consistent with the evolution of the organization."

It's a big so what. They can't wear the Hockey Canada jersey but it doesn't preclude us from wearing a new jersey with a maple leaf on it or even the '72 jersey like someone said above.

All I care is that they are wearing the colour gold around their necks at the end of it.

Much ado about nothing IMHO.

Watch me save Hockey Canada a lot of consultant/graphic design money. The new sweater should be the following:

Red maple leaf on the chest, white main jersey with red sleeves. I think most of you get the idea. :)

http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/images/canada_flag.gif

The IOC strictly enforced its rules at the recent Beijing Games


I read and am aware of that point, and frankly all we really need is a Maple Leaf splashed on our jersey and i'm happy. I guess now that the IOC can't get the kickbacks they used to they might as well start enforcing their rules to the letter.

Look at all the outfits you see at the Olympics on the athletes in other sports and compare them to taped highlights of these same athletes during their regular World Cup/other events. Most of the athletes usually look like walking billboards for just about every product you can name. At the Olympics they have had to adopt a "clean" uniform. Looks great! All the IOC is trying to do is apply the same rules to hockey as they have applied to other sports including, I understand, the uniforms worn by some of the big soccer South American soccer teams at the Beijing Olympics. It is only fair that Canadian hockey goes along with the rules.

One of you here asked what the IOC could do if Hockey Canada refused to comply. It would be perfectly within their rights to suspend Team Canada and don't think that they wouldn't do it. Hockey may be big to us in Canada but it is just one more winter sport to the IOC. They would be more concerned about a skiers' or skaters' revolt as these sports have a huge following in Europe which is the IOC's prime orientation.

I don't mind, as I like seeing new jerseys. They can make some additional cash for the merchandising too, as everyone will want to have the new jerseys.