The national governing bodies of Britain's most popular sports will continue to make their major events available on free-to-air television.
Cricket, football, golf, tennis and rugby union and league have re-signed a voluntary code first set up in 2009.This means free-to-air broadcasters like the BBC will be given access to highlight packages, at the very least.It also commits these sports to allocating up to 30% of their broadcast deals for grassroots projects.
The code of conduct was established by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, an umbrella organisation of more than 300 bodies, and it is overseen by the Sports Broadcast Monitoring Committee, chaired by former Channel 4 executive Sir David Scott."The code makes the best sporting events available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay," said Scott.
"It also makes clear the link between the success of these blue-riband events and a healthy participation base."In the last available financial year, sports bodies that are full signatories reinvested at least £135m in grassroots sport."Among the areas the code defines as investment in grassroots sport are youth programmes, community facilities and coach and volunteer training.
