The International Olympic Committee said Thursday that competitors in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be barred from making political gestures during the Games.

It is important, on both a personal and a global level, that we keep the venues, the Olympic Village and the podium neutral and free from any form of political, religious or ethnic demonstrations, the committee said in a statement explaining the new guidelines.

According to the committee, athletes will be prohibited from protesting or demonstrating on the field of play; in the Olympic Village; during Olympic medal ceremonies; and during the opening, closing or other official ceremonies. They said any kind of political messaging on signs or clothing qualifies as a protest, as well as gestures and any refusal to follow the Ceremonies protocol.

Disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis, the committee said.