SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The IOC’s reluctance to allow competitors to wear black arm bands, or any other individual badge, to honor fallen loved ones might seem on the surface to be insensitive. That’s hardly the intent, the Olympic committee says.

Athletes the world over have routinely worn some kind of arm band, jersey patch or decal to pay tribute when someone close to them dies. Many use it as a way to shine a bit of light on a dark situation, to make sure that others mourning the loss can see that they are in their hearts and on their minds.