The agreement for the last Summer Games in Beijing two years ago caused controversy after a new clause was added to the 32-page document, which maintained that competitors were "not to comment on any politically sensitive issues".

Simon Clegg, the then chief executive of BOA, later admitted that it had gone beyond the provisions of the Olympic Charter and the controversial clause was redrafted before it was sent out for signing.

Team agreements for British Olympic competitors had existed for 20 years, dealing largely with issues such as appropriate dress and behaviour, and had largely proved uncontroversial until Beijing.

The one being drafted for London 2012 is set to present its own set of unique problems because, as the first Games to be held in Britain since 1948, there are set to be unprecedented commercial opportunities for many of the athletes selected which will need to be managed within the confines of the Olympic Charter.

It is one of several issues the Committee, headed by double world rowing champion Sarah Winckless and which also includes International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission member Adam Pengilly, will be grappling with in the build-up to London 2012.

They are two of 14 Olympians, who among them can draw upon combined experience of 33 Olympics and who have won eight four medals across four sports.

The most successful member of the Commission is sailor Sarah Webb, a double Olympic gold medallist.

“Bringing everyone together for the first time brings home the amazing depth of experience we have present in the Athletes’ Commission," said Winckless.

"We are very much looking forward to getting started on our work and delivering recommendations to the BOA Board for their consideration.”

The Commission, which was announced in March, with members elected in July this year, were welcomed by BOA chairman Colin Moynihan, followed by a briefing on the BOA’s vision and preparation for London 2012 by chief executive Andy Hunt.

"Today’s first meeting of the BOA Athletes’ Commission is an important milestone for the BOA," said Hunt.

"The calibre and level of experience of the Olympians on the BOA Athletes’ Commission is tremendous.

"The insights and perspective they will deliver will be of great benefit to the BOA and I look forward to working with them."

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