BC Athlete Assistance Program »

CROSS COUNTRY BC
BC ATHLETE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (BC AAP)
2013-14 SELECTION CRITERIA

2013-14 RECIPIENTS:

Alysson Marshall (Larch Hills Nordic Society)  $1600.00
Geoffrey Richards (Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club)  $1600.00
Martin Schrama (Whistler Nordic Ski Club)  $1600.00
Sam Morris (Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club)  $1600.00

1.         BC ATHLETE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The BC Athlete Assistance Program (BC AAP) is an athlete-centred program of financial assistance funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Sport Branch of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and administered through viaSport.  The program seeks to recognize high performance athletes who are participating in programs offered through a provincial sport organization (i.e. Cross Country BC) and competing in recognized national and international competitions to relieve some of the pressures associated with training and competition needs.

Program Objectives

  • to focus support to athletes in the “Learning to Compete” and “Training to Compete” stages as identified in Cross Country Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Guide “Cross Country Skiing – A Sport for Life” document;
  • to contribute to improved performances of Team BC athletes at the Canada Games;
  • to help increase the number of BC athletes reaching federal carding status thus expanding BC representation on national teams and at eligible major international multi-sport Games; and
  • To assist BC athletes reach their athletic potential.

2.         ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

Athletes must meet the following minimum standards:

Training and Competition: 

Athletes must be involved in programs and competitions that are within the LTAD stages of “Learning to Compete and/or Training to Compete” as defined by Cross Country Canada.

Athletes who meet the eligible stages of the LTAD model must be involved in a year round training and competition plan, competing in an appropriate number of national and/or international competitions and regularly working with a Level 3 NCCP Coach (or a coach with equivalent training in the new NCCP system).

The athlete’s YTP and weekly reports must be submitted to the athlete’s personal coach on a regular basis.  These plans and reports must also be available to Cross Country BC on request.

Performance: 

Athletes are expected to be currently competing within the ‘Learning to Compete’ and Training to Compete’ stages.  Funding within these stages is based on the level at which the athlete is currently competing, regardless of past performance or funding level.

Citizenship and Residency: 

To be eligible for BC AAP funding, an athlete must be a Canadian citizen or be of landed immigrant status, and a resident of British Columbia for at least one year prior to his/her date of nomination.

Those BC athletes training and competing in an athlete development program outside the province may be eligible for BC AAP funding support:

  • if they are currently attending a National Development Centre (NDC);
  • if they are members of the BC Ski Team; and
  • If a suitable athlete development program is currently unavailable in BC. 

Use of Banned Substances and Methods:

BC’s Policy on Sport and Physical Activity clearly outlines the “ethical pursuit of excellence” – which includes competing without the use of banned substances – as one of its pillars of support to sport.  The Province of British Columbia strongly opposes the use of prohibited substances and methods as they are contrary to the ethics of sport and may be harmful to the health of athletes.

Since we look to our elite athletes to set the standards for all who aspire to be at the top level of competition, athletes who are suspended by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and/or their respective International Sport Federation for an anti-doping rule violation, will be declared permanently ineligible for BC Athlete Assistance Funding.

Gender Equity Funding:

Funding must be allocated equitably between male and female athletes.

Commitment to the PSO/NSO:

Any athlete receiving financial assistance from the Province of British Columbia must be available for provincial team selections, and if selected , commit to train and represent British Columbia and the sport in applicable competitions including, but not limited to, the Canada Games.

Coaching:

To be eligible for funding assistance, athletes must be regularly coached by a NCCP Level 3 or equivalent coach.

PSO Membership: 

Athletes receiving financial assistance must be registered members of a Cross Country BC member club for the 2013-14 season.

Athletes must hold a 2013-14 CCC racing licence.

Athletes must be in financial good standing with their club, Cross Country BC and Cross Country Canada.  Awards may be withheld at any time if the athlete is not in financial good standing with the Association.

Withdrawal of BC AAP Sport Funding: 

The Sport Branch and viaSport have the authority to withdraw BC AAP support to any athlete if it is deemed that the athlete is no longer in compliance with the policies and requirements of the BC Athlete Assistance Program.
 

3.   SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection Committee

  • One member of the CCBC Board of Directors
  • CCBC Athlete Development Committee
  • CVTC Head Coach

Selection Criteria

The following outlines athlete eligibility and their performance and training requirements for each level of funding:

Level 1 – a minimum of $500 up to a maximum of $3500.

  • 2013-14 member of a CCC’s National Development Centre (NDCs).
  • 2013-14 BC Ski Team member.
  • In the “Learning to Compete” or “Training to Compete” stages of athlete development.
  • Meets athlete eligibility requirements listed above.
  • Ski specific technical, tactical and fitness training 9+ times a week.
  • Competes at national and international levels in an appropriate number of competitions annually.
  • A minimum of 83 points (average) on the 2012-13 CPL and CSL.

4.   APPEAL PROCESS 

It is understood that athletes have an inherent right to submit an appeal regarding the BC Athlete Assistance Program if they believe that:

  • the award level or amount for which they have been selected does not meet the PSO ranking and selection criteria as published; or
  • the athlete has not been selected for an award, and they believe that, in accordance with the PSO published criteria for the ranking and selection of athletes, the athlete deserves to be included as a nominated athlete.

Appeals to the CCBC Athlete Selection Committee must be made in writing and submitted to the CCBC Office by January 16th, 2014. Submission of the written appeal must include any supporting documentation.

Appeal Timelines:

January 8th, 2014                    Nominated athletes publicized
January 16th, 2014                  Athlete appeal to CCBC Athlete Selection Committee
January 22nd, 2014                 CCBC AAP Appeal Committee reply to the athlete
January 22nd, 2014                Final approval – AAP awards released.  (Note – if no appeals are received by January 16th, 2014, the AAP awards will be released at that time.)

CCBC Appeal Committee:

  • One member of the 2013/14 CCBC Athlete Selection Committee
  • CCBC Chairperson
  • Cross Country Canada High Performance Coordinator

The athlete would be invited to make representation at the conference call of the CCBC AAP Appeal Committee.

Please direct any enquiries to Georgia Manhard at: gmanhard@telus.net.