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Athletics Canada
2013-2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) Policy
Olympic Stream
1. General program description and purpose
The Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) is a federal government program administered by Sport Canada that provides
financial assistance and tuition support to high performance athletes. Also referred to as ‘carding’, AAP funding is intended
to contribute to an athlete’s living and training costs. It is not intended to serve as an athlete’s sole source of income. Under
Sport Canada policy, AAP funding is designed to support athletes for the upcoming year who have:

Demonstrated an ability to finish in the Top 16 and top ½ of the field at an IAAF Senior World Championships in
Athletics or an Olympic Games, or

Been identified by Athletics Canada (AC) as progressing towards a finish in the Top 16 and top ½ of the field at future
IAAF Senior World Championships in Athletics or Olympic Games.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Starting with the 2010-2011 carding cycle, AC with the support of Sport Canada and Own the Podium, has aligned its
carding policy with its strategic plan and more specifically with its High Performance Plan and related programs.
In the Olympic Athletic stream, Athletics Canada defines high performance as minimally a Top 8 finish at an IAAF Senior
World Championships in Athletics or Olympic Games.
This policy was developed by AC’s National Team Committee (NTC) and was reviewed by Sport Canada before publication
to ensure consistency with Sport Canada AAP Policies. The criteria in this policy are designed to enable AC to identify those
athletes and coaches whose performances, progression and training environment are indicative of the athlete’s ability to
achieve future Olympic Top 8 performances.
This policy applies to the carding cycle beginning November 1, 2013 and ending October 31, 2014. It sets out the process
and criteria that will be used to recommend nominations for carding for this carding cycle.
There are four appendices associated with this policy: three are attached, and one document is on the AC web site. All three
appendices form an integral part of this policy:
Appendix 1 – Categories of Cards (attached)
Appendix 2 - Performance Standards
Appendix 3 - Prioritized Ranking System (attached)
Appendix 4 – Application form
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
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Last revised: April 2, 2013
2. Eligibility for AAP
To be eligible to be considered for carding nomination, an athlete must meet these requirements:
 Must be a current registered member of AC, in good standing with a provincial branch.
 Must have participated in the applicable 2013 National Outdoor Track and Field Championships unless a request for
an exemption due to injury, illness, or other exceptional circumstances is approved, in advance, by the Head Coach.
 Must possess Canadian citizenship by November 1, 2013 and must submit supporting documentation indicating that
he/she will be eligible to compete for Canada in IAAF events within the 2013-2014 cycle.
 Must not be under suspension or other sanction for any doping or doping-related offense.
 Must commit to sign any Athlete Agreement as required by AC or Sport Canada.
 Must submit a 2013-14 Training and Competition Plan before any funding will be released. Failure to submit an
approved plan may result in AC withdrawing the nomination to Sport Canada
 Must otherwise comply with all eligibility requirements set out by Sport Canada in “Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
Policies and Procedures”.
3. Authority for Carding Decisions
AC does not make decisions to grant carding to athletes, but rather submits a list of nominations for carding that Sport
Canada ultimately approves. The final decision on granting cards is made by Sport Canada. National Event Group Coaches
will apply the criteria contained within this document to recommend athletes for carding nomination to the NTC. The
authority for final nominations for carding to Sport Canada rests solely with the NTC.
The NTC for the 2013-2014 carding cycle is comprised of:
Rob Guy (Chair)
Jennifer Joyce
Tim Berrett
Scott MacDonald
Larry Steinke
Jared MacLeod
Les Gramantik
Daniel St-Hilaire
4. Allocation of Cards
AC’s Olympic Program has been allocated $1,026,000 for the 2013-2014 carding cycle (or the equivalent of 57 Senior
Cards). The breakdown of these funds into Senior Cards, Development Cards, NCAA Cards and Medical/injury Cards, is at
the sole discretion of NTC in consultation with National Event Group Coaches. Appendix 1 (attached) provides additional
details about these different categories of cards, and specifies further requirements that must be fulfilled by athletes
nominated in these categories, in addition to those eligibility requirements in Section 2.
5. The Carding Process
Nominations for carding will be made using a two-step approach, as follows:
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
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Last revised: April 2, 2013
Step 1 – General Carding Pool
An athlete must be in the General Carding Pool to be considered for carding. The following athletes will be admitted to the
General Carding Pool provided they submit a completed and signed Application Form (Appendix 4):
 Current SR1 or SR2 carded athletes;
 Athletes who have achieved the minimum ‘D’ performance standard outdoors for their event in 2012 or 2013 (as per the
Performance Standards noted in Appendix 2);
 Athletes who are currently carded and who have submitted a “Notification of Injury, Illness or Pregnancy” form to
maintain their carding status during the carding cycle, and who have otherwise fulfilled all requirements to be considered
for a Medical card
Step 2 – Nomination to Sport Canada
On or about October 31, 2013, National Event Group Coaches will finalize their recommendations for carding nominations of
athletes in the General Carding Pool, based on Appendix 3, “Prioritized Ranking System” (attached). The final nominations
for carding must be approved by the NTC.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fundamental for Athletics Canada within its carding system is the fact that it is an investment in future world level (top 8)
performances. Along with performance progressions, access to a high quality daily training environment is viewed as the
key factor in determining the likelihood of such future performances. While facilities, environmental factors, and an integrated
support team are important considerations, by far the most important factor influencing the quality of daily training
environments is proven coach performances. The current criterion therefore uses the primary coach’s recent history of
success to assign them to a category in order to quantify the environment points.
6. Requirements to Remain Carded
All athletes approved by Sport Canada for carding will sign a final Athlete Agreement that stipulates obligations that the
athlete must fulfill to remain carded. All carded athletes are expected to remain fully engaged with AC’s high performance
programming, including ongoing communication with AC staff which may include signing any written agreements required
by their National Event Group Coach.
7. Appeals
Athletes who are not nominated for carding may appeal, which will be heard in accordance with AC’s Appeal Policy (Rule
140). Appeals are restricted to those athletes who were eligible to be considered for carding by virtue of meeting the
requirements set out in Section 2, who met the requirements to be admitted to the General Carding Pool as described in
Section 5 and who fulfilled any additional requirements for the different categories of cards as specified in Appendix 1.
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
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Last revised: April 2, 2013
Appendix 1 – Categories of Cards
Senior Cards

Senior Cards are the top level of cards and are valued at $1,500 per month, except the first year of a Senior card that is
referred to as a C-1 card and is valued at $900 per month. An athlete may only receive a C-1 card once.

SR1 and SR2 cards are International cards granted to those athletes who finish in the Top 8 and top ½ of the field at the
IAAF Senior World Championships or the Olympic Games. Alternates in relays who do not compete are not eligible for
this card.

SR – Top 16 Cards are International cards granted to those athletes who finish top 16 at the IAAF Senior World
Championships in Athletics or Olympic Games. SR – Top 16 cards are awarded for one year only.

SR1 cards are typically awarded for two years (with the second year of the card termed SR2), provided the athlete
adheres to an approved training plan, and achieves prescribed performance targets and benchmarks over the course
of the two years.

SR and C-1 cards are Senior level cards for those athletes who have qualified to be nominated for carding at the Senior
level but not as a SR1, SR2 or SR – Top 16 card. An athlete may only receive a C-1/SR card for four years post-junior
without progressing to an International card.

Notwithstanding the maximum four years post-junior carding at the C-1/SR level, in extraordinary situations an athlete
may be considered for carding for a fifth year if he/she has demonstrated clear progress towards future achievement of
an International card.
NCAA Cards

NCAA cards are Senior cards that are allocated on a pro-rated basis to athletes who have NCAA or other foreign
collegiate obligations. Such athletes may obtain a seasonal NCAA card for three months of the year (June, July,
August).

Prior to receiving a NCAA card, an athlete must receive written permission from their educational institution and must
commit to a mutually agreed upon training and competition plan with their National Event Group Coach for the duration
of the card (June, July and August), and must compete at the 2014 National Senior Championships.

An athlete must achieve a minimum ‘C’ performance standard outdoors (as set out in Appendix 2) to be considered for
a NCAA card.

Injury cards will not be considered for NCAA athletes while competing in the NCAA
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
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Last revised: April 2, 2013
Medical/Injury Cards

In order to be eligible to apply for a medical / injury card, an athlete must minimally have achieved the C performance
standard for their event in 2012-2013 as outlined in Appendix 2

Athletes who are currently carded and who become ill, injured or pregnant must immediately submit a “Notification of
Injury, Illness or Pregnancy” form to maintain their carding status during the carding cycle.

To renew carding, the athlete must submit a medical doctor’s diagnosis and prognosis for the athlete’s return to high
performance training and competition (not required in the case of pregnancy), and must include a rehabilitation and
training program prepared by the athlete, coach and coordinating therapist which is acceptable to AC’s medical
personnel.

A request for a Medical/Injury card does not guarantee nomination. Athletes may be nominated for Medical/Injury cards
at the sole discretion of the NTC based on the number of cards available, the nature and details of the diagnosis and
prognosis, the documentation provided, the strength of the athlete’s rehabilitation and training plan, the advice of
medical experts, and the realistic expectation that the athlete can continue to progress towards World Top 16, Top 8 or
Top 3, as the case may be.

Athletes may only receive a Medical Card once without having progressed to an SR1, SR2, or SR – Top 16 card.
Athletes who have received a SR1, SR2, or SR – Top 16 card since having last received a Medical Card, are eligible to
re-apply for one further Medical Card.

NCAA athletes are not eligible for a Medical/Injury card while they are competing in the NCAA
Development Cards

Development cards are valued at $900 per month. The purpose of Development cards is to support developing athletes
who have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the NTC that they are on a path to earn a Senior card in the future.

Recipients of Development cards must be based in Canadian training environments.

Development cards may only be awarded to athletes competing at or below the Junior level, or who are in their first five
years of eligibility as a Senior competitor. However, athletes may only receive a Development card for a maximum of
three years post-Junior before progressing to a Senior card.

Athletes who have previously received Senior cards (including C1 card) are not eligible for Development cards, except
that recipients of NCAA cards may receive a Development card for one transitional year only, provided they meet all
other requirements for Development Cards.
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
Page 5 of 8
Last revised: April 2, 2013
Appendix 2 - Performance Standards
Appendix 3 – Prioritized Ranking System
1. PERFORMANCE POINTS (outdoor only) – Maximum 40 points
Note that points in this section are calculated using the following methodology and will only consider performances in
the athlete’s primary event:
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
*EXCEPTIONS:
Athlete performances are assigned points based on Performance Standards (see Appendix 2).
Points from performances are totaled (Maximum 3 performances)*.
Points Average is calculated by dividing the point total by 3*.
Only 2 performances will be averaged for the Combined Events, 3000m S/C, and 5000m
Only 1 performance will be scored for events that are 10,000m and longer
IMPORTANT NOTES
Performances MUST appear in Athletics Canada’s official 2013 outdoor rankings and meet the required standards.
It is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that performances are included in the official rankings.
EXCEPTIONS: Marathon and 50km Racewalk athlete performances from 2012 will be included and will be considered for Personal Best points
Only 1 performance achieved prior to May 1st will be considered
Age will be based on the year of birth, and only performances prior to October 1st will be considered
ie: Women’s LJer has 3 best performances in 2013 of 6.66, 6.45, and 6.12 at age 21. (30 + 20 + 10)/3 = 20 points
W LJ -> age
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28+
POINTS
A Standard
B Standard
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.60
6.93
6.74
6.93
6.80
6.93
6.85
6.93
6.85
6.93
6.85
40 Points
30 Points
C Standard
6.11
6.11
6.26
6.26
6.49
6.49
6.58
6.58
6.70
6.70
6.70
20 Points
D Standard
5.79
5.91
6.05
6.07
6.25
6.35
6.45
6.58
6.62
6.62
6.62
10 Points
2. PERSONAL BEST POINTS (in primary event) – Maximum 10 points
10 points
5 points
2 points
Outdoor Personal Best in 2013
Outdoor Personal Best in 2012
Outdoor Personal Best in 2011
3. PLACING POINTS – Maximum 30 points
Points will be awarded as indicated on the following chart (must be top ½ of field and only the best finish per line will be scored)
Event
1
2
3
4
5
6
FISU or World Youth Championships
10
7
5
3
National Championships (Senior or Junior)*
10
7
5
1
IAAF World Challenges
5
4
3
2
1
Pan Am Juniors or JDLF
5
3
1
15 points for improving upon ranking of Qualifying Bests on the start list at the
2013 Senior IAAF World Championships in Athletics
7
8
*For Marathon and 50km Racewalk, these points will be calculated based on 2013 Athletics Canada rankings
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
Page 6 of 8
Last revised: April 2, 2013
4.
TRAINING ENVIRONMENT - Maximum 20 points
Coach international success
Coaches will be assigned a score according to one of the following categories if applicable.
Only the athlete’s PRIMARY COACH will be considered.
Primary Coach is defined as the coach writing the YTP, working in the daily training environment on an ongoing basis
Points are not cumulative (meaning only the highest applicable category will be scored for each individual).
CATEGORY ONE
20 POINTS
Was the Primary Coach who prepared an athlete that achieved a top 8 result (and top ½ of the
field) at IAAF World Championships (Senior outdoor) or Olympic Games
CATEGORY TWO
15 POINTS
Was the Primary Coach who prepared an athlete that achieved a top 24 individual result (and top ½ of
the field) at IAAF World Championships (Senior outdoor) or Olympic Games
CATEGORY THREE
10 POINTS
Was the Primary Coach who prepared an athlete to compete on a Senior ‘A’ Team (Worlds, Olympics,
CWG, PAG) or an athlete that finished top 8 on World Junior/Youth or Summer Universiade
CATEGORY FOUR
5 POINT
Was the Primary Coach who prepared an athlete to compete on a Development track and field team
(ie.World Junior, World Youth, NACAC U-23, Summer Universiade, etc.)
OVERALL CALCULATION
PERFORMANCE
PERSONAL BEST
+
+
PLACING
ENVIRONMENT
+
TOTAL
=
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
Page 7 of 8
Last revised: April 2, 2013
Appendix 4 – Application Form
This form must be completed in its entirety (including coach and athlete signatures) and submitted to AC on or before
September 30, 2013. The completed form may be sent by courier or by post to the AC office or may be submitted
electronically to [email protected]
GENERAL INFORMATION
ATHLETE INFORMATION
Full Name
Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy)
Gender
Email Address
Primary Phone #
Cell Phone #
Permanent Address
(street)
(city)
(province)
(postal code)
(country)
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCE
Event Discipline
Result (time / distance)
Date of PB
Location / Event of PB
PRIMARY COACH INFORMATION
Full Name
Email Address
Primary Phone #
Provincial Branch
Club Name
COACH PERFORMANCE HISTORY (attach additional pages / resume if necessary)
National Team Athlete Name
Year
Athlete Signature / Date
Name of Competition
Event
Result
Coach Signature / Date
Athletics Canada – Selection Criteria
2013 - 2014 Athlete Assistance Program (AAP)
Page 8 of 8
Last revised: April 2, 2013