Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB) ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT Provincial Team Policyspeedskatenb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Final-PT… · · 2014-11-18SSNB PTP - October 2014 ... Speed

SSNB PTP - October 2014 Final approved by ADC for 2014 – 15 season

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Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB)

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

Provincial Team Policy

January 10th 2012

to June 30th 2015


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Table of Contents Page

1.0 Introduction

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2.0 Terms and Definitions 2.1 Provincial Team Program 2.2 Eligibility 2.3 Age Groupings 2.4 Protocol 2.5 Sanctioned Events 2.6 Times

2.6.1 Incorrect Times 2.7 Quebec Qualifying Races 2.8 Ranking List Criteria 2.9 Standards 2.9.1 Funding Standards 2.9.2 Track Movement Standards 3.0 Provincial Team Events 3.1 Provincial Team 3.2 Provincial Team Camps 3.3 Canada East Championships 3.4 Quebec Provincial Events 3.5 Quebec Elite Events 3.6 Exceptions to the Rules 3.6.1 Out of Province Skaters 3.6.2 Illness and Injury 3.6.3 Demonstrating Fitness after Return from Illness or Injury 3.7 Junior and Senior National Team Selection Events 3.8 Long Track

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11

4.0 Provincial Team Support 4.1 Support - Provincial team 4.2 Support Allocated to Skaters

4.2.1 Individual Funding 4.2.2 Event Funding 4.2.3 Coaching Costs

12 12 13 13 14 14

5.0 Travel Planning

6.0 Conduct, Discipline and Appeals

Appendix A – Code of Conduct Appendix B – Discipline Policies Appendix C – Appeals Policy Appendix D – Exemptions

14 15 16 18 22 25


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1.0 Introduction to Speed Skating New Brunswick (SSNB) Provincial Team Program Speed Skate New Brunswick supports the long term development of athletes according developmentally appropriate programming. It endorses Speed Skate Canada’s ‘Cutting Edge’ Long-term Athlete Development Model and its ‘Racing on Skates’ Competition Review. Athletes pass through several stages of physical, cognitive & emotional development as they make their way from learning to walk, developing fundamental movement skills, agility, balance coordination then sport skills and so on. Some will take this base of physical literacy and combine it with a dedication and commitment to excel in sport, while others will participate for other reasons. All athletes are equally important and will hopefully continue to participate in the sport long after their physical skills peak. In New Brunswick, it is the club programs that take on the responsibility for recruiting and nurturing young athletes into the sport of speed skating. As athletes begin to mature, Speed Skate New Brunswick begins to compliment club programs by providing opportunities for committed skaters to come together to train. Sometimes this will be alongside other committed skaters from other provinces. SSNB will also provide assistance in the form of coaching and financial support for selected skaters to attend identified events. This document outlines the policies and guidelines that govern SSNB’s Provincial Team Program. The goals of the SSNB provincial team program are to provide our skaters with the opportunity to:

a) develop individual skating performance through exposure to advanced training and competition,

b) develop life skills for our skaters through the provision of positive leadership and experiences,

c) develop teams of New Brunswick skaters who individually and collectively meet their full potential, and

d) develop coaches, managers and officials through experience and training at provincial team events.

This document is intended to be a template for the direction of skaters within SSNB for the 4 year Canada Games cycle. SSNB-AD reserves the right to make changes based on unforeseen changes at the National Level, at the Provincial level as deemed appropriate to suit required changes in the SSNB Competitions kit development and on a yearly basis to standards as required.


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2.0 Terms and Definitions 2.1 Provincial Team Program The provincial team program includes all events supported by the athlete development committee (ADC) for the purpose of developing athletes to their highest potential, and those events for which SSNB is invited to send individuals or teams of athletes. Typically, events will include in-province training camps & out of Province LT Training Camps; also competitions such as: Quebec Short track or Canada Cup Long Track competitions, Canadian Championships and National Team Selection events. 2.2 Eligibility A skater must be registered with SSNB in that skating season to be eligible to participate in its provincial team program. In addition, skaters must reside in the province, or maintain a residence in the province (i.e. parent’s home) and be following a supervised speed skating training program at a recognized out of province club or training centre. 2.3 Age Groupings A skater’s national age group is determined by SSC based on his or her age on June 30th prior to the competition. SSNB will not provide Provincial Team activities before the Train to Train stage of development which is 11 for girls and 12 for boys. Groups are defined as follows: Train to Train: Boys aged 12, 13, 14 and 15 on June 30th prior to the start of the skating season, and Girls aged 11, 12, 13 and 14 on June 30th prior to the start of the skating season. Train to Compete: Junior B – Boys and Girls aged 15-16 on June 30th prior to the start of the skating season, and Junior A – Boys and Girls aged 17-18 on June 30th prior to the start of the skating season, Neo-Senior – Men and women aged 19-22 on June 30th prior to the start of the skating season 2.4 Protocol This is the official event results report issued by the chief recorder and provided by the event organizer. The protocol lists each skater’s time and position in each distance skated, as well as the overall points gained by the skater. The protocol is accepted as the “official” record for a properly sanctioned event. 2.5 Sanctioned Events A sanctioned event is an event that has gained the written sanction of a Provincial, Territorial, or other International Skating Union (ISU) member association. 2.6 Times A skater’s official time is that recorded in the event protocol. An event may use an electronic timing system or hand held timing, but must be a sanctioned event.


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Hand held times are accepted to be recorded as 0.2 seconds less than electronic times due to the timer’s delayed reaction to the starting signal. To standardize times for ranking purposes, 0.2 seconds is added to all hand held times. Hand held times achieved at sanctioned meets outside of New Brunswick may be used by skaters to achieve meet standards for out of province competitions. An exception to this rule is where the use of a hand held time displaces another qualified New Brunswick skater (Skater A) from said event, and, where adding the 0.2 seconds onto the hand held time would rank the skater behind Skater A. Skaters who attend non-provincial team events outside of the Atlantic region must send SSNB’s technical director & SSNB Statistician, a copy of the event protocol within two weeks of the competition if times are to be considered for ranking and event qualification purposes. 2.6.1 Incorrect Times The ADC has the power to investigate and strike from the record times recorded in official protocols. A notice of the intent to investigate a time recorded in a protocol must be provided to the effected skater within a week of the event. If the event takes place outside of the Atlantic region, ADC has one week from the receipt of the protocol to provide notice of intent. The ADC must be able to clearly demonstrate that a time has been recorded inaccurately or credited to the wrong skater for a time to be erased. The effected skater shall be provided with an opportunity to make his or her case for the time before the ADC and in person, if he or she wishes to do so. The skater may also concede the time in question and agree to its removal from the record by writing such to the ADC. 2.7 Quebec Qualifying Races (QQRs) QQRs are added to designated SSNB sanctioned meets, to provide an opportunity for Juvenile skaters to attain a qualifying standard for Quebec PROVINCIAL competitions in the next season. If those skaters have not yet achieved their standard too move up from the 100M track to the 111 M Track. The ADC recommends that QQRs (500M & 1000M races on a 111m track) be raced at specifically designated meets and only 2nd Year Juvenile Males (13) and 1st year Juvenile Female (12) skaters may skate QQR’s after Jan 1st, to get qualifying times for the next season. To qualify to skate a QQR, skaters must have achieved the SSNB combined time standard on the 100 M track. The standard is 211 seconds for Females & 204 seconds for males. This standard is a combined time of their 400m and 1500m on 100m TRACK. (Example: 400 and 1500 combined for females could be 44 sec & 2:47.00 (167 sec) and for males 42sec & 2:42.00 (162 sec).


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2.8 SSNB Ranking List Criteria SSNB shall maintain a ranking list of all competitive skaters aged 11 and older for girls and 12 and older for boys. The ranking list shall be published after the first Maritime Competition of the season and shall only consider events that take place from the time of the first Maritime competition to the completion of the Canada East or Canadian Championships each year, whichever comes later. Skaters will be ranked according to the following SSC Age criteria. Times obtained from competitions from outside the Maritimes must be sent to SSNB Technical Director within 2 weeks of the completion of the said competition. Girls (age as of June 30th, 2012) Skaters Ranked on best combined times after

the 1st Maritime competition of the year 11 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 12 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 13 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 14 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 15-16 (Junior B) 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track 17-18 (Junior A) 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track Neo Senior 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track Open 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track Boys (age as of June 30th, 2012) Ranked on 12 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 13 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 14 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 15 200 + 400m + 1500m total time on 100m track 15-16 (Junior B) 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track 17-18 (Junior A) 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track Neo Senior 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track Open 500m + 1000m + 1500m (total time) on 111m track 2.9 Standards A standard is a level of performance, expressed as a time, or a percentage of a National record, or other set measure. It is used to limit entry into an event to those of a certain ability for reasons of safety, to obtain a more closely competitive group, to limit the number of athletes available for such an event, and within New Brunswick, to provide athletes with a visible incentive to “strive for the bar”. 2.9.1 Funding Standards Given that SSNB has limited funding, the ADC may set Funding Standards for some events. In such cases, only athletes that attain the funding standards will be supported. 2.9.2 Standard for Movement from 100M track to 111M track Any skater who achieves a combination time of under 204 seconds skated on a 100m track, based on their best 400m time plus their 1500m times from the current racing season, can opt to skate subsequent competitions on the 111m track. Example: 42 + 2:42 (164 sec) = 204 seconds


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3.0 Provincial Team Events NOTE: Provincial Team communication is via e-mail and SSNB web site. Note: skaters wishing to be on the Provincial Team must follow the SSNB training program (At Minimum). If you are playing another sport, in the summer or fall, that conflicts with Provincial Team training, please contact the Provincial Coach [email protected] to help coordinate your specific training program 3.1 Provincial Team To participate at Provincial Team events, eligible skaters must have regular attendance at SSNB Training camps. The Athlete Development Committee may impose provincial camp attendance requirements as a condition of selection to provincial team events. If doing so, the Committee shall also have the power to grant exemptions. All exemptions must be asked for in advance and in writing. Each annual calendar will outline any attendance requirements. Exemptions are defined in Appendix D. 3.2 Provincial Team Camps Provincial training camps are designed to provide skaters with opportunities to learn about the provincial athlete development program, to gain exposure to advanced coaching methods and to experience a more competitive training environment than may be afforded at the Club level. Camps may include a combination of on-ice, off-ice and classroom sessions. The ADC will establish and publish the eligibility criteria for each camp dependent upon the potential capacity for each event and the goals of the particular camp. 3.3 Canada East Championships: The Canada East Short Track Championships are intended to be the focal point of athlete preparation for skaters in the Training to Train Stage of Development. The Training to Train Championships provide meaningful, high profile and developmentally appropriate end of season events which are a source of motivation and opportunity for recognition of the best developing skaters in Canada. These events will serve as primary introduction to national competitions where skaters represent New Brunswick in competition. The events raced at the Canada East focus on providing a positive learning environment which reinforces the training objectives for skaters in the Training to Train stage of development. Eligibility: • Skaters have participated in at least three sanctioned events including at least 2

events in New Brunswick. Two (2) of any of these three events must be between January 1st and the championships. (Those skaters who compete at the Canada Games are exempt from this requirement for that season)

• Skaters must, barring injury, illness or other extenuating circumstance complete 3 individual distances of a two day meet, or two distances in a one day meet for it to be counted as one of their sanctioned events.


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Selection • The provincial team for these events shall be selected using the SSNB ranking list

(100m TRACK TIMES ONLY) as described in section 2.8. • New Brunswick has 2 guaranteed positions per age group with the likelihood of 1

additional position and the possibility of 2 or 3 additional positions per age group. • The ranking list for each age group will be provided to Speed Skate Canada (SSC).

SSC will determine how many additional positions New Brunswick has in each age group based on the number of skaters entered by each province.

• New Brunswick skaters will be assigned positions using the ranking list starting from the first ranked skater and moving down until all eligible positions have been filled or there are no more NB skaters wishing to attend.

Standards of Entry • Speed Skate Canada has not established a minimum entry standard for the Canada

East competition. • Speed Skate New Brunswick has not established a minimum time standard for

selection to the team but recommends skaters talk with their club coach about attending if you are not at the funded level.

• Speed Skate New Brunswick has established minimum time criteria for funding athletes to attend the event. The purpose is three-fold. 1) Funding is limited

2) To provide parents with an indication of the level of performance required to be competitive at the event 3) To establish a bar that all skaters will strive over the season to surpass

Combined 200m + 400m + 1500m

Combined 200m + 400m + 1500m

11 Year old - Female 12 Year old - Male Total time in sec 247 time in sec 236

Example : 24 + 45 + 2.58.00 Example : 23 + 43 + 2.50.00 12 Year old - Female 13 Year old - Male

Total time in sec 239 time in sec 230 Ex : 23 + 44 + 2.52.00 Ex : 22 + 42 + 2.46.00 13 Year old - Female 14 Year old - Male

Total time in sec 232.5 time in sec 224 Ex : 22.5 + 43 + 2.47.00 Ex : 21 + 41 + 2.42.00

14 Year old - Female 15 Year old - Male

Total time in sec 229 time in sec 219 Ex : 22 + 42 + 2.45.00 Ex : 21 + 40 + 2.38.00


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3.4 Quebec Provincial East Events The Fédération de patinage de vitesse du Quebec (FPVQ) sanctions 4 Quebec Provincial East events each year to provide competition for its aspiring skaters. Age eligibility is 13 year old females and 14 year old males (as of June 30th of the start of the skating season) and older. It is the responsibility of the qualifying Skaters to notify SSNB ( Peter Steele) of their intention to attend an FPVQ Provincial Competition at least 2 weeks prior to the event. Eligibility The opportunity for New Brunswick skaters to participate in the event is now open to any number of skaters per category. However, New Brunswick skaters have no guarantee of being accepted into the event. Skaters will be notified if registration is refused due to registration limits into the event. Selection and Standards of Entry All skaters must achieve set standards( Combined 500 & 1000M times) to be eligible to participate in a FPVQ Provincial events. The standards are determined each year by the FPVQ. The standards must be attained 2 Mondays prior to the competition. Exceptions for times achieved the weekend prior to an FPVQ event can be made – But the registrant will likely have to pay a higher registration fee. For the first Quebec Provincial competition, last year’s times may be used at the discretion of the FPVQ and SSNB. FPVQ does not accept times from Calgary or Salt Lake City . SSNB does not fund skaters to the Defi “B” –just Defi “A”. FPVQ PROVINCIAL Standards FPVQ standards change each season and can be found on their website or by speaking to the provincial coach For all Quebec Provincial meets, Cut resistant skin suits OR under suits, Cut resistant socks to be worn on the outside of the skin suit & skate, safety eyewear with a strap and leather / cut resistant gloves are mandatory. All eyewear must have a full frame and a strap to hold them in place. ALL blade tips MUST be rounded to meet FPVQ Regulations (as round as a penny at both ends. 3.5 Quebec Elite Events Eligibility The Fédération de patinage de vitesse du Quebec sanctions 4 Quebec Elite events each year to provide competition for its fastest Junior and Senior aged skaters. These events allow limited participation from outside of Quebec (participation is with the approval of the FPVQ and depends on the numbers registered in each competition)


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Selection and Standards of Entry New Brunswick skaters are selected to the attend Elite meets based on the SSNB ranking list (using 500m + 1500m times) in the categories where the FPVQ permits NB to enter skaters. However, all skaters must achieve the set standards to be eligible to participate in a Quebec Elite event OR through FPVQ advancement criteria , set each year. . The standards must be attained 2 Mondays prior to the competition. A late registration may be accepted under certain circumstances , but a late registration penalty fee will be applied , if accepted. For the first two Quebec Elite competitions, last year’s times may be used at the discretion of the FPVQ. SSNB will register selected skaters for the Elite meets, providing that they meet the qualifying standards and are accepted by the FPVQ. Depending on the numbers accepted by the FPVQ - SSNB will send those with the better required combined times. FPVQ does not accept times from Calgary or Salt Lake City . FPVQ Elite Standards FPVQ standards change each season and can be found on their website or by speaking to the provincial coach For all Quebec Elite meets, cut resistant skin suits OR under suits, , Cut resistant socks to be worn on the outside of the skin suit & skate, safety eyewear and leather/ cut resistant gloves are mandatory. All eyewear must have a full frame and an elastic strap to hold them in place. ALL blade tips MUST be rounded to meet FPVQ Regulations (as round as a penny at both ends) 3.6 Exceptions to the Rules 3.6.1 Out of Province Skaters Must attend a minimum of four sanctioned meets, of which two must be between January 1st and the age group nationals. 3.6.2 Illness and Injury If a skater suffers a serious illness or injury that prevents them from participating in a provincial team out of province meet(s), or a sanctioned in-province meet(s) they may request to have one or more of these events count as part of their participation obligations by writing to the ADC and including supporting documentation such as doctor’s notes, etc. The ADC will decide whether or not to credit the skater with the event(s). A doctor’s note indicating that the athlete is fit to return to training and competition may also be requested.

3.6.3 Demonstrating Fitness after a Return from Injury or Illness If a skater is ranked in a qualifying position in their age category based on times and has achieved all necessary standards for the National or Regional event, but suffered a significant illness or injury that impedes training and performance in competitions leading


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up to the final qualifying meet of the season, the skater must prove their fitness. This may require a written doctor’s note clearing them to return to competition. In such a case, the Athlete Development Committee will notify the skater that they must enter the final qualifying meet of the year. The skater will be notified at least 10 days in advance of the meet. The skater must finish the meet in a qualifying position relative to his or her peers. i.e. if 3 NB 13 year old males skaters are eligible to attend the Canada East competition, the skater must finish in one of the top 3 places. Skaters will continue to be ranked by time. 3.7 Junior and Senior National Team Selection Events

Canadian Junior and Senior Team Short and Long Track selection events are governed by Speed Skate Canada and will have entry requirements. Important information regarding these events is available in the high performance bulletin that can be found on Speed Skate Canada’s web-site. SSNB will require their own time standards to receive any SSNB funding. While SSNB-AD does recognize that short track skating is much more than just skated times, we also acknowledge that by setting these funded standards that SSNB skaters will be within the skating level to be competitive at these National competitions. To be eligible for SSNB Funding the same eligibility rules in 3.3 apply for the 2nd SSC JR Trials in any given year. If you have any questions about attending these events, please contact Derrick MacLeod, High Performance coach for SSNB. Now that SSC will be hosting 2 JR events each season –SSNB has this progressive funding level beginning in the 2014 -15 season Female Male JR B 15 -16 ages - 304.0sec (48/ 1.39 / 2.37) 284 sec ( 45 / 1.34 / 2.25) JR A 17 – 19 ages 295.5sec (47.5/1.35/ 2.33) 272sec (43 / 1.30 / 2.19) 3.8 Long track

At present, there are no restrictions on the number of skaters that can attend Long Track competitions and therefore, no ranking list has been required. Some competitions do require standards to be attained for entry – i.e. Canada Cup events. SSNB supports participation in long track and funds identified events in the same manner as short track events. No individual support is provided to skaters who attend events where no performance standards are in place. The ADC may implement SSNB funding standards as needed for other Long track events throughout a particular season.


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Funding for Long track The Standard will be achieved when a skater meets their standards:

1. Within their age classification, and 2. Meets a standard from 1 of the 2 long distances, and 3. Meets a standard from 1 of the 2 short distances.

Example : JR B Skater (Male) skates 1 standard between his 500 , &1000M Requirements and Skates 1 standard between his 1500 & 3000M requirements will have met the requirement to be funded to a long track event as selected by SSNB AD Committee for the current season.

Female

T2T JR B 15 -16 JR A 17 - 18 Senior

CWG Distances

300m 32.00 X 500m 52.00 48.50 45.50 43.00 500 M - short 1000m 1.53.00 1.42.00 1.35.00 1.30.00 1000m - short 1500m 2.50.00 2.40.00 2.30.00 2.20.00 1500m - Long 3000m X- MS 5.40.00 5.20.00 5.00.00 3000m – Long

Male

T2T JR B 15 -16 JR A 17 - 18 Senior

300m 31.00 X X X 500m 50.00 45.00 42.00 40.00 500m - short

1000m 1.50.00 1.39.00 X X 1500m 2.45.00 2.30.00 2.15.00 2.10.00 1500m short 3000m X - MS 5.15.00 4.40.00 4.30.00 3000m - long 5000 M X 8.45.00 8.25.00 8.00.00 5000m – long 4.0 Provincial Team Support 4.1 SSNB allocates support for its provincial team program in a variety of ways. It supports the program through:

1. the time, energy and expense of the ADC to manage it, 2. the time, energy and expense of the association’s Technical Director and High

Performance coach 3. the support of assistant coaches and managers that support the program,

subsidization of costs, 4. direct funding of athletes.


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The Athlete Development Committee shall provide the board of SSNB with its proposed budget for the year. The board will consider the proposal and inform the Committee of the amount that it has to spend. The Committee will determine the best use of those resources based on the original budget and its established priorities. It shall have the flexibility to adjust the allocated funding within the budget to meet changing needs and priorities. Funding will be provided to help off-set the costs of skater participation in funded events according to the following guidelines. a) Events must be designated as ‘Funded Events’ by the ADC b) Skaters must be selected to the Provincial team based on the qualification criteria

defined in this guide. c) Skaters must meet any SSNB Funding Performance Standards. Given these criteria, support will be allocated by the following formula: 4.2 Support Allocated to Skaters 4.2.1 Individual Funding: [ NOTE: This level of funding is TENTATIVE until final AD Budget for season is approved by the SSNB Board of Directors] SSNB will normally support the cost of registration to Funded Competitions. SSNB will also fund accommodations in the amount of $40/competition night. In some cases, the ADC will also allocate funding for training and travel days, but this must be arranged by skaters and families well in advance of the competition with the SSNB -ADC . Example FPVQ Provincial - 2 nights’ accommodation @ $40.00/ night = $ 80.00 Quebec Registration Fee = $ 71.00 Individual Funding support $ 151.00 Junior Team Trials - 3 nights’ accommodation @$40/night = $ 120.00 Registration Fees = $ 100.00 Individual Funding support $ 220.00 When a skater resides in the same city as the event, or close enough that they decide to commute from home, no support shall be provided for accommodations. Should a skater register for an event and then have to withdraw for any reason, they shall be liable for any registration fees paid BY SSNB. If, at the time of the injury, a doctor’s letter stating the injury is provided and accepted by the hosting association and a refund is made to SSNB , then the skater will get the same amount in a refund from SSNB.


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In the event that a budget line item is not exhausted, the ADC shall have the discretion to reallocate the funds to other events. If the number of eligible skaters exceeds the available budget, the ADC may choose to reduce funding. 4.2.2 Event Funding: SSNB may support some events by contributing towards its overall costs. This may take the form of paying registration costs and contributing to coach, travel or accommodation costs, or some combination thereof. Example A budget of $500 could be set aside for a long track meet/camp. Funding will be used to pay coaching costs and the remainder to offset registration fees. Skaters will be responsible for their own accommodation costs and any outstanding travel, registration and coach costs. 4.2.3 Coach Costs: The Coaching Development Committee assigns coaches and funding for coaches to attend priority events. It is not always feasible or practical to send a coach to an event. In some cases, skaters will have to make their own coaching arrangements with the assistance of the technical director. Notes When expenses can be reasonably predicted in advance of an event, skaters will be required to provide payment (costs, less any funding for event) to SSNB prior to leaving. SSNB shall then pay for accommodations, registration and SSNB incurred travel costs. In some cases, SSNB may incur all costs of an event and then invoice Clubs for the amounts owed by individual skaters. 5.0 Travel Planning The ADC shall take the lead role in planning or coordinating the travel of Team New Brunswick to various events. The ADC has the option to:

A. Leave travel and accommodations arrangements as the responsibility of individual skaters/parents,

B. Coordinate travel and accommodations as a team or team groupings, or C. Arrange the travel and accommodations for the team as a whole.

The ADC may require all athletes to travel to events as a team and or to pay their share of pre-arranged transportation should they choose not to use it.


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6.0 Conduct, Discipline and Appeals Speed Skating in New Brunswick has a long and proud tradition. Not only has the sport achieved more than its fair share of success on the national and international stage, but New Brunswick skaters, coaches, parents and managers have prided themselves in their fair and sporting actions on and off the ice. All participants in SSNB Provincial Team Development Program (skaters, coaches, ADC members, managers and staff) are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and ethical conduct. All team members must abide by the SSNB Code of Conduct (Appendix A). Infractions of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with according to SSNB’s Discipline Policy (Appendix B). All team members are entitled to appeal sanctions in accordance with SSNB’s Appeals Procedure (Appendix C). Special Note: SSNB - ADC reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, as situations may change in the Speed Skating community. All Provincial team members will be notified of any significant changes, as soon as practically possible.


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Appendix A

Speed Skate New Brunswick

Code of Conduct

Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB) is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Further, SSNB supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Members of SSNB and participants in SSNB's programs and activities are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of SSNB. Conduct that violates these values may be subject to sanctions pursuant to SSNB's Discipline Policy. All organizers, coaches, officials, athletes, managers, volunteers, staff and members of SSNB have a responsibility to: 1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of members and participants of SSNB by:

• Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of gender, ethnic or racial origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability or economic status;

• Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, staff and members;

• Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct and practices;

• Ensuring that the rules of the sport, and the spirit of such rules are adhered to. 2. Abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco while participating at SSNB athletic events. 3. Take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages in social

situations associated with SSNB events. 4. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. 5. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment

or conduct, directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious.

6. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment;

7. Comply at all times with the Constitution, Bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of SSNB, as adopted and amended from time to time, including complying with any contracts or agreements executed with SSNB;


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In addition to the above, Coaches will have a responsibility to:

• Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of athletes;

• Avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes by communicating and cooperating with registered medical practitioners in their diagnosis, treatment and management;

• Educate athletes about the dangers of drugs and performance-enhancing substances; • Accept and promote athletes' personal goals and refer to other coaches and sports specialists as

opportunities arise; • Communicate and cooperate with the parents/guardians of athletes who are minors and involve

them in decisions pertaining to their child's development; • Consider the academic pressures placed on student-athletes and conduct practices and events in

a manner that supports academic success. Athletes who have been selected to a representative team of SSNB will have an additional responsibility to:

• Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, where such problems may limit the athlete's ability to train or compete;

• Participate in all competitions, events or projects to which the athlete has made a commitment; • Refrain from all use of alcohol and tobacco products. • Refrain from the use of crude, vulgar or inappropriate language, • Adhere to the conditions set out by the coaching staff for the event including but not limited to:

attendance at team meetings, abiding by any curfews and quiet time, meeting the team dress code and respecting team leadership.

Credits: Centre for Sport and Law


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Appendix B


Discipline Policies

Note: In this policy, "days" will mean total days irrespective of weekends or holidays.

1. PREAMBLE 1.1 Membership and participation in the activities of Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB) offer many benefits and privileges. At the same time members and participants are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations, including complying with the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour that is expected of members and participants, and those who fail to meet this standard may be subject to the disciplinary procedures set out in this policy. 2. APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY 2.1 This policy applies to all categories of members of SSNB and to all individuals participating in activities with or employed by SSNB. These include, but are not limited to athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, managers, volunteers, directors, officers and employees. 2.2 This policy applies to all discipline matters that may arise during the course of SSNB's business, activities and events, including but not limited to the office environment, competitions, practices, training camps, travel associated with competitive activities, and any meetings of staff, committees or the Board of Directors. 3. REPORTING AN INFRACTION 3.1 Any individual may report a disciplinary infraction to the President, or, in the absence of the President to the head of the delegation, using the Incident Report (attached). Incident reports must be submitted to the President/head of delegation. It will be at the sole discretion of the President/head of the delegation to determine if the infraction is best dealt with as a minor or a major infraction. Should the President or Head of Delegation be implicated in the Infraction Report or seen to be in a conflict of interest position, the Vice-President or Second-in-Command shall receive the report. 4. MINOR INFRACTIONS 4.1 Minor infractions are single incidents of misconduct that breach the Code of Conduct but generally do not result in harm to others or place others at serious risk. All disciplinary situations involving minor infractions will be dealt with by the appropriate person having authority over the individual involved: this person may include, but is not restricted to, a board member, committee member, volunteer, staff person, coach, organizer or manager. 4.2 Procedures for dealing with minor infractions will be informal as compared to those for major infractions, or repeated minor infractions, and will be determined at the discretion of the person having authority, provided the individual being disciplined is told the nature of the infraction. This policy will not prevent an appropriate person having authority from taking immediate, informal, corrective disciplinary action in response to behaviour that constitutes a minor infraction.


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4.3 Disciplinary sanctions for minor infractions may include the following: a) verbal or written reprimand; b) verbal or written apology; c) service or other voluntary contribution to the Association; d) suspension from the current activity or competition; e) any other similar sanction considered appropriate for the offence. 5. Major Infractions 5.1 Major infractions are instances of misconduct which violate the Code of Conduct and which result, or have the potential to result, in harm to other persons, to SSNB or to the sport of speed skating. 5.2 Repeated minor infractions may be considered to be a major infraction. An example could be several consecutive nights of noise after the designated evening quiet time. 5.3 If the incident is a major infraction, a hearing is required. The President/Head of Delegation will notify the individual alleged to have committed a major infraction of the matter as soon as possible, and will provide the individual with a copy of the Incident Report and a copy of this policy. 5.4 Major infractions occurring within competition may be dealt with immediately, if necessary, by the President or Head of the Delegation. The individual being disciplined will be told the nature of the infraction and will have an opportunity to provide information concerning the incident. In such situations, disciplinary sanctions will be for the duration of the competition only. Further sanctions may be applied but only after review of the matter in accordance with the procedures set out in this policy for major infractions. This review does not replace the appeal provisions of this policy. 6. INVESTIGATION 6.1 Depending on the nature and severity of the infraction, the Association may appoint an independent individual to conduct an investigation. If this is the case, the Investigator will carry out the investigation in a timely manner and at the conclusion of the investigation will submit a written report to the President. 7. DISCIPLINE PANEL 7.1 Within 7 days of receiving an Incident Report documenting a major infraction or of receiving the written report of the Investigator if an investigation was carried out, the President will appoint three individuals to serve as a Discipline Panel. The members of the Panel will select from themselves a Chairperson. None of the members of the discipline panel shall a conflict of interest in the outcome of the hearing or have bias in the matter. 7.2 The Discipline Panel will hold the hearing as soon as possible, but not more than 21 days after being appointed. 8. PRELIMINARY MEETING 8.1 The Panel may determine that the circumstances of the infraction warrant a preliminary meeting. The Panel may delegate to one of its members the authority to deal with these preliminary matters, which may include but are not limited to: a) date and location of the hearing; b) timelines for the exchange of documents; c) clarification of issues in the infraction; d) order and procedure of the hearing;


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e) evidence to be brought before the hearing; f) identification of any witnesses; or g) any other procedural matter which may assist in expediting the hearing. 9. HEARING 9.1 The Panel will govern the hearing as it sees fit, provided that: a) the individual being disciplined will be given 10 days written notice of the day, time and place of the hearing; b) the individual being disciplined will receive a copy of the Investigator's report, if an investigation was carried out; c) a quorum will be all three Panel members, and decisions will be by majority vote where the Chair carries a vote; d) the individual being disciplined may be accompanied by a representative; e) the individual being disciplined will have the right to present evidence and argument; f) the Investigator may participate in the hearing at the request of the Panel; g) the Panel may request that any witness be present at the hearing or submit written evidence in advance of the hearing; h) if the individual being disciplined chooses not to participate in the hearing, the hearing will nonetheless proceed; i) the hearing will be held in private; j) once appointed, the Panel will have the authority to abridge or extend timelines associated with any aspect of the hearing. 9.2 After hearing the matter, the Panel will determine whether or not the individual has breached the Code of Conduct and if so, the appropriate penalty to be imposed and any measures to mitigate the harm suffered by others as a result. The Panel's written decision, with reasons, will be distributed to all parties and to the President within 7 days of the conclusion of the hearing. 9.3 Where the individual acknowledges the facts of the incident, he or she may waive the hearing, in which case the Panel will determine the appropriate disciplinary sanction. The Panel may hold a hearing for the purpose of determining an appropriate sanction. 10. SANCTIONS 10.1 The Panel may apply the following disciplinary sanctions singly or in combination, for major infractions: a) written reprimand; b) removal of certain privileges of membership or employment; c) suspension from certain events which may include suspension from the current competition or from future teams or competitions; d) suspension from certain SSNB activities such as competing, coaching or judging for a designated period of time; e) suspension from employment with or without pay; f) suspension from all SSNB activities for a designated period of time; g) expulsion from membership; h) publication of the decision; i) other sanctions as may be considered appropriate for the offence.


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10.2 Unless the Panel decides otherwise, any disciplinary sanctions will commence immediately. Failure to comply with a sanctioned as determined by the Panel will result in automatic suspension of membership or participation in SSNB until such time as the sanction is complied with. 10.3 In applying sanctions, the Panel may have regard to the following aggravating or mitigating circumstances: a) the nature and severity of the infraction; b) the extent to which others have been harmed by the infraction; c) the cooperation of the individual being disciplined in the proceedings under this policy; d) whether the incident is a first offence or has occurred repeatedly; e) the individual's acknowledgment of responsibility, f) the individual's remorse and post-infraction conduct; g) the age, maturity or experience of the individual; h) whether the individual retaliated, where the incident involves harassment; and i) the individual's prospects for rehabilitation. 11. SERIOUS INFRACTIONS 11.1 SSNB may determine that the alleged infraction is of such seriousness as to warrant suspension of the individual pending the hearing and decision of the Panel. 12. CONFIDENTIALITY 12.1 Where the behaviour reported in an Incident Report may constitute harassment, or is of a similar sensitive nature, SSNB will keep all proceedings under this policy confidential, except where disclosure is directed by the Panel as part of a sanction, is required by law or is in the best interests of the public. 13. APPEALS PROCEDURE 13.1 Except where otherwise provided, the decision of the Panel may be appealed in accordance with the SSNB's Appeal Policy.


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Appendix C


Appeals Policy

PREAMBLE The purpose of this appeals policy is to enable disputes with members to be dealt with fairly, expeditiously and affordably, within Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB), without recourse to formal legal and court-like procedures. DEFINITIONS Days -- will mean total days, irrespective of weekends or holidays. Member -- refers to all categories of members in the SSNB, as well as to all individuals engaged in activities with or employed by the SSNB, including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, team managers, team captains, medical and paramedical personnel, administrators and employees (including contract personnel) Appellant -- refers to the member appealing a decision Respondent -- refers to the body whose decision is being appealed. SCOPE OF APPEAL Any member of SSNB who is affected by a decision of the Board of Directors, of any Committee of the Board of Directors, or of any body or individual who has been delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board of Directors, will have the right to appeal that decision, provided there are sufficient grounds for the appeal as set out in Section 5 of this policy. Examples of decisions that may be appealed are those relating to eligibility, carding, harassment, team selection and discipline. This policy will not apply to decisions relating to: a) Matters of employment; b) Infractions for doping offences, which are dealt with pursuant to the Canadian Policy on Doping in Sport and the Canadian Doping Control Regulations; c) The rules of speed skating, which may not be appealed; d) Discipline matter arising during events organized by entities other than SSNB, which are dealt with pursuant to the policies of these other entities; and e) Any decisions made under Sections 4 and 7 of this policy. TIMING OF APPEAL Members who wish to appeal a decision will have 21 days from the date on which they received notice of the decision, to submit in writing notice of their intention to appeal, grounds for the appeal and a summary of the evidence which supports these grounds, to the President of SSNB (the President). Any party wishing to initiate an appeal beyond the 21-day period must provide a written request stating reasons for an exemption to the requirement of Section 3. The decision to allow, or not allow an appeal outside the 21 day period will be at the sole discretion of the President, and may not be appealed. GROUNDS FOR APPEAL Not every decision may be appealed. A decision cannot be appealed, nor can an appeal be heard, on substantive grounds relating to the merits of the decision. Decisions may only be appealed, and appeals may only be heard, on procedural grounds. Procedural grounds are strictly limited to the Respondent:


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a) making a decision for which it did not have authority or jurisdiction as set out in SSNB's governing documents; b) failing to follow procedures as laid out in the bylaws or approved policies of SSNB; or c) making a decision that was influenced by bias. SCREENING OF APPEAL Within 5 days of receiving the notice and grounds of an appeal, the President will determine whether there are appropriate grounds for the appeal to proceed as set out in Section 5. In the absence of the President, a designate will perform this function. If the appeal is denied on the basis of insufficient grounds, the Appellant will be notified of this decision in writing, giving reasons. This decision is at the sole discretion of the President, or designate, and may not be appealed. APPEALS PANEL If the President, or designate, is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for an appeal, within 14 days of having received the original notice of appeal the President will establish an Appeals Panel (the "Panel") as follows: a) The Panel will be comprised of three individuals who will have no significant relationship with the affected parties, will have had no involvement with the decision being appealed, and will be free from any other actual or perceived bias or conflict. b) The Panel's members will select from themselves a Chairperson. PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE The Panel may determine that the circumstances of the appeal warrant a preliminary conference. The matters which may be considered at a preliminary conference include: a) format of the appeal (hearing by documentary evidence, oral hearing or a combination of both); b) timelines for exchange of documents; c) clarification of issues in dispute; d) clarification of evidence to be presented to the Panel; e) order and procedure of hearing; f) identification of witnesses; and g) any other procedural matter which may assist in expediting the appeal proceedings. The Panel may delegate to its Chairperson the authority to deal with these preliminary matters. PROCEDURE FOR THE HEARING Where the Panel has determined that the appeal will be held by way of oral hearing, the Panel will govern the hearing by such procedures as it deems appropriate, provided that: a) The hearing will be held within 21 days of the Panel's appointment. b) The Appellant and Respondent will be given 10 days written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. c) A quorum will be all three Panel members. d) Decisions will be by majority vote, where the Chairperson carries a vote. e) If the decision of the Panel may affect another party to the extent that the other party would have recourse to an appeal in their own right, that party will become a party to the appeal in question. f) Any of the parties may be accompanied by a representative or advisor, including legal counsel. g) The Panel may direct that any other person participate in the appeal.


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In order to keep costs to a reasonable level the Panel may conduct the appeal by means of a telephone conference. PROCEDURE FOR DOCUMENTARY APPEAL Where the Panel has determined that the appeal will be held by way of documentary submissions, it will govern the appeal by such procedures as it deems appropriate provided that: a) All parties are given a reasonable opportunity to provide written submissions to the Panel, to review written submissions of the other parties, and to provide written rebuttal and argument. b) The applicable principles and timelines set out in Section 11 are respected. EVIDENCE THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED As a general rule, the Panel will only consider evidence that was before the original decision-maker. At its discretion, the Panel may hear new evidence that is material and that was not available at the time of the original decision APPEAL DECISION Within 14 days of concluding the appeal, the Panel will issue its written decision, with reasons. In making its decision, the Panel will have no greater authority than that of the original decision-maker. The Panel may decide: a) To reject the appeal and confirm the decision being appealed; b) To uphold the appeal and refer the matter back to the initial decision-maker for a new decision; c) To uphold the appeal and vary the decision where it is found that an error occurred and such an error cannot be corrected by the original decision-maker for reason of lack of clear procedure, lack of time, or lack of neutrality; and d) To determine how costs of the appeal, excluding legal fees and legal disbursements of any of the parties, will be allocated, if at all. A copy of this decision will be provided to each of the parties and to the President. In extraordinary circumstances, the Panel may issue a verbal decision or a summary written decision, with reasons to follow, provided the written decision with reasons is rendered within the timelines specified in Section 15. TIMELINES If the circumstances of the dispute are such that this policy will not allow a timely appeal, or if the circumstances of the disputes are such the appeal cannot be concluded within the timelines dictated in this policy, the Panel may direct that these timelines be revised. LOCATION The appeal will take place in the location designated by the President, unless the Panel decides the appeal is to be held by way of telephone conference, or unless, at the specific request of a party, a different location is mandated by the Panel as a preliminary matter. FINAL AND BINDING The decision of the Panel will be final and binding on the parties and on all members of SSNB, subject only to the provisions of SSNB's policies relating to Alternative Dispute Resolution. Credit - Centre for Sport and Law


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Appendix D

General and Coach Exemptions

General Exemptions General exemptions can be requested for the following reasons:

• Illness or injury that prevents a skater from competing or full training, • Major family emergencies or serious illness / injury. • Attendance at an alternate sport specific speed skating events • Participation in a summer sport and have earned the right to compete in the Provincial or

national Championship. If a skater faces other exceptional circumstances, he/she can apply for a general exemption and a ruling will be provided by the Athlete development Committee. Exemptions must be requested in writing, preferably by e-mail, to your club representative and copied to the Chair of Athlete development. The ADC asks that exemptions be requested at least two weeks in advance or as soon as practically possible. This helps to provide ADC with time to respond to the request before the event. No exemption requests will be considered more than 14 days following an event. Coach Exemptions The Provincial Coach/Technical Director can recommend to the ADC Committee that individual skaters be granted an exemption where they feel it is in the skater’s best developmental interests (e.g. need to rest nagging injury, suffering from burn out, etc.).

Documents

Speed Skate New Brunswick (SSNB) ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT Provincial Team Policyspeedskatenb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Final-PT… · · 2014-11-18SSNB PTP - October 2014 ... Speed