USA Team Handball ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES 2013 IHF Continental Cup Junior Men March 15, 2013

Transcription

1 I. SELECTION SYSTEM USA Team Handball ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES 2013 IHF Continental Cup Junior Men March 15, 2013 A. Provide the minimum eligibility requirements for an athlete to be considered for nomination to the Team: 1. Citizenship: Athletes must be a citizen of the United States at the time of nomination and hold a valid U.S. passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the Junior Men IHF Continental Cup, Guatemala City, Guatemala, April 29- May 5, Minimum International Federation (IF) and/or Pan American Team Handball Federation (PAG only) standards for participation (if any): Athletes must be eligible under the rules of the International Handball Federation, see That includes being a citizen of the nation they represent and not having any imposed doping suspension in place at the time of the nomination. 3. Other requirements (if any): a. Athletes must be members of the USA Team Handball (USATH), in good standing understood as: i. having paid their individual dues and, ii. not in violation as defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and/or the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). B. Tryout Events: 1. Provide the event names, dates and location of all trials, events and camps to be used as part of the selection process. Observation and Evaluative Events: a IHF Trophy Tournament, and 2012 IHF Solidarity and Partille Cup in which one (1) or more of the Teams (including Youth National Team and Junior National Team) participate. 2. Provide event names, dates, locations and description of how athletes qualify for any preliminary or qualifying events or procedures that are prerequisites to attend any of the trials, events or camps listed above in I(B)(1), if any.

2 a. Ongoing Screening: From time to time, one (1) or more members of the Men s National Team Advisory Committee (MNTAC) will observe athletes at various events including but not limited to professional handball competitions and events, interscholastic and collegiate handball competitions and events, club or league handball events, and events coordinated and/or sanctioned by USA Team Handball. Observation by members of the MNTAC at such events is solely for the purpose of general scouting. Athletes identified through the ongoing screening process, who perform at the level competitive in the current international field, will be considered for placement in the Men s National Team (MNT) Pool. The MNTAC members present at an (Ongoing Screening Event) will submit a written report of their observations to the remaining members of the MNTAC. It has happened that dual citizen and exceptional athletes (exceptional by virtue of their current competition level, participation in a 1 st, 2 nd, or 3 rd division European League or by virtue of a physical/skill evaluation and referral), unknown to USATH will surface and will be contacted regarding their desire to be considered for the USA Team Handball MNT Pool and Team(s). In these circumstances, the athletes will be directed to participate in one of the events where they can be evaluated. If this is not possible, either a special tryout might be arranged, at a time and place mutually agreed upon, or supportive video materials may be requested from the candidate s recent (last six months) club competitions. Finally, coaches of those athletes seeking selection may be contacted for information related to those players advancement level in relation to selection criteria. b. Open Tryouts: not applicable C. Provide a comprehensive, step-by-step description of the method that explains how athletes will go through the selection process to become Team nominees (including maximum Team size). 1. Athlete Selection a. Determination of Athlete Selection Pool (Pool): An athlete must be a member of the Selection Pool at the time of selection to be eligible for nomination to the USA Team Handball Men s National Team, USA Team Handball Junior Men IHF Continental Cup Team (USATH Junior Men IHF CC Team). Athletes who are members of the Pool shall include the following: i. Athletes selected as a member of a USA Team Handball Men s National Team(s), during the quadrennial; ii. Athletes selected as a member of a USA Team Handball Men s National Team(s), during current quadrennial; iii. Athletes identified through the ongoing screening process 2

3 described in Section I(B)(2)(a) above, and selected for inclusion in the MNT Pool by the MNTAC, and iv. Athletes who applied for and were considered for selection to 2012 IHF Trophy Tournament v. Athletes who applied for selection to 2013 IHF Continental Cup Tournament Selection as a member of the Pool in the quadrennial does not guarantee selection to the Pool in other quadrenniums and does not guarantee that such athlete will be selected to participate in any USA Team Handball programs during the quadrennium, including those programs described in these selection procedures. Athletes may be added to the Pool throughout the quadrennium. b. Observation and Evaluation of Athletes. Written reports submitted by the coaching staff from 2012 IHF Trophy Tournament and 2012 Partille Cup will be used only for informational purposes and as reference during selection process. As indicated in these Selection Procedures, athletes may move into the MNT Pool throughout this process and not every member of the Pool will participate in each event. As a result, it is possible that each athlete being considered in selection for a Team may not have been observed and evaluated at the same Evaluative Events or as many Evaluative Events as other athletes also being considered for that particular Team. c. Selection of Athletes for National Teams Programs/Competitions Providing that the Team enters 2013 IHF Continental Cup, the MNTAC will meet by March 29, 2013, and select the USATH Junior Men Continental Cup Team comprising of up to 14 athletes and up to 6 alternates in accordance with the following protocol: The competition opportunity will be announced on USATH website. Interested players will have until March 22 to apply for consideration and have their coach(es) submit, an athlete evaluation form (Attachment A). During the review period the MNTAC may at its discretion: (01) contact respective coaches for more information about individual players, (02) request from individual players, especially new and not affiliated with any domestic recognized handball team/club, relevant video clips of their athletic activities within last 6 months, (03) request individual athletes to be evaluated, using the same evaluation form, by an independent regional club coaches, if those players live in relatively close proximity (2 hours driving distance) to a well established club/team. Roster for the listed Team will be made from those athletes who will be members of the MNT Pool at the time of the selection. 3

4 2. Selection Criteria. Athletes who had not participated in the event listed in I(B)(1)(b) are fully eligible for selection to the PAC team. The selections will be based upon the Selection Criteria, see Section I(C)(2), and include the cumulative written observations of the MNT coaching staff from 2012 past international competitions, listed in I(B)(1)(b) which occur prior to the selection of the Team. In selecting athletes to be members of the Teams, the MNTAC will consider information, such as observation and statistics of both objective and subjective nature that pertains to the criteria listed below in the categories of Offensive Performance, Defensive Performance, Goalkeeping Performance, Psychological Skills and Other Considerations (the Selection Criteria). In evaluating athletes, the MNTAC will use a standard evaluation document, listed below in the Attachment A, consistent in content with the Selection Criteria. The selection procedure of a team handball player has to concern itself with the individual s overall performance and her/his contribution to the performance of the team as a whole in interaction with the other players, coaches, and staff. a. Offensive Performance (Individual and Group/Team skills) b. Defensive Performance (Individual and Group/Team Skills) c. Goalkeeping Performance d. Psychological Skills e. Other Considerations: i. Physical Strength & Conditioning: Athletes must have muscular strength/endurance and conditioning, especially anaerobic endurance, speed and explosive power, to perform at the international level. ii. Teamwork and Leadership: Athletes must exhibit willingness to accept assigned roles that lead to team success. iii. Versatility: Offense/Defense: Athletes need to have acquired wide and balanced spectrum of skills to fulfill requirements of playing on multiple positions as needed. iv. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Athletes ought to demonstrate such traits as (01) using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with teammates and staff, (02) showing respect to all athletes, coaches, and support staff, (03) being enthusiastic, positive, dedicated to the sport, approachable, trustworthy. v. Organizational & Instructional Skills: Athletes should display, at minimum, the following abilities: (01) attentive listening, processing input/feedback from coaches, (02) active mental training aimed at enhancing learning and performance, (03) following staff s advice with regard to nutrition, fitness, individual technical/tactical development, (04) developing short and long term goals, (05) making necessary and timely adjustments during the practice/game to optimize his/her and team s performance. vi. Official game experience: Athletes should have some nominal quantitative domestic or international experience (the more games played the better) and showed that they competed on a comparable level to the competition they are 4

5 seeking selection. D. Provide the names of all committees/groups who oversee the selection process, including the names and titles of the current members. The MNTAC, which includes a minimum of 20% of athlete representation, is responsible for making all athlete selections for the Teams. The USATH Junior Men IHF CC Team is subject to final approval by USATH Board of Directors. Men s National Team Advisory Committee: Name Position 1. Javier Garcia Cuesta Senior NT Head Coach 2. TBA Junior NT Head Coach 3. David Thompson AAC Representative 4. Mariusz Wartalowicz Technical Director 5. Dave Gascon USATH HP Manager Any member of the selection committee that has possible conflict of interest must disclose it. If such conflict exists, the selection committee member must recuse him/herself from the committee discussions and voting. Further, the committee member should not otherwise influence other members of the committee in the nomination process. However, a committee member who recused him/herself but who has relevant and necessary information with respect to athlete performance, for example a national team coach or high performance director, may, if requested by the selection committee, provide such information to the committee so long as such information is provided in a fair and unbiased manner. II. DISCRETIONARY SELECTION (if applicable) A. Provide rationale for utilizing discretionary selection (if any): The sport of team handball is not a measured or timed event. In the selection of athletes who will compete together as a team, it is difficult to make selection decisions based solely upon objective criteria. The fact that various positions on the team (wing, backcourt, pivot, goalkeeper, defensive specialist) require different physical and mental attributes has to be considered. It is the belief of the MNTAC that considering the mix of Selection Criteria set out in Section I(C)(2), above, which includes subjective components in evaluation of performance ability and other listed considerations, will result in selection of the best athletes, who will work together as an effective team, to continue the success of this program. B. List the discretionary criteria and explain how they will be used (if any): See criteria listed above in Section I(C)(2). C. Discretionary Selection Committee 5

6 Provide the name of the committee that will be responsible for making discretionary selections, along with a complete list of the members currently serving on the committee and their titles: Men s National Team Advisory Committee, see Section I(D). III. REMOVAL OF ATHLETES A. USA Team Handball has jurisdiction over potential nominees. An athlete who is to be nominated to the Team by USA Team Handball may be removed as a nominee for any of the following reasons, as determined by USA Team Handball: a. Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to the USA Team Handball CEO. b. Injury or illness as certified by an approved USA Team Handball physician (or medical staff). If an athlete refuses verification of his/her illness or injury by an approved USA Team Handball physician (or medical staff), his/her injury will be assumed to be disabling and he/she may be removed. c. Violation of the USA Team Handball Code of Conduct (Attachment B). d. An athlete selected as a member of the Pool participates in the Pool at the discretion of the MNTAC may be recommended for removal from the Pool by the MNTAC for any action determined by the MNTAC to be detrimental to a Team, USA Team Handball or any USA Team Handball athlete, coach or staff. If an athlete is recommended for removal from the Pool, she will receive written notification of such removal. e. An athlete who is removed from the Team pursuant to this provision has the right to a hearing before being declared ineligible per USA Team Handball bylaws, Article 15 and the USOC bylaws, Section 9. B. An athlete may be removed as a nominee to the Team or from the Team at any time for violation of the PATHF or USADA anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures, as applicable. In such instances, the adjudication process will be managed through the United States Anti-Doping Agency. IV. REPLACEMENT OF ATHLETES A. Describe the process by which the replacement pool of athletes will be identified: When the MNTAC makes their final selection for the Team(s), they will name a number of athletes as replacement athletes. Replacement players will be members of the Player Pool as defined in Section I(C)(1)(a) and identified through the process outlined in Section I, and II. B. Describe how the replacement athlete(s) will be selected, should a vacancy occur: 6

7 Replacement athletes will be selected to replace a previously nominated athlete based on their position and overall need of the team. The selection shall be made based upon the Selection Criteria, see Section I(C)(2). C. Identify the group or committee that will be responsible for making athlete replacement determinations: 1. Group or committee who determines the replacement pool: Men s National Team Advisory Committee, see Section I(D). 2. Group or committee who determines a replacement to the Team: Men s National Team Advisory Committee, see Section I(D). The selection of the replacement athlete(s) is subject to final approval by USATH Board of Directors V. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS USA Team Handball will retain the approved Selection Procedures and all supporting documents, including scouting or evaluation forms, etc., and data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Junior Men IHF Continental Cup s last day of the competition. VI. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS The following documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of nomination to the USATH Junior Men 2013 IHF Continental Cup Team and are included as attachments: USA Team Handball athletes, as a condition of participation, must sign and abide by USATH Code of Conduct (Attachment B). VII. PUBLICITY/DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEDURES The Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published by USA Team Handball in the following locations: A. NGB/PSO Web site: B. NGB/PSO Official Publication (if any): Not Applicable C. Other: Not Applicable VIII. DATE OF NOMINATION 7

8 The Junior Men IHF Continental Cup Team will be nominated, including alternate,s and announced before or on March 31, IX. MANDATORY TRAINING AND/OR COMPETITION Specify the location, schedule and duration of mandatory training and/or competition: A mandatory training program may be created for the Team in preparation for the 2013 Junior Men IHF Continental Cup. Once the program is developed, the affected athletes will be informed no later than 21 days prior to each mandatory training, competition and event. Each member of a Team is expected to participate in the program of training developed and pay respective participation fee TBD/TBA. All requests for waivers from participation in mandatory events must be presented to the MNTAC in writing prior to the event. As soon as practical after receipt of the request, the MNTAC will review the request and approve or deny it. All waivers must be granted by the MNTAC in writing. The athlete understands fully and clearly that it is her responsibility to provide the MNTAC with written verification of any emergency, illness, or injury (illness or injury to be verified by the USATH approved physician selected by the athlete). Should verification of athlete injury or illness signed by the approved physician not be received by the MNTAC within five (5) business days of the initial written waiver request, the waiver request shall become null and void. The MNTAC will provide the athlete written approval or denial of the waiver request within five (5) business days of receiving verification, unless it is a time sensitive issue, in which case the decision will be made immediately. Any mandatory event missed during that time shall be deemed by USA Team Handball to have been missed without excuse. X. ANTI-DOPING REQUIREMENTS Athletes must adhere to all IHF, PATHF, and USADA anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. This includes participation in Out-of-Competition Testing as required by the IHF, PATHF, and USADA, as applicable. XI. DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION PROCEDURES The following committee/group (include names and titles) was responsible for creating these Selection Procedures: 1. Mariusz Wartalowicz Technical Director USATH 2. Matt Van Houten CEO USATH 3. David Thompson Athlete Representative USATH XII. NGB/PSO BYLAWS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES The USA Team Handball Bylaws and Grievance Procedures can be found at: 8

9 XIII. INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIMER These procedures are based on PATHF and/or International Handball Federation rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by PATHF and/or International Handball Federation rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USA Team Handball. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency. If any force of nature, or force majeure, should cause the altercation or cancellation of any of the selection events listed in this document, these selection procedures will be revised. XIV. ATHLETE OMBUDSMAN Athletes who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete that are not answered by USA Team Handball may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman, John W. Ruger, by: Phone: 1 (719) at john.ruger@usoc.org XV. NGB/PSO SIGNATURES I certify that I have read, understand and incorporated our IF and/or CF (PAG only), if applicable, standards/criteria into our Selection Procedures and that the information provided herein regarding Athlete Selection Procedures represents the method approved by USA Team Handball. Position Print Name Signature Date NGB/PSO President or Matt Van Houten CEO/Executive Director 3/15/13 Nat. Team Coach, Head Coach, or Nat. Program Director USOC Athletes Advisory Council Representative* Mariusz Wartalowicz (Technical Director) David Thompson (Athletes Representative) 3/15/13 3/15/13 *If USOC AAC Representative has delegated authority to the Alternate AAC Representative to sign the Selection Procedures, attach a letter from the AAC Representative indicating the reason he/she has delegated authority. *Signature by the AAC Representative constitutes that he/she has read and understands the Selection Procedures and certifies that the Selection Procedures submitted represent the method approved by the NGB/PSO. If the AAC Representative reads and does not agree with the Athlete Selection Procedures being submitted by the NGB/PSO, he/she may submit those reasons in writing to his/her Sport Partnerships Team or U.S. Paralympics representative. 9

10 Attachment A USA TEAM HANDBALL EVALUATION FORM (ATHLETE) Note: Scores used within this form are for informational purposes only. They are not weighted and do not constitute and ranking system for team selection. Evaluator: Date(s) of Evaluation: Event: Phone: Player Name / Phone / Date of Birth / Preferred Hand DOB Left Hand Right Hand Team / Coach Preferred Position Left-Wing Circle/Pivot Left-Back Center-Back Right-Back Right-Wing Goalie Height / Weight H: W: Individual Offensive Skills Rating Comments Ball Handling (pass/catch/dribble) Footwork /Positioning X Faking / Setting Picks X Throwing (Ground / Jump/ Situation) X 1-on-1 situations Passing (Goalkeeper) Short /Long X Individual Defensive Skills Rating Comments Footwork / Positioning 1-on-1 Blocking (court players) Checking / Intercepting Blocking (GK) High Shots (Goalkeeper) Blocking (GK) Mid Shots Blocking (GK) Low Shots Blocking (GK) Wing Shots Tactical Offensive Skills Rating Comments Decision: 1-on-1 to throw and/or pass Changing Positions / Crossing Attacking the Gaps / Creating Overload Court Vision and Anticipatory Skills Game Knowledge and Usage Interaction with neighbor/team Tactical Defensive Skills Rating Comments Give over/take over Court Vision and Anticipatory Skills Game Knowledge Interaction with neighbor/team Psychological Skills and Factors Rating Comments Motivation Self-confidence Handling pressure/defeats/victories Discipline / Attitude Other Factors Rating Comments Strength & Conditioning Teamwork & Leadership Versatility: Offense / Defense Communication & Interpersonal Skills a. responsibility & loyalty b. respect & trustworthiness c. non/verbal interaction Organizational & Instructional Skills Game Experience (last 12 moths) a. no. of domestic games played b. no. of international games played Total Points Final thoughts & recommendations Scale: 1/2=poor 3/4=weak/below average 5/6=average/competent 7/8=above average/solid/consistent 9/10=very good/excelling 10

11 Attachment B CODE OF CONDUCT Athlete Letter of Agreement I. CODE OF CONDUCT: A. The Basic Principle of Conduct Conduct yourself in a manner, before, during and after any activity, meeting, training or competition that you bring credit and honor to yourself, your teammates, USA Team Handball (USATH), the International Handball Federation (IHF), and the United States of America. B. Specific Principles of Conduct 1. Your behavior must always be up to the highest standards of good sportsmanship. 2. You will not engage in any conduct that is criminal under any laws applicable to you, including but not limited to laws governing the possession of drugs and alcohol, providing drugs to any person and of alcohol to minors. 3. You will not engage in any form of harassment such as sexual, verbal, physical (bullying, hazing), psychological, etc. 4. Athletes must attend all scheduled practices and competitions. The Coach must approve in writing any exceptions to this rule. If the Coach is unavailable, then written approval may be sought from the Assistant Coach or Team Leader. 5. Athletes are required to pursue all physical-conditioning activities as specified unless medically excused. 6. Athletes who require medical attention, physiotherapy or any special conditioning or rehabilitation program must do so without exception. Schedules will be worked out with the Coach and the medical staff. 7. Athletes and staff will be required, at times, to participate in clinics, exhibitions or demonstrations. 8. Whenever necessary, athletes and staff must help in moving or preparing the equipment (goals, weights, bleachers etc.), lining the court (tape, measurement, etc,) in preparation for travel, training or competition. The Coach or the Staff will give assignments. 9. Athletes and Staff must follow the rules established by various venues and organizations (gyms, Olympic Training Centers, training facilities, medical, etc.) when using/dealing with their facilities. 10. The Coach has the option to name the Team Captain or defer the nomination to the athletes. The Captain is the official liaison between the athletes and the Staff, including the Coach, Team Leader, the Manager, and the only athlete the IHF/PATHF permits to speak to the referees during the match. The Team Captain and the two most senior athletes (# of matches in international competition) will form an Athletes Team Committee that will be responsible for upholding disciplinary standards as established by USATH. II. TEAM RULES: A. Conditioning & Training 1. All conditioning, training and competition shall be directly or indirectly under the supervision of the Coach, who may delegate supervision authority to another member of the Staff or the Team Captain. 2. Every team member must be ready to train according to the planned schedule. In the case of being late, it is up to the Coach to determine if the athlete should be allowed to train or not. 3. Every effort must be made to complete any taping or therapy prior to the beginning of training. 4. Every team member must be mentally prepared for each training session and must mentally review each play, drill etc., so that in a match situation reaction become automatic and will not result in a 11

12 turnover due to hesitations and/or misunderstandings. 5. Any overt displays of displeasure or frustration will not be tolerated. If an outbreak occurs, the athlete will be asked to sit down or be dismissed from training. 6. An athlete must obtain permission from the Coach prior to the start of training, if they wish to leave prior to the end of training for personal matters (medical/dental or other urgent personal appointments). 7. Athletes must report injuries or sickness to the Coach immediately after they occur, and under all circumstances, not later than the end of training. 8. Athletes, staff, and coaches must wear only authorized equipment and team apparel as directed by USATH for pre-determined team activities, appearances, and other events. Personal performance equipment and clothing, as indicated on the USOC website, is allowed during competition(s), and can be worn at other occasions as long as it does not interfere with the above policy. 9. Athletes are responsible for maintaining the training uniforms and equipment in good order. Notify the Coach, Assistant Coach and/or Manager if a problem arises. B. Competition Rules 1. Standing at attention for both participating country's National Anthems is a must. Be respectful: TALKING OR HORSEPLAY WILL NOT BE TOLORATED. 2. Everyone must follow the pre-match protocol. 3. You are personally responsible for bringing the correct team uniforms. 4. During the match (on the court or on the bench) no one is allowed to talk to the Referees or the Table Officials. Only the Team Captain is allowed to talk to the Referees under circumstances permitted by the rules and if permitted by the Coach. 5. During the match (on the court or on the bench) everyone must follow the rules of the game and any misconduct or misbehavior deviating from those rules will not be tolerated. 6. In a game situation only words of encouragement are allowed. Any disagreement or criticism among player or between players and the Coach or staff must be worked out away from our competitors and the public during halftime or at the end of the match. 7. Spectators and players on the other team will be treated with respect at all times. After the match, line up in the middle of the court, shake hands with the other team members and appropriately acknowledge the spectators. C. Travel & In-Camp Rules 1. Punctuality is a must. 2. Following the Team s rules including by way of example, rules regarding curfew and team meetings/activities is required. 3. We will always travel as a group. 4. If necessary, athletes will assist the Coach and Staff driving to and from the airport, train station, bus terminal, etc. The Coach or Staff will give assignments. 5. During trips, team members must bring appropriate clothing for team receptions, team dinners and other similar occasions. For the Women s team, this means business casual or as decided by the Team Leader. Travel will be in team attire when available. 6. No one may depart a designated meeting place until the coaching staff confirms that everybody is present (boarding trains, planes, buses, etc). 7. Whenever you wish to temporarily separate from the group, in an airport, motel, bus terminal, gym etc., you must obtain permission to leave, let a staff member know where you are going and how long you will be away from the group. 8. The team enters and leaves restaurants and cafeterias as a group unless excused by the coaching staff. 9. When traveling in a bus, the first two seats on both sides will be reserved for the coaching staff, medical trainer and other officials. 10. When traveling in a bus with another team, we will use only one side of the bus leaving the other side for the other team. 12

13 11. When necessary, coaches will assign a specific piece of equipment to carry on a trip, you are responsible for it for the duration of the trip. 12. All team members are to assist with the loading of gear at airports, train stations, buses, hotels etc. 13. The coaching staff will make roommate assignments. Anyone that is not a member of the Team is not allowed in any of the delegation member s rooms. The Team Leader or the Coach must approve exceptions. 14. Team members are responsible for maintaining possession of their uniforms and travel clothing, and for keeping them in good condition. Trading USATH owned uniforms with other teams or anyone else is not allowed. 15. The drinking of alcohol is only permitted in moderation by those of legal age to drink in the US, after the final competition is completed or in situations deemed appropriate by the Team Leader. 16. Athletes will not use banned or illegal drugs or be a party to their use by another individual and they will abide by the rule/guidelines of the USADA Drug Testing Program. 17. Athletes must attend all meals and Team activities unless excused by the coaching staff. 18. Every team member is expected to be well groomed and neat at all times. D. Supplementary Rules 1. I agree to be filmed and photographed by the official photographer(s) and network(s) of USA Team Handball under conditions authorized by USA Team Handball and give event organizers and USA Team Handball the right to use my name, picture, likeness, and biographical information before, during and after the period of my participation in these activities to promote the activity in which I participate or to promote the success of the team on which I compete; in no event may USA Team Handball or the event organizers use or authorize the use of my name, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information for the purpose of trade, including any use in a manner that would imply an endorsement of any company, product, or service, without my written permission; 2. I will not use or authorize the use of photographs, films or videos of yourself in my USA Team Handball apparel or equipment or the use of the USA Team Handball logo for the purpose of trade, without the prior written consent of the USA Team Handball (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); III. USADA PROCEDURES 1. Agree to USADA Drug Testing and submit USADA paperwork within one week of receiving USADA packet. 2. The athlete must have their Athlete Location form up to date on a daily basis. 3. Players must be USADA compliant at all times. IV. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: 1. Any Team member who violates the Code of Conduct or Team rules is subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may range from a reprimand, dismissal from the current Team activity, or suspension from Team. In serious cases, the gender respective Selection Committee could suspend or remove the Team member from the Team. 2. The Team Leader and/or Coach will evaluate each violation and determine if and when the athlete(s) will be permitted to return to the Team activity. 3. If the Team is outside the United States, an athlete may be sent back home to the United States. In such case, an athlete and/or his parents, if an athlete is under 18, will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by the USATH. The official (s) that made the decision to suspend or remove must notify the athlete in writing, notify parents/guardians by any electronic means available ( , phone, fax) and send a written report to the USATH, which may decide on further action. 4. Any athlete may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman, by calling or ing John.Ruger@usoc.org for further information regarding your rights under this Code that are not answered by USA Team Handball. 13

14 Acknowledgment: I have carefully read and understand the USATH Code of Conduct, the Specific Principles of Conduct and Rules concerning training, competition, travel, USADA and team selection criteria. I agree to abide by these principles and the rules and any other requirements conveyed to me by authorized the USATH Officials and Coaching Staff. I understand that while the USATH hopes all national team pool members adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times, USATH mandates all members of the national team pools live up to the specific requirements of the Code from the moment they apply to be considered for selection to a USA national team, thru all activities and tournament competition, and all aspects of representation of the USA and the USATH, including post tournament and return activities until the team is dissolved and the athlete returns home. All members of each national team delegation will be held accountable for their individual behavior and failure to adhere to the Code may result in their immediate dismissal from the team and/or additional discipline per USATH bylaws, understanding that an Athlete has a right under Section 9 of the USOC Bylaws to a hearing before being declared ineligible. I will at all times attempt to adhere to the spirit of this Letter of Agreement. I will always be courteous to members of the press and try to create positive publicity for USATH and its teams. Athlete s Name: Please Print Name Athlete s Signature: Date: If under 18, Parent or Guardian: Please Print Name Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 14