CARDING NOMINATION CRITERIA FOR THE SPORT CANADA ATHLETE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2017 Carding Cycle. EQUESTRIAN Eventing

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1 CARDING NOMINATION CRITERIA FOR THE SPORT CANADA ATHLETE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2017 Carding Cycle EQUESTRIAN Eventing 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. The purpose of this document is to describe the criteria that applies to the three Olympic disciplines that Equestrian Canada (EC) will use for nominating athletes to Sport Canada s Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) for the 2017 carding cycle The purpose of the AAP is to identify and support Canadian athletes performing at or having the greatest potential to achieve the senior international (SR1/SR2) card performance The nomination of athletes to the AAP is the responsibility of EC. Sport Canada is responsible for the final approval of nominations to the AAP Equestrian sport is eligible for the full financial value ($324,000) of 18 cards at the senior level. The three Olympic disciplines (Dressage, Eventing and Jumping) are each allocated as four (4) Senior (SR1, SR2, SR or C1) Cards and three (3) Development (D) Cards. In addition, one (1) Development Card (D) will be for discretionary distribution by EC to one of the three Olympic disciplines. The Discretionary Card criteria can be found in Appendix 2 of this criteria Sport Canada will review the card quota for all sports after the 2016 Olympic/Paralympic Games, this may affect EC card quota. Any changes may impact the 2018 Carding Cycle criteria Reallocation of Funding Should a discipline have funding available that equals the equivalent of four or more months in carding funds. Those funds will be reallocated within the discipline to the next ranked eligible athlete/s nominated for carding. The first priority is to issue the funds to an eligible Senior Card (SR) athlete/s. If, however, there are not enough funds available for the Senior level, the funds will instead be issued to the next ranked eligible Development level athlete/s. This funding will be reallocated in the form of a partial card Should a discipline be unable to allocate the full financial value of its AAP Carding, those funds will be combined with funds from other disciplines that are also unable to allocate the full financial value of their AAP Carding for reallocation as outlined in the EC Discretionary AAP Carding Criteria (Appendix 2).

2 2. GENERAL INFORMATION 2.1. Sport Canada s general policies and procedures governing AAP can be found on the Sport Canada website at This includes all information pertaining to the establishment and application of criteria used by EC on the recommendations for the AAP Support under the AAP is only available to athletes who have executed a current Equestrian Canada Elite Athlete Agreement and who meet the criteria set out below There are a number of grounds for the withdrawal of funding from a Carded athlete. These include voluntary withdrawal, withdrawal due to lack of participation and withdrawal for violation of agreement. Detailed information concerning grounds for withdrawal of funding is contained in the Sport Canada AAP Policy and Procedures document In addition to the regular stipend, other forms of financial assistance may be available to Carded athletes through the AAP. These include tuition and supplementary supports. Athletes should refer to Section 8 of the Sport Canada AAP Policy and Procedures document for further information The 2017 carding cycle for Equestrian is from January 1st to December 31 st, The results for determining carding nominations must be achieved from December 1 st, 2015 to November 30 th, (qualifying period) 2.6. Once approved, athletes must sign and return to the EC office the annual Equestrian Canada Elite Athlete Agreement, AAP Application form, competitive program plan and complete the CCES online training courses in order for Sport Canada to release any funds.

3 3. ELIGIBILITY 3.1. To be eligible for AAP support the athlete must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and be eligible to represent Canada at major international competitions. 3.2 To be eligible for AAP support, the athlete must meet the conditions defined in Section 11 of this criteria. 3.3 If AAP support of an athlete is withdrawn during the carding cycle, the remaining support may be offered to the next eligible athlete, according to the conditions outlined in Section 1.5 Reallocation of Funding 4. PRIORITY OF NOMINATIONS 4.1. The annual funding allocations are prioritized as per the criteria below until all funding has been awarded. a) Athletes who meet the Senior international level card (SR1/SR2) criteria b) Athletes who meet injury requirements and were carded at the SR1/SR2 level the previous year c) Athletes who meet the Senior level card (SR/C1) criteria d) Athletes who meet injury requirements and were carded at the SR/C1 the previous year; e) Athletes who meet the Development level card (D) criteria f) Athletes who meet injury requirements and were carded at the D level the previous year; 5. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF YEARS OF AAP SUPPORT 5.1 Senior Cards An athlete at the Senior Card (SR/C1) level is expected to make progress in their results in order to maintain Senior Card status An athlete will only receive a Senior Card (SR/C1) for a maximum of 10 cumulative years unless they achieve the criteria described in section After six years of carding support at the Senior card level (SR/C1), the athlete will be required to meet specific performance benchmarks established by EC, in addition to meeting the SR/C1 criteria, in order to be eligible for an additional year (years 7-10) of carding at the SR/C1 card level Athletes who meet the Senior International card criteria (SR1/SR2) within 10 years of receiving

4 SR/C1 cards, may be eligible for additional years beyond the maximum of 10 years outlined in section Athletes are not guaranteed more than 10 years at the SR/C1 level and will only be nominated if EC is satisfied that the athlete is still demonstrating the ability to meet SR1/SR2 card standards. This must be demonstrated through objective measures and fulfillment of benchmark criteria established by EC in consultation with Sport Canada, in addition to the SR/C1 criteria Athletes who meet the Senior International card criteria (SR1/SR2) and maintain the Senior International Eligibility requirements will maintain their Senior International card (SR1/SR2) regardless of the number of years carded. 5.2 Development Cards An athlete is eligible to be carded for a maximum of five (5) cumulative years at the Development Card (D) level. During this time an athlete must demonstrate progression towards the Senior Card (SR/C1) level, based on performance benchmarks (competitive results) evaluated by EC Development Cards (D) cannot be allocated to an athlete previously carded at the Senior Card (C1, SR, SR1, SR2) level for more than two (2) years

5 6. INJURY CARD Injury cards may be available to athletes card at the SR1/SR2, SR/C1 and D levels the previous year who have failed to meet carding criteria strictly due to injury, illness or pregnancy under the following conditions; 6.1 The carded athlete has fulfilled all reasonable training and rehabilitation requirements aimed at a speedy return to full high performance training and competition during the period of his or her injury, illness or pregnancy or is continuing a rehabilitation program approved by EC; 6.2 In the view of EC, the carded athlete s failure to attain the applicable carding standards is strictly related to the injury, illness or pregnancy; 6.3 EC, based on its technical judgement and that of an EC team physician or equivalent, indicates in writing the expectation that the carded athlete will achieve at least the minimum standards required for carding during the upcoming carding period; 6.4 The carded athlete has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate his or her long-term commitment to high performance training and competition goals, as well as his or her intention to pursue full high performance training and competition throughout the carding period for which he or she wishes to be renewed despite not having met the carding criteria; The injury card policy is explained in Section 9 of the Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program Policies and Procedures. 7. ATHLETE/HORSE SEPARATION 7.1. A card is revocable during the carding cycle when an international level horse becomes unavailable for whatever reason for the remainder of the carding cycle. EC may recommend the withdrawal of the athlete s carded status to Sport Canada (see Section 9), if the athlete is unable to continue to train and follow a training program approved by EC with other international horses at the equivalent level An athlete who meets the criteria but does not have an international level horse at the time of nomination for the next carding cycle may be eligible to receive a card based on their previous performances and benchmarks. However, if awarded a card, they must present a competitive partnership within 90 days following the beginning of the new carding cycle with an international level horse based on performance benchmarks approved by EC. If a new partnership is not achieved within 90 days and/or the partnership does not meet the performance benchmarks specified at the beginning of the carding cycle, the card may be revoked and redistributed It is the responsibility of EC to take the appropriate action with the athlete and inform Sport Canada in a timely manner if a competitive partnerships cannot be achieved. In these cases Sport

6 Canada Policies and Procedures would apply regarding the nomination of the athlete for Replacement carding. 8. CARDED ATHLETES PROGRAM STANDARDS - MAINTENANCE OF ELIGIBILITY CARDED STATUS DURING THE CYCLE 8.1. In order to maintain AAP support carded athletes must: Attend all scheduled activities of the national team program invited to participate unless excused by the EC (eg, once invited an athlete must attend a camp, events or training sessions) For the Senior SR1/SR2/SR/C-1 carded athlete - must have an international level horse and have indicated a commitment to work within the national team program under the supervision of the Discipline Team Coach or designate and be actively competing at the international (FEI) competitions during the carding cycle and available to participate in Major Games/Championships if applicable For the Development carded athlete must have an international level horse and involved in a year round training program that is supervised and monitored by the Discipline Team Coach or designate and must be actively competing at the international competitions during the carding cycle. 8.2 Notwithstanding Sport Canada policy for special situations described in, Section 6 if a carded athlete is unable to enter into or maintain the terms of the EC Athlete Agreement, then Equestrian Canada can recommend to Sport Canada to initiate the process to de-card the athlete for the remainder of the carding cycle. 9. VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM CARDING If an athlete wishes to voluntarily withdrawal temporary or permanently from normal carded training or competition requirements, the usual rules for voluntary withdrawal from the AAP apply. The athlete will no longer be eligible for the monthly living and training allowance, but will be eligible, if qualified, for deferred tuition support or special-needs assistance. The Policy and Procedure for Athlete Withdrawal are outlined in Section 10 of the Sport Canada - Athlete Assistance Program Policies and Procedures. 10. APPEALS Appeals of EC s AAP nomination/re-nomination decision or of a EC s recommendation to withdraw carding may be pursued only through the EC s review process, which includes an application to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC). Appeals of AAP Decision made under Sport Canada s Athlete Assistance Program Policies and Procedures Section 6 (Application for and Approval of Cards) or Section 11 (Withdrawal of Carding Status) may be pursued through Section 13 of the AAP Policies, Procedures and Guidelines (

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8 APPENDIX 1 EQUESTRIAN - EVENTING SPECIFIC CARDING CRITERIA 11. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for nomination, the athlete must have an international horse and have confirmed a commitment to work within the national team program according to the conditions outlined in the Eventing High Performance Squad Criteria. The athlete must be actively competing at the international (FEI) level and following the training and competition program according to the conditions outlined in the Eventing High Performance Squad criteria. Failure to meet the agreed - to training or competition commitments may result in the recommendation for the withdrawal of the athlete carded status to Sport Canada. 12. INTERNATIONAL SENIOR CARDS (SR1/SR2) Athletes achieving the following results in events on the Olympic program will be eligible for nomination under Senior International criteria. In the team event On Olympic Games years (SR1/SR2) Top 8 and top ½ of field In the individual event Top 8 and top ½ of field. Counting a maximum of 3 entries/nation. In the team event In the individual event On World Championship years (SR1/SR2) Top 8 and top ½ of the field Top 8 and top ½ of the field. Counting a maximum of 3 entries/nation. For International Senior level card criteria achieved as a result of the team competition Athletes who are members of the team but do not complete the competition, may be eligible for nomination at the discretion of Equine Canada provided the athlete and horse as a combination achieved Senior national criteria during the qualifying period An Athlete who meets the International Senior Card criteria based on Olympic Games and World Championships/Equestrian Games (WEG) are usually eligible for two years of AAP support, with

9 the card for the first year referred to as an SR1 and the card for the second year referred to as an SR2. In all EC programs, the second year is subject to the athlete meeting the Senior National Card Criteria in order to maintain their carded status in year 2 (SR2) If there are fewer cards than athletes meeting the International Senior (SR1) Card criteria, the athletes with the highest placing at the Olympic Games/World Championships (depending on the year) will rank higher. 13. SENIOR CARDS (SR/C1) Senior National criteria as set by Equestrian Canada. Senior (SR/C1) Cards are awarded for one carding cycle (one year) Senior National cards are awarded to High Performance Squad athletes from the elite list on the basis of international results Senior Cards support athletes with the potential to reach International Senior Card status In order to be eligible for nomination at the SR/C1 level, an athlete must: Be member of the Canadian Eventing High Performance Squad And In combination with an international horse must have completed a CCI/CCIO/CH 4 or 3 star three day event and have achieved a FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirement as defined by current FEI regulations Prioritization Athletes will be ranked for AAP nomination based on their competition results in FEI CH/CCIO/CCI 4 star and CH/CCIO/CCI/CIC/CICO 3 star competitions during the qualifying period In determining the ranking of athletes Equine Canada will consider the following factors: Level of Competition Level of the competition result obtained CH CCI 4* CCI 3*/ CCIO3* CIC 3* 3*/CICO CCI 2*

10 Quality of the Performance Result Quality of the venue (x-country in terms of difficulty of questions, environmental conditions, physical and mental challenge of course; dressage relative to footing and tendencies of judges; show jumping relative to course layout and environmental factors) Frequency of Performance Results The number of times a performance result is obtained over the qualification period in any combination of levels of event competitions Consistency of Performance Results The consistency in specific performance areas, for example consistent high placements at CCI 3* events; consistent performances in difficult environmental settings (level of performance in challenging venues) Consistent Ability to Achieve Target Results Performance consistency in each of the three individual phases of competition relative to targeted result expectations (often in comparison to the winning score at an event or compared to scores expected for podium potential at World Equestrian Games or Olympic Games) Field Size The total number of competitors in a specific level of competition (a large lower level athlete/horse field may not be considered as performance significant as a smaller field consisting of an elite level of athlete/horse combinations) Field Quality The quality of other performance athlete/horse combinations in a competition field (see rational applied to Field Size) The factors, as presented in the matrix above, are considered on their individual merit, as well as through their combined merit (i.e. frequency of performances obtained relative to the quality and level of event). The above relates to the criteria for the Canadian Eventing High Performance Squad as well as to selection criteria for Olympic, Pan American and World Equestrian Games Subject to any remaining cards following the aforementioned prioritization, the value of these remaining cards will be redistributed into D cards by EC based on the criteria delineated in the Development Card criteria section (section 14 below). 14. DEVELOPMENT CARDS (D) Development criteria is set by Equestrian Canada. Development cards are awarded for one carding cycle (one year)

11 14.2. Development cards are awarded to Eventing High Performance Squad athletes on the basis of international results Development Cards are intended to support the developmental needs of younger athletes who clearly demonstrate the potential to achieve the Senior Card International Criteria but are not yet able to meet the Senior National Card Criteria In order to be eligible for nomination at the D Card level, an athlete must: Be a member of the Canadian Eventing High Performance Squad s National List. And Must have finished in the top half of starters a CH/CCIO/CCI 2 star three day event with a FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirement as defined by current FEI regulations OR completed a CIC/CICO 3* or CIC 3*- W with a FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirement as defined by current FEI regulations. Consideration may also be given to High Performance Squad members who have completed a CH/CCIO /CCI 3 or 4 star three day event Prioritization Athletes will be ranked for AAP nomination by Equine Canada. In determining the ranking of athletes Equine Canada will consider the following factors: Level of Competition Level of the competition result obtained CH CCI 4* CCI 3*/CCIO3* CIC 3*/CICO CCI 2* 3* Quality of the Performance Result Quality of the venue (x-country in terms of difficulty of questions, environmental conditions, physical and mental challenge of course; dressage relative to footing and tendencies of judges; show jumping relative to course layout and environmental factors) Frequency of Performance Results The number of times a performance result is obtained over the qualification period in any combination of levels of event competitions Consistency of Performance Results The consistency in specific performance areas, for example consistent high placements at CCI 3* events; consistent performances in difficult environmental settings (level of performance in challenging venues) Consistent Ability to Achieve Target Results Performance consistency in each of the three individual phases of competition relative to targeted result expectations (often in comparison to the winning score at an event or compared to scores expected for podium potential at World Equestrian Games or Olympic Games)

12 Field Size The total number of competitors in a specific level of competition (a large lower level athlete/horse field may not be considered as performance significant as a smaller field consisting of an elite level of athlete/horse combinations) Field Quality The quality of other performance athlete/horse combinations in a competition field (see rational applied to Field Size) The factors, as presented in the matrix above, are considered on their individual merit, as well as through their combined merit (i.e. frequency of performances obtained relative to the quality and level of event).the factors relates to the selection criteria for the Canadian Eventing High Performance Squad as well as to selection criteria for Olympic, Pan American and World Equestrian Games.

13 APPENDIX Equine Canada Discretionary AAP Carding Criteria There are three general types of Cards: International Senior (SR1/SR2) Cards; Senior (SR/C1) Cards; and Development (D) Cards. For the 2017 carding cycle it is anticipated that EC will be allocated the full financial value of 18 cards at the senior Olympic level, however, the annual funding allocations subject to change. The Olympic disciplines are responsible for establishing individual criteria for the distribution of their cards (awarded as senior or development cards) to the athletes per the Sport Canada Policy and Guidelines. The individual discipline criteria will determine which athlete is eligible to receive Athlete Assistance from Sport Canada. One Development card ($10,800) will be for discretionary distribution by Equestrian Canada. Consistent with previous years, it is the decision of Equestrian Canada to award the discretionary development card for the 2017 calendar year to the discipline that had the best team performance score at the 2016 Olympic Games (OG). The team performance score is calculated by taking the discipline s final team placing divided by the number of team entries at the OG. The scores are compared across a common denominator. The discipline with the lowest score after applying this formula earns the card. A discipline without a team entry does not earn a score. In the event of a tie in team performance scores, the discipline with the highest individual placing will earn the card. In the event that no discipline earns a team performance score, the discipline with the highest average individual placing will earn the card. Should the discipline to which the discretionary card is awarded be without an athlete qualified as per

14 their individual discipline criteria to receive the discretionary card, the discipline with the 2 nd best team performance score at the 2016 OG will be substituted followed by the discipline with the 3rd best team performance score if the 2 nd best team does not have a qualified athlete to receive the development card.

15 APPENDIX 3 Acronyms / definitions FEI - Fédération Equestre international the IF for equestrian sport Web site: CCI - Concours complet international - the FEI sanctioned international long format eventing competition CIC - Concours international combiné -- the FEI sanctioned international short format eventing competition CH - denotes a IF Championship such as Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Equestrian Games, North American Junior /Young Rider Championsips CCIO - denotes a Long format unofficial team competition CICO - denotes a Short format unofficial team competition Star levels All IF sanctioned eventing competitions are defined by four star levels from 1* (international entry level) to 4* (Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games level). Both 4* and 3* competitions are qualification opportunities for Olympics and Worlds Factors which contribute to the designation of a star level include but not limited to: maximum height and spread of the obstacles, distance of the cross country course, time allowed to complete the cross country course without penalty, types and placement of obstacles, technical questions in cross country and jumping tests (combinations of obstacles vs single obstacles), and technical movements required in the dressage test Star levels are subject to modification by the international federation