SOCHI 2014 PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES SCHEDULE B PARALYMPIC SELECTION CRITERIA SLEDGE HOCKEY

Transcription

1 SOCHI 2014 PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES SCHEDULE B PARALYMPIC SELECTION CRITERIA SLEDGE HOCKEY SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Schedule B of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)/Hockey Canada (HC) selection agreement represents the internal nomination procedures of HC. These criteria, along with Schedule A and Schedule C, set forth the method by which HC will determine its Paralympic Team nominations for submission to the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Therefore, if HC s Sledge Hockey Team qualifies for entry in the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games in accordance with International Federation (IF) rules and regulations as outlined in Schedule C, athletes nominated by HC to the CPC for membership on the 2014 Canadian Paralympic Team must be those who: i. Have met the Paralympic Selection Criteria in Schedule A AND ii. Qualify for nomination in accordance with Section 2 of Schedule B entitled HOCKEY CANADA INTERNAL NOMINATION PROCEDURES. 1.2 HC may nominate to the CPC up to the maximum number of athletes permitted by Paralympic entry regulations in each event, and overall, subject to points 1.1 i and ii above. 1.3 The final qualification date is April 20, Paralympic team nominations must be submitted to the CPC no later than January 27, Once the CPC accepts those athletes nominated by HC according to 1.1 i and ii above, it is up to the sport to finalize the active roster for each game on-site at the Sochi Paralympic Games, (see Section III below). 1.5 HC, in collaboration with the CPC, may produce an addendum to Schedule B to clarify the terms of Schedule B or to address other issues which may have been overlooked initially or have unexpectedly arisen. However, only in the event that both CPC and HC agree on a change will any change be made to Schedule B. Athletes will be informed by HC of any changes made to Schedule B. SECTION 2 HOCKEY CANADA INTERNAL NOMINATION PROCEDURES - 1 -

2 2.1 Should HC qualify a Sledge Hockey Team through the provisions of Schedules A and C to nominate a team for entry to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, HC will nominate the number of athletes up to, but not exceeding, the maximum number of athletes permitted by Paralympic entry regulations to the CPC. 2.2 Once HC has qualified to nominate a team to the CPC, HC will select the individual athletes to be nominated through the following HC procedures: Nomination and Selection Process The selection process for the National Sledge Hockey Team (NST) is an ongoing process throughout the first part of the season. i) Selection Camp (August 2013) Selection Camp will be a 3-4 day camp, held in Toronto ON 30 athletes will be invited. The entire roster (17 athletes) is invited including those athletes on the roster who did not participate at the 2013 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship in Seoul, South Korea. The remaining 13 athletes are invited based upon input from HC s network of scouts attending National Development Sledge Hockey Team events and other major provincial and club level competitions across Canada throughout the season. The camp will consist of the following components: a) Off-ice fitness testing as per NST standards b) On-ice fitness testing as per NST standards c) On-ice drills and technical evaluation as per NST standards d) Minimum of 2 intra-squad (Red vs. White) games e) Possible addition of off-ice team activity to gauge intangible attributes of players for season. One on one interviews to take place between coaching staff and each of 30 athletes to provide evaluation. 18 players will travel to Sochi for the Sochi Test Event immediately following Selection Camp. These athletes will be predetermined in advance of the trip due to logistical (visa & travel) reasons. ii) October Training & Evaluation Camp (October 2013) athletes will be invited to this camp based on evaluation at Selection Camp The camp will consist of the following components: a) Off-ice fitness testing as per NST standards b) On-ice fitness testing as per NST standards c) On-ice drills, technical evaluation and competition activities as per NST standards d) Possible addition of off-ice team activity to gauge intangible attributes of players for season. One on one interviews to take place between coaching staff and each of athletes to provide evaluation

3 Invitations to the World Sledge Hockey Challenge will be released following this camp athletes will be invited to that event in December in Toronto, ON. iii) World Sledge Hockey Challenge (December 2013) athletes will be invited to this camp based on evaluation at Selection Camp and October Camp This event will be a 4-5 team event featuring the best sledge hockey teams in the world. Evaluations will take place based on game performance as per NST standards. Practice sessions during the tournament will include the following: a) On-ice drills, technical evaluation and competition activities as per NST standards b) Possible addition of off-ice team activity to gauge intangible attributes of players for season. One on one interviews to take place between coaching staff and each of athletes to provide evaluation. Invitations to January Exhibition Series vs. USA to be sent following the conclusion of this event. iv) Exhibition Series vs. USA January 5-12, athletes to be invited to this camp based on evaluation at previous events in Final roster decisions to be made at the conclusion of this event and communicated and announced by January 31, v) Training Camps, January and February 2014 Calgary AB Only Sochi roster to attend these events as naming date will have taken place previously, with the exception of replacements for injured players or those otherwise unable to attend. vi) Sochi 2014 Paralympic Roster Named (January-February 2014, exact date TBA) 17 player roster for 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games to be named based on evaluations from events named above. Sochi roster only to attend domestic and international events from naming date through to the Games Individual Technical/Tactical Player Evaluation The below traits for skaters and goaltenders are based on a Scale of Evaluation from 1-5 (See below). Each trait, or factor, is weighted evenly and scored according to the Scale of Evaluation. This evaluation is in comparison to the top players on the NST who compete successfully at the international level. i. Skaters a) Skating including but not limited to: ability to skate at the international level; ability to skate the game (timing and support); quickness, agility, acceleration, and speed in open ice; and power and strength on the sled

4 b) Individual Puck Skills including but not limited to: challenging opponents (1 vs. 1); puck handling (moving puck, protection, puck control, ability with speed); puck passing (accuracy, variety, receiving, ability with speed); shooting (accuracy, variety, strength and power, ability with speed); and ability to score goals. c) Team Puck Skills including but not limited to: ability to see and read the ice and opponents; ability to create options and make plays; ability to support teammates; ability to anticipate the puck; and puck control (courage, creativity, play making) d) Offensive Team Play including but not limited to: anticipation and support of plays; ability to read and react to the play (positioning, timing); puck control; and ability to play within team system in all three zones. e) Defensive Team Play including but not limited to: ability to read the play/rush (covering defensive zone); ability to play within their defensive zone; ability to provide defensive support; ability to defend 1 vs. 1 (effective use of sticks, steering and angling); ability to play transition game both ways; and ability to play within team system in all three zones. f) Physical Play including but not limited to: physically able to compete at an international level; ability to play a physical game; and level of fitness (consistent performance over the course of a game or multiple games). g) Intangible Attributes including but not limited to: ability to play with intensity (work ethic on and off the ice); ability to control emotions (performance under pressure); and show determination and extra effort. ii. Goaltenders a) Skating/Agility including but not limited to: balance, coordination, strength, speed, post-to-post movement, and recovery. b) Angle Play including but not limited to: ability to challenge opponents at appropriate times; awareness of position within net; and knowledge to be square to the shooter. c) Puck Control including but not limited to: ability to effectively clear the puck; ability to execute strong and accurate passes to teammates; and ability to set-up for defense. d) Rebound Control/Saves including but not limited to: blocking shots (with gloves and sticks); poke checking; save selections. e) Read and React including but not limited to: ability to read an attack and be aware of the depth of the attack; and ability to slow or stop a play. f) Communication including but not limited to: verbal cues and communication with forward and defence; and use of appropriate verbal calls/commands. g) Physical Fitness including but not limited to: stamina, strength, flexibility, speed/quickness, ability to play multiple games in succession. h) Attitude/Coachability including but not limited to: listens well to instructions and interested in learning and improving; attempts to - 4 -

5 perform to best of one s own ability; is respectful and responsive; and takes initiative to coaching directives. i) Intangibles including but not limited to: concentration, focus, intensity, discipline, courage, emotional control, supportive and constructive with teammates, mental preparation and strength, team-oriented attitude, positive and enthusiastic, demonstrates confidence and leadership. j) Consistency including but not limited to: ability to rebound from disappointing games/situations; ability to consistently perform while playing on road trips; ability to consistently win games; ability to keep the team in a game long enough for a chance to win; demonstrates success in shootout situations; and ability to steal a game (i.e. win a game in which the team is outshot by at least 10 shots on net and the goalie has a save % age greater than 90%) Intangibles and Attitudes Each trait, or factor, is weighted evenly and scored according to the Scale of Evaluation (see below). i. General Traits Use of Please and Thank you, finds solutions vs. making excuses, accountability takes responsibility for actions, aware of surroundings cleans up after self, recognizes help is needed and assists accordingly, enjoyable person to be around, sense of humor, pays attention to details, lives in the moment and appreciates/makes the most of the opportunities afforded him, eliminates selfish attitudes from his personality. ii. Communication Asks questions when unsure, looks people in the eye when talking with them, is able to carry on a general conversation when engaged, engages others to talk, will try to involve everyone in conversation within a group setting and will not become the centre of attention, communicates in a regular tone not a loud voice that again invites a centre of attention situation, able to communicate for themselves not through others; does not gossip. iii. Competitiveness/Determination/Drive/Intensity Constant desire to excel in all situations, never give up attitude, competes at everything all of the time, shows proverbial fire and size of heart, consistent commitment to excellence, plays hard within the rules, is willing to take risks while enjoying oneself, enjoys being in the situation. iv. Work Ethic Consistently strong work ethic in all activities, works hard when no one is watching, hustles, does not cut corners, does not look for an easy way out, challenges oneself, willingness to work outside comfort zone, aggressive but composed, works hard but has fun. v. Coachability Listens to instructions, receives feedback openly, seeks clarity and executes a change of behavior to the best of their ability, personally responsible for own performance, asks questions, admits errors, responds constructively to obstacles/challenges, respects coaching - 5 -

6 vi. vii. viii. ix. decisions publicly while understanding how to question decisions privately, recognizes the importance of the small details and how it can be the difference between reaching a goal or not. Mental Toughness Not easily discouraged, rebounds from errors/poor performance, performs well under pressure, good emotional control-uses emotions in a constructive, positive manner, consistency of toughness, ability to remain focused on the task at hand, not easily distracted, takes responsibility for their own confidence. Discipline Respects deadlines (i.e. being on time, replying to requests), controls temper, consistent support of team expectations & guidelines, consistency towards the Team s goals, recognizes the importance of proper treatment of injuries and follows guidance given from medical team, follows good nutrition guidelines, makes sure to be well rested, makes good decisions which support their priorities, is not a high maintenance individual. Reliable Team Player Displays selflessness (i.e. puts team before self), remains positive, will accept & execute role provided to them, helps teammates understand directions, supportive and constructive with teammates, displays sportsmanship, balanced ego, a real person, is not a distraction to the team. Leadership Leads by example, encourages others, respected by teammates, mature, displays an in charge attitude, enthusiastic, recognizes that cliques within a team are detrimental to team performance and works hard to get to know everyone, works to make everyone feeling included, values everyone within a group Scale of Evaluation (1-5) Score of 5 - An excellent elite-level performance. Player executes effectively at position and within role on team. Clearly outperforms counterparts at same position on opposing team. Player has had a lasting dominant effect throughout the game. Player can definitely play and impact at the NST international level. Score of 4 - An above average performance. Good plays and decisions clearly out-number poor ones. Factors not allowing performance to be (5) might include: playing time lost to game circumstances; slight skill deficiency compared to a (5); slight inconsistency in terms of effort, grittiness, lapse in discipline or emotional control as examples. Player can definitely play at this level with the only limitation being depth at a similar position. Score of 3 - An average performance; requires more observation. Player made their share of mistakes/poor decisions but was countered by an equal number of good plays/decisions. Factors within the game may have inhibited achieving a satisfactory evaluation on this player. Player warrants consideration as a candidate for this level. Score of 2 - A below average performance. Bad plays/decisions out-number good ones. Player may have lacked effort and hustle and made errors costly to the team. Attitude, behaviors, and performances are questionable

7 Physical and mental components were deficient and below average. Player shows some potential but has definite limitations which would not allow them to play at this level. Score of 1 - Unacceptable performance. Well below acceptable standards. Not approaching level of contribution required or expected. Significant, noticeable deficiencies in all areas. The potential to play and contribute consistently at this level is questionable. 2.3 If an athlete who has been nominated to the team is injured, that athlete may be replaced, subject to IF and Paralympic regulations, by the next ranked individual athlete who has met all required selection criteria (Schedules A, B and C ). HC s team doctor will assess any injured athlete and determine if that individual is unable to compete. 2.4 Wildcard Provision. HC will only be eligible to apply for wildcard entries to the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games for those teams who have met all required selection criteria (Schedules A, B and C ) within the official Sochi Paralympic Winter Games qualification period established by the IPC-Ice Sledge Hockey program (IPC-ISH). 2.5 HC reserves the right to offer a nomination exemption to any athlete who is unable to meet the qualification criteria described in this document due to injury, illness, pregnancy or other exceptional circumstances. These circumstances must be clearly documented before the qualifying event in question and must be supported by a member of HC s medical team or by another HC approved equivalent before HC will submit the nomination for the consideration of the CPC High Performance Committee*. In addition, HC must submit supporting documentation with their nomination demonstrating: a) The athlete has been examined by HC medical team and cleared to return to competition b) The athlete will have sufficient preparatory time and a formalized training plan in order to be in peak competitive condition at the time of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games c) A summary of the past four years of the athlete(s) rankings and results, and the athlete(s) recent results during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games qualification period in order to demonstrate the probability that the athlete would have been capable of achieving all required Selection Criteria (Schedules A, B and C ) if not for the exceptional circumstances d) Any other supporting information deemed relevant by HC *The CPC High Performance Committee is the sole and final authority in determining if an exceptional nomination under this clause will be accepted SECTION 3 ENTRY AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES - 7 -

8 3.1 Once the final nomination list of HC is accepted by the CPC, all athletes will have equal status as qualified Paralympic Team members. 3.2 Athletes nominated in their respective events by HC to the CPC will be entered in those events at the Paralympic Games. Upon arriving on-site at the Games, HC Paralympic Coaches and the Team Leader will provide the final confirmation of athletes participation in each of their individual events and will make any required entry changes as required in the eventuality of unexpected circumstances. SECTION 4 ATHLETE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT All potential Paralympic Team members are required to read, sign and return the attached Athlete Acknowledgement and Acceptance form (Schedule D ) to HC. SECTION 5 APPEALS TO HOCKEY CANADA INTERNAL NOMINATION PROCEDURES Any dispute with regard to nomination of Paralympic Team members to the CPC will be pursued through HC s established appeal procedure outlined in the HC athlete agreement (attached)