Athlete Selection Criteria for Skeleton SELECTION CRITERIA OVERVIEW

Transcription

1 Athlete Selection Criteria for Skeleton SELECTION CRITERIA OVERVIEW The USA Bobsled & Skeleton ( USBSF ) athlete selection process for the season encompasses a number of phases and events such as Combine Tests, National Push Championships and National Team Trials. Specific athlete selection is both qualitative and via discretionary selection by the Team Selection Committee. These Selection Procedures are broken into seven (7) headings that include: 1. Effective Dates; 2. USBSF Athlete Participant Eligibility; 3. National Team Qualification; 4. Competition Entries; 5. Equipment Allocation; 6. Regional Championships, 2013 National Championships; 7. Participation/Waivers/Committees. It is the goal and guiding principles of the USBSF to field the most competitive teams for international competition leading to future Olympic Games, and these procedures are designed to meet that goal. The following is an overview of the entire selection process that is covered in detail under each of the seven headings. Skeleton Athlete Flow Chart 1

2 1. EFFECTIVE DATES - The athlete selection process will commence in the summer of 2012 with Combine Testing, National Push Championships and National Team Trials, and will extend through the season. The following are proposed dates for each event Utah Olympic Park (UOP) Combine Tests and Push Camps in Park City, Utah ( Additional Combine Tests may be offered and will be published on the USBSF web-site ( Skeleton-Federation/Events.aspx) Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) Combine Tests in Lake Placid, NY ( Additional Combine Tests may be offered and will be published on the USBSF web-site ( Skeleton-Federation/Events.aspx) Combine Test and National Push Championships in Lake Placid, NY September 23-29, National Team Trials in Lake Placid, NY and Park City, UT October 2012 (dates TBA) Skeleton National Championships in Lake Placid, NY March 2013 (dates TBA) See Attachment A for the complete FIBT Competition Schedule. 2. USBSF ATHLETE PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY - In order to participate in a USBSF program all athletes: 2.1 Must be a member in good standing with the USBSF; 2.2 Must abide by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT) antidoping requirements; 2.3 Must meet all USOC, FIBT and USBSF eligibility requirements for representing the USA in international competition; 2.4 Must sign and return the USBSF Athlete Handbook; 2.5 Must have current official USBSF Combine Test results no earlier than May 1 st (announcements regarding test events and dates will be published on the USBSF website). 2.6 FIBT Rule Requirement for participation in the Senior World Championships, Continental Championships, World Cups and Intercontinental Cups: Participation is allowed only for athletes who have taken part in, and been ranked in, a minimum of five (5) F.I.B.T. competitions on a minimum of three (3) different tracks in the course of the previous 24 months. USOC Funding and Support: In order to be eligible to receive USOC/USBSF funding and support the minimum combine score of 650 Points must be achieved unless a waiver is granted. The combine must be complete by the start of the National Team Trials Races. Funding includes but is not limited to: a) Olympic Training Center (OTC) housing, b) USBSF/ORDA/UOP track fees, c) USBSF support/funding, d) USBSF owned sleds and runners, e) Coaching during national and international competitions. 3. NATIONAL TEAM CLASSIFICATION & QUALIFICATION a. The US National A Team is defined as skeleton athletes that are named to the team and compete on the FIBT World Cup (WC) tour. b. The US National B Team is defined as skeleton athletes that are named to the team and compete on the Intercontinental Cup (ICC) circuits. 2

3 c. The US National Development Team is defined as skeleton athletes that compete on the FIBT America s Cup (AC) and Europa Cup (EC) circuits. US National A & B Team and US National Development Team members wishing to compete in the WC, ICC, AC or EC tours must complete a Combine Test. Below are the specific details for each event. 3.1 Team & Race Allocation Based on the current FIBT world-ranking list, the quota of sleds to participate on the World Cup tour, for the U.S., during the season are: Men s Skeleton 3 sleds Women s Skeleton 2 sleds Based on the current FIBT world-ranking list, the quota of sleds to participate on the Intercontinental Cup tour, for the U.S., during the season are: Men s Skeleton 3 sleds Women s Skeleton 2 sleds 3.2 Combine Tests All athletes that wish to compete on the US National Team and be eligible to receive USOC funding must complete a Combine Test and have a minimum score of 650 points. Times, dates and locations of each Combine Test will be published on the USBSF website. 3.3 National Push Championships National Push Championships will take place in Lake Placid, NY in September This event includes a Combine Test, push training, US National Team Trials information and protocols, team meetings, criteria reviews, individual athlete meetings and the National Push Championships. Push training for the Championships will be September , Combine Tests will be given on September 24, 2012, and the Push Championship competition date is September 29, National Team Trials Races for Skeleton The 2012 National Team Trials will be held prior to the FIBT World Cup season. National Team Trials will rank and determine which athletes will be competing on the WC, ICC, EC and AC. World Cup athletes will have priority on the lower circuits, i.e. ICC, EC and AC, in the event a race or races are needed to help qualify that athlete for the World Championships. Results will be based on a series of two heat races with the maximum races being four (4) and the minimum races being two (2). The total number of races will be dependent on track time, weather and other external factors and will be announced as soon as possible The idea being to run a fair and open race series. If unforeseen circumstances occur (i.e. crash, runner damage, sled damage) a third run may be given by the Head Coach with the Race Jury s (acting FIBT approved officials, Track Official) and Assistant coaches input to substitute for a previous run. Unforeseen circumstances that include, but not limited to a crash, runner damage or sled damage will be subjective and will not automatically be granted. The ties will be broken with the single fastest heat. If there is still a tie, the fastest push time will break the tie. Athletes will be ranked in each discipline by combined points from all races in that discipline using the Swiss scoring system, which is outlined in Attachment B. National Team Trails Grouping - The National Team Trials will be two (2) to four (4) distinct races with grouping set up to ensure a fair selection for all. Group A - Will be for those athletes that have or may have - before the 1 st WC/ICC race - the five (5) international races - on three (3) different tracks - over 24 months - FIBT rule 4.5. (Athletes that fall under the may have must complete the requirements as self funded athletes funding for this is not budgeted). 3

4 Group B - Will be for those athletes who will not be able to achieve the five (5) international races - on three (3) different tracks - over 24 months - FIBT rule National Team Selection Bye Katie Uhlaender and Matt Antoine will receive byes for the season based on the bye criteria in the selection criteria. For the season, for a bye to be considered, an athlete must: A top four (4) finish at the 2013 World Championships A top four (4) finish on one of the World Championship or Olympic tracks in the season prior to the National Team Trials If a bye is granted for a season, no waivers onto the National Team will be considered. In all cases a bye does not exclude an athlete from team trials. The athlete has to maintain their preparation and training commitment as required by the Head Coach (to be evaluated by the Head Coach). Personal goals by each athlete have to be established and agreed upon by the Head Coach in order to receive the bye. 3.6 Skeleton Entry into the National Team Trials Races World Championship results by rank (men and women) The top ten (10) ranked US athletes (men and women) on the FIBT world ranking list as of the end of the World Cup/ICC, EC/AC season; and athletes who move into the top ten (10) AFTER the last World Cup as a result of the Lake Placid America s Cup Athletes who medalled in an official FIBT international competition during the calendar season (WC, ICC, EC, AC) The first place male/female finishers from each Regional Championship Up to three (3) more athletes per gender can be nominated by coach s discretion using Section 3.7 of the Emerging Elite Program The Head Coach and National Team Assistant Coaches along with the UOP Head Coach and ORDA Head Coach, may nominate more athletes to participate in the 2012 National Team Trials, with the limiting factor being available track time to conduct a fair and open Team Trials Race series. Number of athletes to enter the National Team Trials will be based on track availability. 3.7 Emerging Elite Program (EEP) The Emerging Elite Program is a development program designed to fast track new skeleton pilots so that they are prepared to compete and be competitive on the FIBT World Cup tour leading into the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Games. This program is subjective and budget dependent. The Head Coach will use their expertise to best select the athletes that meet the criteria. Emerging Elite Athlete - To be eligible to be selected by the Head Coach into the Emerging Elite Program, an athlete must meet the following criteria: Must show a commitment to the program and have shown investment in themselves; Must score at least 700 points on the Combine Test; Must have proven results from National Push Championships; Must demonstrate leadership skills by showing respect, integrity, and commitment to the sport; Must be endorsed by the Head Coach. Once an athlete is selected into the Emerging Elite Program, they will be ranked based upon the criteria above and may be eligible for specific opportunities that include, but are not limited to: equipment allocation, race and training opportunities, and funding support. Selected athletes in the Emerging Elite Program may have priority for selected ICC (Discretionary positions only), EC and AC competitions, as determined by the Head Coach. 4

5 4 COMPETITION ENTRIES 4.1 World Cup Selection for Men s Skeleton Team: Race Entry 1: USA 1 for the World Cup team will be Matt Antoine based on his bye from the selection criteria Race Entry 2: The second ranked athlete from US National Team Trials for men (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the World Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials Race Entry 3: The third ranked athlete from US National Team Trials for men (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the World Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials. 4.2 World Cup Selection for Women s Skeleton Team: Race Entry 1: USA 1 for the World Cup team will be Katie Uhlaender based on her bye from the selection criteria Race Entry 2: The second ranked athlete from US National Team Trials for women (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the World Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials. 4.3 Intercontinental Cup Selection for the Men s Skeleton Team: Race Entry 1: The fourth ranked skeleton athlete from US National Team Trials (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the Intercontinental Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials Race Entry 2: The fifth ranked skeleton athlete from US National Team Trials (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the Intercontinental Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials Race Entry 3: The sixth ranked skeleton athlete will to be nominated to the Intercontinental Cup team, by discretionary decision through the Team Selection Committee by the criteria below. This selection may be reserved for the Emerging Elite athletes that have qualified to compete at this level. 4.4 Intercontinental Cup Selection for the Women s Skeleton Team: Race Entry 1: The third ranked skeleton athlete from US National Team Trials (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the Intercontinental Cup team at the completion of National Team Trials Race Entry 2: The fourth ranked skeleton athlete will to be nominated to the Intercontinental Cup team, by discretionary decision through the Team Selection Committee by the criteria below. This selection may be reserved for the Emerging Elite athletes that have qualified to compete at this level. Discretionary Selection of Athletes: Athletes selected for ICC Race Entry #3 for men and ICC Race Entry #2 for women will be chosen by the Team Selection Committee using one or more of the discretion areas detailed below: 1. Have achieved world-class performances on the World Cup or at the World Championships. a. World Class performances are top 8 finishes in at least two (2) World Cups or a top 8 at the World Championships. 2. Athletes that meet the Injury/Illness Waiver Criteria below; 5

6 3. Athletes that meet the Emerging Elite Athlete standards in Section 3.7; If none of the three criteria are met, the Team Selection Committee will nominate the next ranked athlete from the National Team Trials onto the team st & 2 nd Half Review for World Cup Men s & Women s Teams: Men s and Women s World Cup athletes for second half of the season: Maintain a top-12 overall ranking or better in the FIBT standings by the conclusion of the first half of the season. Exceptions may be granted due to equipment failure, popping the start groove, etc If an athlete is ranked out of the top-12 (i.e. 13), the Head Coach reserves the right to select athletes based on the needs of the team to race on the World Cup circuit athletes that are moving up must have proven results on the ICC, EC or AC tours If a change of athlete is deemed appropriate based on the discretion of the Head Coach and the above performance standards, the Head Coach may submit his request to the Team Selection Committee for consideration. The Team Selection Committee will review the application and ratify the final decision. Logistical considerations will commence immediately upon approval Changes for the men s and women s team will be dependent on the costs, timing and logistics of making the change st & 2 nd Race Review for ICC Men s & Women s Teams: Men s and Women s ICC athletes for the season: Maintain a top-8 overall ranking or better in the ICC standings. Exceptions may be granted due to equipment failure, popping the start groove, etc If an athlete is ranked out of the top-8 (i.e. 9), the Head Coach and Head ICC coach reserves the right to select athletes based on the needs of the team to race on the ICC circuit athletes that are moving up must have proven results on their respective tour If a change of athlete is deemed appropriate based on the discretion of the Head Coach and the above performance standards, the Head Coach may submit his request to the Team Selection Committee for consideration. The Team Selection Committee will review the application and ratify the final decision. Logistical considerations will commence immediately upon approval Changes for the men s and women s team will be dependent on the costs, timing and logistics of making the change. 4.7 World Championship Skeleton Athlete Selection - Per FIBT rules, World Championship skeleton athletes qualify quota spots at the World Championships by nation based on the FIBT ranking list prior to the World Championships. The method of qualification can be found at (FIBT Rules 4.2) Race Entry 1: The top-ranked men and women s skeleton athlete on the FIBT world ranking list by the World Championship entry deadline will attend World Championships Race Entry 2: If another athlete (male and/or female) can be nominated to the World Championship Team, the next highest ranked athlete on the FIBT world ranking by the World Championship deadline will attend the World Championships Race Entry 3: If another athlete can be nominated to the World 6

7 Championship Team, the next athlete will be a discretionary decision by the Team Selection Committee Discretionary Selection of Athletes Criteria Athletes chosen for race entry #3 at the World Championships, provided they have qualified those positions, will be chosen by discretion using some or all of the following: Current FIBT Rank U.S. National Team Trials results; USBSF Combine Results; National Championship results Athletes that meet the Extreme Circumstances waiver or the Injury/Illness waiver - a. In extreme circumstances, a waiver into the third spot on the World Championship Team could be granted. b. If an athlete becomes ill or injured during, to include leading up to the season, and is unable to compete on the first half of the season, a waiver into the third spot on the World Championship team may be granted based on results achieved on the second half. c. Waivers will only be considered for athletes who have finished in the top-8 in at least two World Cup races during the current season ( ), and who s overall ranking was negatively affected. d. If one of these two waivers is not used, then the Head Coach will put the next ranked athlete from the FIBT World Cup rank list onto the team. 4.8 Europa Cup (EC) Selection The USA National Development Team is the team that will compete on Europa Cup tour Race Entry 1: The next ranked athletes, following the ICC selections, from the US National Team Trials for Men & Women (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the Europa Cup Team at the completion for the National Team Trials Race Entry 2: The next ranked athletes from the US National Team Trials for Men & Women (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be by discretionary decision through the Team Selection Committee by the discretionary criteria in Section America s Cup (AC) Selection - The USA National Development Team is the team that will compete on the America s Cup tour Race Entry 1: The next ranked Skeleton athletes, following the EC selections, from the US National Team Trials for Men and Women (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the America s Cup Team at the completion of the National Team Trials Race Entry 2: The next ranked Skeleton athletes from the US National Team Trials for Men and Women (by the Swiss point scoring system) will be named to the America s Cup Team at the completion of the National Team Trials. 7

8 4.9.3 Race Entry 3 & 4: The next ranked athletes from the US National Team Trials for Men and Women will to be nominated to the America s Cup Team, by discretionary decision through the Team Selection Committee by the criteria below America s Cup #8, March 19-26, For this event the athletes will be chosen by the USBSF Head Coach, ORDA Head Coach and UOP Head Coach based upon the following; 1. The international ranking needs of the team. 2. Results from the and season which include but not limited to; 2012 National Championships, Domestic Race Series, ICC, EC, AC races. 5.0 Discretionary Selection - For EC and AC races, for specific race entries, the USBSF Head Coach with the ORDA and UOP Head Coaches will use discretionary selection there is no applied order: Emerging Elite Pilot eligible athletes (Section 3.7) for the 2014 Olympic Games; U.S. National Team Trials results; USBSF Combine Results; and 2012 National Championship results , 2012 and 2013 USA Skeleton schools Any athlete that shows potential and the ability to compete at a high level.! 5.1 1st Half Review for EC Men s & Women s Teams: Men s and Women s EC athletes for the season:! Maintain a top-8 overall ranking or better in the EC standings. Exceptions may be granted due to equipment failure, popping the start groove, etc If an athlete is ranked out of the top-8 (i.e. 9), the Head Coach and EC coach reserves the right to select athletes based on the needs of the team to race on the EC circuit athletes that are moving up must have proven results If a change of athlete is deemed appropriate based on the discretion of the Head Coach and the above performance standards, the Head Coach may submit his request to the Team Selection Committee for consideration. The Team Selection Committee will review the application and ratify the final decision. Logistical considerations will commence immediately upon approval Changes for the men s and women s team will be dependent on the costs, timing and logistics of making the change.! 5.2 1st & 2nd Race Review for AC Men s & Women s Teams: Men s and Women s AC athletes for the season:! Maintain a top-3 overall ranking or better in the first two AC race standings. Exceptions may be granted due to equipment failure, popping the start groove, etc If an athlete is ranked out of the top- 3 (i.e. 4), the Head Coach and AC coach reserves the right to select athletes based on the needs of the team to race on the AC circuit athletes that are moving up must have proven results If a change of athlete is deemed appropriate based on the discretion of the Head Coach and the above performance standards, the Head Coach may submit his request to the Team Selection Committee for consideration. The Team Selection Committee will review the application and ratify the final decision. Logistical considerations will commence immediately upon approval.! Changes for the men s and women s team will be dependent on the costs, timing and logistics of making the change. 8

9 EQUIPMENT ALLOCATION USBSF owned equipment to be allocated consists of FIBT Steel Runners and V Skeleton Sleds. 5.3 FIBT Steel FIBT runners must be used in all National Team Selection races, National Championships and Regional Championships The FIBT runners that are used in National Team selection races will be the first checked set for FIBT events. USBSF owned runners will not be allocated for Team Trials except for pilots who have earned a bye Athletes choosing not to use FIBT runners will be entered into a guest class or as a pilot sled for the race and will not be considered for the National Team Athletes choosing not to use FIBT runners will not be funded at the OTC National Titles and National Ranking can only be achieved by using FIBT runners. 5.4 USBSF Sled/Runner Allocations Prior to each year s National Team Trials races the Skeleton Selection Committee will allocate sleds based upon the following objective criteria: The top ranked athlete, male or female, based on the 2012 World Championships, will receive first choice on sled allocation. If female is the top ranked then she would select first followed by the male athlete The next ranked athlete, male or female, based on the 2012 World Championships, will receive second choice on sled allocation The next top ranked athlete, male or female, based on the 2012 World Championships and this process will continue until all sleds are allocated This system of successive sled selection will continue until all USBSF sleds are allocated. In the case of ties, the best 2012 World Championships finish will be used All athletes that choose equipment under this allocation process must use said equipment in the 2012 National Team Trials Races Sleds will be re-allocated after the 2012 National Team Trials races if there is a change in ranking. New drivers on the World Cup team may re-choose from these newly available sleds At any given time, other allocations may occur if the Head Coach decides it will improve one or all of the following: international results, sled testing, runner testing. If a sled is irreparably damaged, the Head Coach will reallocate sleds guided by the system above unless it determines a better solution that will avoid or cause the least disruption to the team and also provide the best opportunity for international success A minimum Combine score of 650 points is required for any athlete to receive equipment allocation The Head Coach may withhold equipment from a athlete if, in their judgment, that driver has a history of poorly maintaining equipment or does not yet have the requisite driving skills to preserve the equipment in a reasonable manner Runners which are property of the USBSF will be allocated by the Head Coach; however the Head Coach may re-allocate runners if international results differ among the team. The goal is to give the best runners to the athlete best able to produce top results with those runners at a given competition. Equipment will only be provided to those athletes who support USBSF sponsors with sponsor marks on 9

10 the sleds and equipment / apparel used at the competition venue, and/or as directed by the USBSF V sleds and USBSF runners may not be altered by an athlete without written permission from the USBSF Head Coach Only USBSF authorized staff may authorize inspections of the equipment by others Athletes sharing V sleds/usbsf technology directly or indirectly with anyone or making negative statements in public will lose privileges to use V sleds and/or USBSF equipment Allocated equipment can only be re-allocated by the Head Coach Athletes wishing to use V equipment must sign the USBSF/V Nondisclosure Agreement. 10

11 6. REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2013 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & ENTRY INTO THE 2013 NATIONAL TEAM TRIALS Regional Championships Purpose- There shall be separate Regional Championships in Park City and Lake Placid as late in the season as practical. These races provide an opportunity for qualified athletes to earn an opportunity to gain track experience on US tracks. The organization of these events is up to the Development Program from UOP and ORDA. This race series is dependent on participants, ice time and coaching availability Athlete Participation Eligibility Must be a member in good standing with the USBSF; Must abide by the USADA, WADA and FIBT anti-doping requirements; Must sign and return the USBSF Athlete Handbook; Must have current official USBSF Combine test results no later then June 1 st held at various locations (announcements regarding test events and dates will be published on the USBSF Website); Must compete on FIBT steel runners. USBSF Domestic Program and coaching staff and/or their designees may, at their discretion, add additional competitors to the field of the Regional Championships. They will consider new athletes who exhibit superior athleticism, but who, in the judgment of staff, need more sliding time to be competitive. The number of sliders added will be limited by the available track time at both Park City and Lake Placid for both training and competition Race Protocol Athletes may only enter Regional Championships at one track. There shall be two (2) or three (3) Regional Championship races at each track, depending on scheduling. Athletes will be ranked by a total of the combined points using the USBSF point scoring system (see Appendix B) Ranking/Results All athletes competing at the Regional Championships shall receive a Regional Ranking. In order to create national rankings, ties in regional rankings between athletes in eastern regional championships and western regional championships will be broken by athlete rankings from the FIBT world ranking list and 2013 National Championships, in that order Skeleton National Championships, Lake Placid, NY There will be a National Championships in Lake Placid, NY with the tentative date of March All athletes are expected to compete as this event Skeleton Ranking/Entry prior to the 2013 National Team Trials Races World Championship results by rank (men and women) The top ten (10) ranked US athletes (men and women) on the FIBT world ranking list as of the end of the World Cup/ICC, EC/AC season, and athletes who move into the top ten (10) AFTER the last World Cup as a result of the Lake Placid America s Cup Any Athletes who medalled in an official FIBT international competition during the calendar season (WC, ICC, EC, AC) The first place male/female finisher from each Regional Championship Up to three (3) more athletes per gender can be nominated by coach s discretion using Section 3.7 of the Emerging Elite Program The Head Coach, ICC Coach, EC/AC Coaches, UOP Head Coach and ORDA Head Coach may nominate more athletes to participate in the 2013 National Team Trials with the limiting factor being available track time to conduct a fair and open Team Trials Race series. 11

12 7. PARTICIPATION/WAIVERS/COMMITTEES Athletes are required to participate in events for which they are qualified, are named to, and to which they commit. When an athlete does not attend a race and/or leaves a position vacant, they can negatively affect the chances for the US to qualify the maximum number of spots in an FIBT competition. Thus, any athlete who does not attend a race that they have selected will be assessed a fine which must be paid before the next competition. The CEO, along with the Head Coach, will determine, on a case by-case basis, if that athlete s circumstances merit re-instatement to their race opportunities, or if some or all of their races are to be re-allocated to other athletes. Failure to participate in a mandatory event and/or to follow the waiver procedures may result in a hearing regarding the athlete's participation in further events during the calendar year, or to the benefits the athlete receives from the USBSF and/or the USOC, but in no way excludes rights guaranteed by the USBSF and the USOC. Waivers A Waiver Committee, consisting of the CEO Head Coach, High Performance Director, and one athlete representative will consider all waivers. In the event that one or more of the listed Waiver Committee members are not able to serve on the Committee, the CEO will assign appropriate substitutes. Waivers that are in this criteria: 1) Injury/Illness waiver - Injury/Illness waivers may be given to athletes that have suffered an injury or illness and said injury/illness has been verified by USOC Sports Medicine Clinic Manager. 2) Extreme Circumstances waiver Constitute unforeseen circumstances that include, but not limited to a crash, runner damage or sled. All waiver requests for USBSF events must be submitted to the High Performance Director in writing via hard copy or as soon as practical. The non refundable waiver fee of $50.00 has to be paid and received prior to when the committee meets. Following receipt, the Waiver Committee will review such request for approval or denial. The Waiver Committee will make a decision and provide a written copy of the approval or denial of the waiver to the athlete a within seven (7) days. All waivers granted into the National Push Championship and U.S. National Team Trials will be based solely on results attained within the past 12 months. The Bobsled Chief Medical Officer (CMO), or his designee, must examine injured/ill athletes wishing to receive a medical waiver for medical reasons. The Head Coach along with the CMO will make all decisions regarding the rehabilitation program. The injured athlete has to follow the guidelines to be able to receive and keep the waiver. Athletes are expected to compete in any part of the U.S. National Team Trials they are able to compete in. The Waiver Committee will make a decision and provide a written copy of the waiver granted onto the National Team as soon after the U.S. National Team Trials as possible (this will allow all portions of the U.S. National Team Trials to be factored into consideration of the waiver). Removal of Athletes An athlete may be removed from any team for any of the following reasons: Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to their respective coach on each tour WC/ICC/EC or AC- in the case that no coach is available the Head Coach will accept this letter. In the event of a disabling illness or injury to an athlete, the athlete must be examined by a USBSF-approved physician or a USOC/USBSF care-giver. Should an athlete refuse injury/illness verification by a physician or a USOC/USBSF approved care-giver, then their injury or illness will be assumed to be disabling and they will be replaced. If an athlete misses two World Cup events in succession, that athlete must be seen by a medical doctor designated by the CMO, which could be facilitated by the USOC/USBSF athletic trainers (ATCs). Medical staff at any track at which an athlete is competing can, in the 12

13 interest of safety, prevent an injured athlete from competing at that event should they deem that athlete unsafe. Code of Conduct. In the event of an excessive or serious violation of the athlete Code of Conduct, an athlete could be removed from a race series or otherwise sanctioned by the Judicial Committee. An athlete who may be removed from the team pursuant to this provision has the right to a hearing per USBSF Bylaws, or USOC Bylaws, Article 9. Anti-Doping. An athlete may be removed from any team at any time for violation of IOC, WADA, FIBT, USADA and/or USOC anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures. In such instances, the adjudication process will be managed through USADA. Replacement of Athletes The Team Selection Committee will select replacement athletes from the National Team per the Athlete Selection Criteria. An athlete who replaces another athlete does not automatically assume the rank of the replaced athlete. SAVING CLAUSE The procedures above are based on IOC, FIBT and USOC rules and regulations as presently published. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC, FIBT or USOC rules and regulations will be distributed to all athletes as soon as possible. The desire to field the most competitive teams for international competition are the guiding principles and will determine the administration of the selection criteria. The National Team Selection Criteria are based on the latest information available to the USBSF. However, these criteria are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances (weather, budget, war, etc.) and no doubt have not accounted for every possible contingency. In which case, the USBSF staff will administer changes with the utmost reverence for fairness, respect of athletes and for honor of the sport. If a scheduled event cannot be held or must be interrupted, USBSF will first try to re-schedule the event. Second, USBSF will try to change the venue but will not guarantee funding for travel to the new venue. Finally, if a venue change is not feasible, ranking will be based first on the portion of that event completed (at least one race) or if no portion has been completed, then ranking will be based on the most recent USBSF national rankings. These Selection Criteria come into force as of the date of their approval by the USBSF coaching staff and CEO, and supersede all previous criteria. The USBSF reserves the right to change the selection criteria prior to the start of each competition season based on schedules, coaching, logistics, finances, and other limiting factors. The rules in these criteria will be interpreted by the coaching staff along with the CEO in the way in which they were intended. ATHLETE S RIGHT TO COMPETE An athlete s right to compete is defined and protected by USOC Bylaws. Should an athlete feel his/her right to compete has been withheld, the USBSF bylaws provides for a grievance procedure for him/her to seek a fair hearing and relief. If you have any questions regarding your opportunity to compete that are not answered by the USBSF, you may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman by telephone at (888) ATHLETE, or by . This position is currently filled by John W. Ruger (john.ruger@usoc.org). USBSF JUDICIAL COMMITTEE There will be a Judicial Committee to oversee any grievances of these criteria. The USBSF Board of Directors will appoint members of the committee. Grievances must be sent via to the Judicial Committee Chairperson. 13

14 CRITERIA DISTRIBUTION This document shall be available to all athletes at: Will be made available for viewing on the USBSF website at Will be ed to the athletes who competed in the prior season. U.S. SKELETON WAIVER COMMITTEE Darrin Steele, CEO Scott Novack, Director of High Performance Tuffy Latour, Head Coach Skeleton Athlete Representative TBA U.S. SKELETON TEAM SELECTION COMMITTEE Darrin Steele, CEO Scott Novack, Director of High Performance Tuffy Latour, Head Coach Skeleton Athlete Representative TBA Athlete Representative TBA Bobsled Skeleton Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Eugene Byrne USOC Athlete Ombudsman John W. Ruger 14

15 FIBT%Calendar% %% CW date Oct/November02012 CW date Nov/December02012 CW date January02013 CW date February < $ Pay)Training)Lillehammer)2$men,)Skeleton $ Sled)Transport 1 )31.12.$ WC)Bob/Skeleton)Altenberg)(GER)) $ WCH)Bob/Skeleton)St.)Moritz)(SUI) 42< $ Pay)Training)Lillehammer)4$men Youth)Develop.)Training)Cesana)(ITA) ICC)Igls)(AUT))5)+)6 Transport)Sochi)2$Man) $ Pay)Training))Winterberg)SN ICC)Whistler)(CAN))1)+) $ Transport)Sochi)SN+4)Man Pay)Training)Königssee)Bob Whistler)(CAN))Training)AC)Bob/SN ITW)Sochi 44 Sled)transport)USA $ WC)Bob/Skeleton)Winterberg)(GER)) $ WC)Bob/Skeleton)Königssee)(GER)) $ WC)Bob/Skeleton)Sochi)(RUS)) $ Pay)Training)Königssee)SN) EC)SN+Bob)La)Plagne)(FRA) EC)Bob)Cesana)(ITA) Olympic)test)event 29.10$ Pay)Training)Lake)Placid AC)Calgary)(CAN))Bob)5)+)6)+)7 EC)SN)Igls)(AUT) AC)Whistler)(CAN))SN)5)+)6)+)7 ICC)Altenberg)(GER))7)+)8 ICC)Park)City)(USA))3)+)4 45 Youth)Develop.)Training))Igls $ WC)Bob/Skeleton)La)Plagne)(FRA)) $ WC/ECH)Bob/Skeleton)Igls)(AUT)) $ $ AC)Park)City)(USA))Bob)/)SN)1)+)2 EC)SN+Bob)Cesana)(ITA) EC)SN)Altenberg)(GER) 05.11$10.11 WC)Bob/Skeleton)Lake)Placid)(USA))1 EC)Bob)Königssee)(GER) $ $18.11 WC)Bob/Skeleton)Park)City)(USA)) $ JWCH)Cesana)(ITA) $ AC)Calgary)(CAN))Bob)/)SN)3)+)4 EC)Bob)Igls)(AUT) $ WC)Bob/Skeleton)Whistler)(CAN)) $ $ WCH)Bob/Skeleton)St.)Moritz)(SUI) $ AC)Lake)Placid)(USA))8)+)9 EC)SN)Königssee)(GER) $ ICC)Winterberg)(GER))9 EC)Bob)Winterberg)(GER) date:"03 rd "of"july"2012!"subject"to"change"! FIBT"schools"to"be"determined

16 Attachment B Swiss Points Scale: A. Points to be awarded by place of finish 1 st 200 points 2 nd 180 points 3 rd 160 points 4 th 140 points 5 th 120 points 6 th 100 points 7 th 80 points 8 th 60 points 9 th 40 points 10 th 20 points B. Average finish times of top ten (10) finishers C. One (1) time point for every 1/10th second faster than top ten (10) average is added to placement points.

17 US BOBSLED & SKELETON FEDERATION COMBINE SCORING TABLE Men's Bobsled Men's Skeleton Speed Strength Points 15m 30m 45m 60m 30m Fly Broad Jump (m) Shot Toss (m) Clean (kg) Squat (kg) Points World Cup World Cup Brakeman ICC Cup Emerging Elite Pilots World Cup Pilot America's Cup Brakeman America's Cup Pilot Developmental America's Cup European Cup Pilot's Recreational/Club Developmental Recreational/ Club > 2.45 > 4.33 > 6.16 > 7.70 > 3.68 < 2.21 < < < m 30m 45m 60m 30m Fly Broad Jump (m) Shot Toss (m) Clean (kg) Squat (kg)

18 US BOBSLED & SKELETON FEDERATION COMBINE SCORING TABLE Women's Bobsled Women's Skeleton Points 15m 30m 45m 60m 30m Fly Broad Jump (m) Shot Toss (m) Clean (kg) Squat (kg) Points World Cup World Cup Brakeman ICC Cup Emerging Elite Pilots World Cup Pilot America's Cup Brakeman America's Cup Pilot Developmental America's Cup European Cup Pilots Recreational/Club Developmental Recreational/Club > 2.60 > 4.63 > 6.76 > 8.70 > 4.18 < 1.85 < 7.50 < < m 30m 45m 60m 30m Fly Broad Jump (m) Shot Toss (m) Clean (kg) Squat (kg)