BMX Carding Criteria for 2008-2009

The primary benefit of the OCA High Performance Athlete Coaching Subsidy Program is to provide coaching to the athlete. The OCA will make payments directly to the provincial coach in quarterly installments. The coach and the athlete must submit quarterly reports to the Manager, High Performance programs. The coach must be at a minimum fully certified NCCP Level 1 BMX coach.

This criteria document outlines the performances to be achieved in order to be eligible for High Performance program status for the following year. Having met the listed criteria does not guarantee an athlete a spot. Rather, it makes the athlete eligible for the High Performance Program, and it remains the High Performance Committee’s prerogative to invite an athlete. Committee selection will determine the candidates nominated for acceptance to the program. Should more than 10 athletes meet the criteria, athletes 15-24 years of age will be given priority. All athletes eligible for the High Performance program must have demonstrated adherence to the OCA athlete code of conduct. Any athlete who has shown behavior that is unsporting will not receive assistance.  Nationally carded, and UCI trade team athletes are not eligible for this program. Finally, participation in the High Performance Program is not mandatory; an athlete may decline the assistance due to sponsorship commitments or for any other reason.

The BMX carding period will be November 15, 2008, to September 30, 2009, based upon results from the 2008 season. Those athletes who meet the eligibility requirements will be contacted early in October 2008, and a list of selected athletes will be posted to the OCA website upon confirmation from all selected athletes.

The injury cards are available only to athletes that had been carded in the previous year, and must apply to the committee with medical support.

Important Notes:

•         A minimum of three provinces/territories and five riders must be represented at the starting line to be able to recognize a National Championship.
•         Nationally carded, and UCI trade team athletes are not eligible for this program and they will be taken out of Ontario Cup and Provincial Results.
•         Committees choice positions are available to individuals that may have met criteria, but may not have completed the whole previous race year as an expert or elite or may be outside the limits provided above, or have not met criteria due to extenuating circumstances but have shown equitable performances.

Athlete Agreement

Please note that High Performance athletes must sign an athlete agreement that outlines the athletes’ responsibilities. The following are examples of such responsibilities:

• They release their name, photo and image to the OCA for promotional purposes as a member of the OCA Provincial High Performance Program for that season. Athlete photos and profiles may be posted to the OCA website.
• They must sign the athlete agreement as per OCA code of conduct.
• Submit Quarterly Reports

Selected BMX athletes will have until Oct 31, 2008 to accept or decline, at which point it will be offered to a waiting list rider. Riders must realize that once declined they cannot be re-accepted if their plans change. Athletes must be OCA licensed for the season to accept the position. High Performance Pool A athletes will be given priority to participate in OCA High Performance Projects for the season, as Team Ontario members. However, athletes must meet selection criteria for projects they are interested in attending.

The program is for one year and participation will be revoked if at any point the athlete is found to be violating agreements.

Parental Agreement

Athletes selected for the program who are under the age of 18 must also submit a parental agreement. Parents are agreeing that they understand the terms and conditions of BMX High Performance.