OCA Statement Regarding Non-Sanctioned Events

Every year organizers or individuals run events outside of the OCA event structure.  The so called "Outlaw" events cannot be forced to run under our umbrella but every member should carefully consider their choice before entering and "validating" a non sanctioned event.  Some of the events go so far as to masquerade as an OCA event, using similar ability and age categories and direct solicitation of name racers to validate their event.  We do not suggest that major fund raising events like the Ride for Heart require an OCA event sanction.

A sanctioned event makes a direct contribution back to the sport through levies and fees to the association.  These fees in turn fund a number of programs – Youth Road Racing, athlete carding, development camps, Cycling Celebration, Cycle Ontario magazine and official and coaching development.  Our organizers have made a commitment to the sport and although some may make a profit doing so, it is the infrastructure that we jointly develop through your entries that provides Ontario with the best events in the country.

Our members also make a commitment to the OCA by agreeing to not compete in unsanctioned events.  Each member has to make a personal choice on what events they decide to enter and if they choose to validate an outlaw event with their entry they are taking money out of programs that they enjoy as a member. They are also breaking an agreement they signed with the association (race licence and declaration) and could jeopardize their standing as a member in good standing.  If enough members put their collective feet down the organizer will sanction the event through us.  There is nothing in our sanction package that would unduly burden an event organizer by sanctioning their event with us.

Team Ontario, Ontario carded and Quest for Gold Athletes are expected to only compete in Sanctioned events.

We ask you to work with the association and only participate in OCA sanctioned competitive events.