(Ottawa - October 31, 2008)

 Download Paper

The Review Team determined that to review effectively the existing event/competition system and propose new opportunities, it was essential to have a clear vision of how events/competitions service the mission, vision and values of Speed Skating Canada as well as the LTP/AD. It is the Team’s conclusion that programs, (training, competitions and events, coaching, officiating and membership development), must be clearly and coherently linked through principles that are the basis of all SSC activity.

To that end, the Review Team defined a set of Guiding Principles to apply to all levels and ages of participants keeping at the forefront the phrase “children are not miniature adults” when considering the implications of all principles. While these principles may receive minor revisions as the review process evolves, they represent the main framework within which the Review Team will make its recommendations.

The Principles have been approved by the LTP/AD Implementation Working Group and have also been endorsed by SSC’s Board of Directors.

A paper explaining these principles has been prepared, and is available for download. A summary of the Principles is presented below:

Events/competitions should:

1. Reflect Speed Skating Canada’s values and True Sport’s principles

2. Be a full partner in the Canadian sport delivery/youth development system

3. Adjust to change in society

4. Provide a pathway towards personal and sporting excellence for all participants

5. Be meaningful for all participants (skaters, coaches, officials, parents, volunteers)

6. Be fun, safe, attractive and accessible to people of all ages, of all skill levels and from all different backgrounds

7. Utilize the basic characteristics identified in the LTP/AD and other literature to define the event/competition objectives for each stage of development

8. Utilize the basic characteristics identified in the LTP/AD and other literature in the selection of event/competition activities and skills for each stage of development

9. Define and celebrate success in relation to each stage goals and objectives for all participants.