2018 BC Athletics AGM Resolutions

Resolutions to be presented at the 2018 BC Athletics AGM - Saturday, September 8, 2018

1.  BC Athletics Sanctioned Competitions - Name of Competition

Mover:  Graeme Fell

Seconder:  Birgit Weaver

WHEREAS:

BC Athletics sanctions track and field meets with the term "Championship" in the name, which implies that the meet has been designated as such by a governing body.

Rationale: Doing so is misleading and erroneous.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

BC Athletics will only sanction meets with the term "Championship" in the name if the meet has been designated as such by a governing body. If no governing body exists, the term "Championship" is not to be used.

REFERENCES:

BC Athletics has no specific policies/rules to govern the naming of a sanctioned event other than BC Athletics Championships or what may be determined to contravene Codes of Conduct or defame the Association.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATION OF THE BC ATHLETICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / RULES AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:

The BC Athletics Board of Directors / Rules and Governance Committee does not support this Resolution.

This resolution has relevance to the following BC Athletics sanctioned Track & Field Competitions:

  • BC Elementary Track & Field Championship – hosted by Kajaks TFC
  • Vancouver Elementary School Championship – hosted by UBC TFC

In the 50 year history of the Kajaks Track & Field Club holding the BC Elementary Track & Field Championships the name has remained the same without any formal complaint or request to change the name of the event.

The event was initiated by Kim Young and Carl Savage then of the Kajaks TFC, both of who were teachers at that time.

During the 50 years of this event there has not been an issue/incident with using the word ‘Championship” for this event – that would cause BC Athletics to request/make a change.

The Vancouver Elementary Track & Field Championships hosted by UBC TFC has been held for 9 years. During this time there has not been any issue/incident with using the word “Championship” for this event that would cause UBC TFC or BC Athletics to either make or request a name change.

Participation in the Vancouver Elementary Track & Field Championships has continued to grow each year due in part to the organization and conduct of the TF Meet and recognizing the School Teams and Individual athletes as a Champion on the day.


2.  BC Athletics Junior Development Championship Athlete Eligibility - Pentathlon and Track & Field

Mover:  Dawn Copping

Seconder:  Birgit Weaver

WHEREAS:

  1. Schools complete training around the beginning of June.  Their teams are not in operation during the second half of June.
  2. Pentathlon is not an event that schools teach.
  3. This year there were a record number of athletes attending the JD Pentathlon Championships and registration had to be closed early. In order to have the meet run on time the club had five high jump mats in operation. More entries could not have been accommodated with any kind of comfort.
  4. When looking through the results it was noted that athletes were all club or UNBC athletes. School athletes did not attend even though they were encouraged to do so.
  5. If school athletes had attended they would have taken the place of competitive track members if the registration had to be closed because of large numbers.  A Pentathlon Championships seems to have a ceiling as far as numbers who can be accommodated in one day. 
  6. BC Athletics needs to encourage competitive memberships and registration in registered track and field clubs.
  7. These two championship meets are the culmination of the track season for athletes and at this point athletes need to decide whether they want to become serious about training.  They should be encouraged to join a track and field club or take out a UNBC membership.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

That the JD Pentathlon Championships and the JD Track and Field Championships allow only athletes with a competitive membership to enter and compete, regardless of the date of the competition.

REFERENCES:

BC Athletics Policy and Procedures – Section 11 – BC Championships – 11.7 a), b)

BC Athletics Membership – School District Club Memberships and School Day of Event Membership.

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE BC ATHLETICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / RULES AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:

The BC Athletics Board of Directors / Rules and Governance Committee does not support this Resolution.

It is understood that the issue relates to the BC Junior Development Pentathlon Championship and the eligibility of School Club and School District Club members to participate in and be eligible for Championship Awards provided that the Championship takes place during the membership eligibility period of the School Club/School District Club membership 

It is understood that the issue relates to the BC Junior Development Pentathlon Championship and the eligibility of School Club and School District Club members to participate in and be eligible for Championship Awards provided that the Championship takes place during the membership eligibility period of the School Club/School District Club membership (Sept to June 30/end of the Jack Brow TF Meet).

As set out in the BC Athletics Strategic Plan 2017-2020 the overall strategies include: a.) building and maintain strong connections with Schools relative to Physical Literacy and Athletics Skill development; and b.) to increase participation at all levels of Athletics. The goals in Athlete Development (inclusive of competition) and Organizational Capacity reflect these strategies.

It is the view of the Brd of Directors that it is important to encourage participation in Athletics and to not limit participation in BC Athletics Championships during the eligibility period of the School Club and School District Club membership types.

The BC Athletics Junior Development Pentathlon Championships represents another opportunity for Clubs to promote the programs, benefits and opportunities the club provides – which can result in athletes joining clubs and continuing their participation in Athletics. 


3. BC Athletics Cross Country Championship Distances - Senior and Masters Women

Mover:  Chris Johnson

Seconder: Alex Ulaszonek

WHEREAS:

To bring the BC Athletics Cross Country Championship distances closer in line with the changes of the IAAF and Athletics Canada Cross Country Championship distances for female senior and masters athletes

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

In order to closer align with the federations, the BC Cross Country Championship distances for female senior and masters athletes be changed to 8km from 6km. Junior women will continue to compete at 6km.

REFERENCES:

Events & Technical Specifications Manual for Athletics; 5.0 Cross Country; 5.2 Midget to Masters Cross Country Championship Race Distances; Senior and Masters Female Distances.

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE BC ATHLETICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / RULES AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:

The BC Athletics Board of Directors / Rules and Governance Committee recommend approval of this Resolution.