Alberta Ski Team Director's Report - 2014-15

Cross Country Alberta offers an Alberta Ski Team (AST) program for aspiring athletes in our province.  The design of the program is directed by the Alberta Ski Team policy (1999).  For much of the past 15 years, the program has not undergone any significant changes in priorities. 

The program was successfully operated using a partnership with the Alberta World Cup Academy as a program deliverer in 2014-15.

Feedback from parents, athletes and the ski community are mostly positive about the ski team program, however, there are also numerous concerns about its current delivery platform and prioirities.  As such, the AST Director undertook a series of personal interviews with coaches/officials from over CCA clubs during the summer of 2014.  The intent was to listen and respond to the expressed needs of the membership of CCA about the AST programs (AST and ADT).

Feedback was also sought using a survey tool to validate the key themes that emerged from the personal conversations.  The feedback from the personal interviews and the survey were used to create the selection criteria for the 2015-16 AST programs.

In April of 2015, CCA organized engagement sessions in Edmonton and Calgary with the explicit intent of listening to the current needs of our membership around a number of topics including the AST programs.  The expressed aim shared by the AST Director was to use this information to guide the revision of the AST policy, so that it represents current membership priorities while aligning with national priorities and honouring the legacy of the existing policy.  The goal is to draft a revised policy to be approved by the CCA Board of Directors to guide the 2015-16 AST programs.

The Alberta Ski Team program has supported numerous Alberta athletes on their pathway to becoming one of the best in the country and the world.  Our goal is to continue to be a place where young athletes can aspire to accomplishing big goals through supporting our member clubs with a high quality AST program.

I look foward to ongoing dialogue with the Alberta ski community.

Roy Strum

AST Director 2014-16

Canmore, AB

Some additional thoughts around selection to Alberta Ski Team 2015-16

Dec 12, 2014

Greetings Coaches

It is my intent as AST Director 2014-16 to communicate clearly and often.  I do this for a few reasons.  First, I think more information is better.  Its frustrating when important information doesn't get into the hands of the people that need it in a timely manner.  Its also frustrating when people who have expert opinion and general membership do not feel consulted before important decisions are made.  It can also be frustrating to not know clearly how a set of criteria will be interpreted.

The fact is, that no selection criteria are ever perfect or will always capture the intended athletes.  In the case of the AST, the criteria are explicitly meant to capture the fastest skiers in Alberta.   It is why in my first year in my role, I consulted with coaches from across the province, from big clubs and little clubs, from well established clubs and clubs just gettin going.  My sense is, people appreciated being asked and listened to about important matters related to the AST.  I followed up those personal interviews, most of which took 45 - 75 minutes of time each, with a survey whose intent was to validate what I had heard in the personal interviews.  The results of that survey are found on this blog.  What surprised me was the consistency and strength of the responses.  I listened, I heard, I validated and then took that information forward to the Technical Committee to inform the creation of the AST selection criteria. 

Then, the selection criteria were drafted and distributed for comments from the ski community.  The feedback was listened to, weighed carefully, and was then used to inform revisions.  A second round of feedback was solicited, afterwhich, the criteria were approved by the Technical Committee of CCA and then the CCA Board of Directors.  The criteria were then published as final on the CCA website.  The selection criteria were then presented in person to coaches present at the Dec 5 Alberta Cup Team Capts meeting.  And because all Alberta coaches were not there,  I put together an interpretation document on the AST Director's blog, in response to some of the questions that came up both since the document was published and at the coaches meeting.

Feedback from the vast majority of coaches has been extremely positive.  There was a question at the Dec 5 team capts meeting about how the discretionary positions would be filled.  The approved criteria state the discretionary positions will be selected based off of performance.  That is pretty vague and so at both the coaches meeting and on the blog, some communication was shared to address that vagueness.

Transparency is extremely important to myself.  Fairness is also extremely important.  Objective criteria that does not include subjective judgements of ability are preferred.  In our discussions as a technical committee, discussion centred on how we could make the 'discretionary' positions less subjective and more objective.  The purpose of the discretionary positions is to ensure that if some of the best athletes in the province have failed to meet the other criteria, that the discretionary criteria would be used to capture those skiers.  Objectivity is the goal - to move away from a group of people deciding something based on their best hunch.  CPL points become an objective and valid measure for an athlete's ability relative to same age peers.  It is how AST has been selected for the past number of years.  The discretionary criteria are meant to capture athletes who have demonstrated ability and high performance based on CPL points, but who for whatever reason, were not able to make it to enough Alberta Cup races to qualify by that criteria.  It is my belief that the criteria shouldnt penalize our fastest skiers for looking for options that give them the best possibility of advancing their performance.  The fact is that many coaches in Alberta during consultation were hesitant about moving away from CPL as the selection criteria precisely for these reasons. An example from the first AB Cup weekend was CWG selection.  Junior boys and girls needed to race out of their category to qualify for CWG on the saturday race.  This means those junior boys and girls did not earn 'in category' AB Cup points.

I realize that there is never a perfect solution to selection criteria.  The attempt made by the Tech Committee was to build in a net to capture some of those athletes who decided to compete at a level that best advanced their ski performance - e.g. CWG trials.

I have heard from coaches around the province that criteria needs to be objective, based on performance, not the subjective opinion of the technical committee members.  To be objective, the discretionary positions need to be assigned using an objective standard like CPL points which are a valid measure of relative performance.  This to me is transparent and objective decision making.

The fact is that the Technical Committee might make decisions about selection for the discretionary positions in some other way.  As far as CCA policy goes, I will for sure not be on the female selection committee because I have two daughters who compete in cross country skiing.  It is yet to be determined if I will be selected to sit on the male AST selection committee.

I appreciate the dialog amongst our ski clubs about the important issues that we face as a ski community interested in advancing competitive cross country skiing in our province.  I appreciate the feedback from coaches about the decisions that have been made and the decisions that are to be made.  As someone who has been a developmental coach for the past 15 years in Alberta, I want what CCA does to represent the priorities of our membership.  CCA initiatives have the potential to make a huge difference in the development of athletes in our province.  It is my goal in my role to optimize the benefit to every club in this province - not just the big ones with professional coaches.  If we really want to advance skiing in our province, then it is my belief that our efforts need to be focused on what works for small start up clubs and for large clubs with huge budgets in all regions of our province.  I think we are doing this, but there is room for lots of improvement. 

I encourage you to share your thoughts about these and other important ideas.  Questioning is welcome.  Ideas are appreciated. Polite and respectful dialog is awesome.

If you'd like to share your thoughts you can email me at roystrum@gmail.com  or give me a call at 403-862-1042 or respond on this blog.  I will publish your comments here for all to see.  I've decided to start a blog, because in my day job, because of its interactive nature it is a widely used web 2.0 tool used for sharing and learning.  If you feel like you've got some ideas that you'd like to make sure that i hear, please send them along.  If you feel there is a more objective way of selecting discretionary athletes for AST than CPL points, please share ideas.  Subjective decision making where a committee needs to decide on one athlete over another is I believe what most coaches do not want to see happen.

regards
Roy

How do I get selected to take part in the Alberta Ski Team and Alberta Devp Team 2015-16?

In the spirit of good communication, I thought I'd share a bit of information here about how athletes get selected to the Alberta Ski Teams.   The attempt here is to demystify the selection process by sharing in plain language what an athlete needs to do to be selected.  It is my belief, that when athletes have a clear image of the goal, they are much more likely to strive to accomplish the goal. The information that follows is meant to accompany the selection criteria found at xcountryab.net

Alberta Ski Team - 2015-16

The first priority to qualifying spots on this team is given to athletes who win a medal at nationals or qualify for the world junior championships team.  An athlete who accomplishes one of these two things will be selected ahead of all other athletes qualifying by different criteria.  This is meant to ensure that the fastest athletes in Alberta are represented on the AST.

The second way to qualify for the 2015-16 AST is based on the best 6 of 10 finishes in the Alberta Cup Series.  Finish positions in races are assigned AB Cup points.  Athletes will be selected based on these aggregate points.  The athlete with the highest aggregate points from 6 of 10 (or the stated ratio found in the selection criteria document in the event of race cancellations) AB Cup races will be selected for available positions ahead of the athlete with the second highest aggregate points, etc.  This is for each of the eligible categories including the birth year groupings of 1999, 1997-98, 1996, 1993-95.  A prescribed minimum number of athletes from each of these groupings is assigned in the criteria.   The intent of using AB Cup points for selection is to revitalize the AB Cup series as the premier race series for developmental athletes in Alberta.

Are there any other ways that an athelte can be selected for the AST?  yes, there are several discretionary positions.  These are meant for athletes who did not qualify either by being a national medalist/world jr team athlete or  by AB Cup aggregate points but who nonetheless perform at a high level.  e.g. an athlete whose CPL points are higher than athletes qualifying by AB Cup aggregate points. This could happen where an athlete chooses to attend a Noram race instead of an AB Cup race because that is the appropriate level of competition for them to improve. Again, the intention is to ensure that the AST includes the fastest skiers in Alberta.  If you feel you have an athlete in your club that this applies to, then I'd encourage you to write a letter to the CCA Technical Committee who will review and consider the athlete for a discretionary position.

Alberta Development Team 2015-16

This initiative recognizes athletes born in 1999, 2000, and 2001.  To be selected to this team, an athlete must earn Alberta Cup points in the race category intended for them.  e.g. for an athlete born in 2001, Alberta Cup points need to be earned in the midget category; for athletes born 1999 and 2000, Alberta Cup points must be earned in the Juvenile category.

Only Alberta Cup points will be used in the selection of athletes for the Alberta Development Team.  To be selected to the ADT, athletes born in 2001 and 2000 need to be among the top 5 AB Cup point earners using the best 6 finishes of the 10 Alberta Cup points.  Five male athletes and five female athletes born in 2001 and five males and five females born in 2000 will be selected.

Two males and two females born in 1999 will also be selected.  As two males and two females born 1999 will be selected to the AST, the 1999 athletes selected to the ADT will be the 3rd and 4th ranked 1999 athletes on the AB Cup point list using their best 6 of 10 AB races.  Two males and two females born 1999 will be selected to the ADT.

Outreach offer to AB Ski Clubs regarding Alberta Ski Team Qualification

Hi folks

Please expect the AST/ADT criteria to be posted on the CCA website www.xcounbtryab.net  by end of day Nov 4, 2014. It has been a good process; first engaging in conversations with many of you, following that up with a survey to confirm the evidence/information that was gathered in the personal interviews, then a couple of rounds of open consultations via email seeking feedback on proposed criteria, resulting in the approved selection criteria.

I would like to extend a couple offers to clubs and coaches:

- if you are in the greater Calgary area I would be happy to meet with you and your athletes to explain the selection criteria and answer questions in person

- if you are not in the greater Calgary area (sorry, Alberta is big, and I dont have time in my volunteer role to travel the provice and still have a day job) I would be happy to either set up a skype interview with you and your athletes or a telephone conversation with the coach so that you can explain the criteria.

- alternately, the CCA Lake Louise camp is coming up this weekend. I would be happy to drive to LL on saturday evening to meet with athletes and coaches to explain criteria and answer questions.

Please note - the criteria that will be published have been approved by CCA and will be the criteria for the 2015-16 AST/ADT. Qualification for the 2015-16 AST/ADT will take place during the 2014-15 ski season.

My goal with this outreach is around communication so that clubs and athletes have as much time as possible given our current process to think about and plan for attending the appropriate events. The hope is that information can be used to motivate athletes to set goals and work towards achieving those goals.

Im not sure this kind of outreach by AST director has been very commonly done in the past - this is something I would like to offer. my experience has been that many many athletes have been unclear in the past about what they need to do to qualify for AST or ADT. Hoepfully communication can help with that one.

Please contact me ifyou'd like me to engage in a conversation with you and your athletes. I would be happy to do so. Should there be a need for an additional information session at thte first ab cup races in canmore I would be happy to facilitate that sharing of information and question period.

regards

Roy

AST Director 2014-16

CCA

Draft selection criteria for Alberta Ski Team and Alberta Development Team for 2015-16 season for comments

Its that time of year.  Time to get to work on having conversations and drafting and creating important documents that will guide the direction of the Alberta Ski Team and AB Development Team programs during the 2015-16.  The goal of this effort is to optimize the investment in our provinces athletes given the policy directives of CCA.  My feeling is the best way to do this is to ask and to look for trends in best practice from other places.  This effort includes having meaningful conversations with coaches and clubs around the province - big, small, urban, rural.  The effort to draft and create AST documents and processes such as the selection criteria and program also includes looking at what is going on elsewhere where success is happening and clubs and athletes are engaged.  Looking at other provincial sport organizations such as Cross Country Ontario and Ski de Fond Quebec and what they are doing is important work in informing a vision of best practice in Alberta.  The work also includes engaging our national sport organization who see the work through the lens of the national program and how provinces can best feed into the big picture.  Exciting work, and work I am happy to lead.

Draft documents coming your way (the same documents are captured here)

During the first week of October you should receive a copy of the draft selection criteria and rationale documents for 2015-16 AST/ADT programs.  These documents are not a description of the program. The program is still under development.  The selection criteria and rationale describe for athletes, parents and coaches how an athlete qualifies for the AST or ADT programs.

Its important to note that these are DRAFT criteria.  The technical committee of Cross Country Alberta is looking for your feedback.  Specifically, as the AB Ski Team Director, I am very interested.

What has informed the work?

This past summer I undertook the pleasant task of convening conversations with coaches from all parts of Alberta.   This included coaches in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Athabasca, St Albert, Sherwood Park, Edmonton, Devon, Camrose, Vermilion, Red Deer, Calgary, Bragg Creek, Canmore and Crowsnest Pass.  I learned alot of these conversations.  I learned that there are some very consistent ideas that resonate with coaches.

I then captured the themes from these conversations in a survey to validate whether these were in fact the themes that are important AB Coaches.  The survey results are found at http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-directors.html

Its important to note that the evidence used to draft the selection criteria for the 2015-16 AB Ski teams (ADT/AST) was informed from the results of the survey of coaches.  You will note that I reference the survey and conversations as part of the rationale for the draft selection criteria.

The Task for you...

In the next few days, Cross Country Alberta will be sending out the draft criteria and rationale for your comments and further input.  As the AB Ski Director, I am interested in hearing your ideas and using those ideas to inform the creation of the 2015-16 AST/ADT programs.  Reviewing, Revising, and Approving the Selection Criteria is the first step in that process.

Please take a few minutes to review the documents I have copied onto this blogpost.  I include it here because i know that people like to receive their information in many ways.  Some people like to read blogs, others like to read emails.  For me, its important that communication is regular and plentiful about this sort of process and product.  They are the same documents you will receive from CCA.  If you can, please copy me on the feedback you give to CCA.

Our goal - to publish the Selection Criteria for AST/ADT programs by Oct 15, 2014.    What follows here is:

A. Draft ADT Selection Criteria
B. Rationale for ADT Selection Criteria
C. Draft AST Selection Criteria
D. Rationale for AST Selection Criteria

I thank you in advance for your comments.

Sincerely
Roy Strum
AST Director 2014-16
Cross Country Alberta

_________________________________________________________________________________

A. ADT Selection Criteria for 2015/16 - DRAFT

Team Size

24 athletes (12 males and 12 females)


Athlete Eligibility

1. Member in good standing of a registered CCA club

2. Alberta resident (defined as full time resident for 6 months prior to team selection date)

3. Holder of Alberta health care card

4. Born in 2000-2001


Nomination Acceptance Requirements

1. CCA athlete agreement signed by athlete, coach and parents

2. Athlete code of conduct signed by athlete

3. Cca athlete media form and medical form completed

4. Payment of ADT fee


Selection Criteria

A selection percentage score will be computed for eligible athletes as follows:

SC1. Alberta Cup points will be used for selection of ADT athletes based on the following 

formula:

- Best 6 of 9 races (where there are 9 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 5 of 8 races (where there are 8 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 5 of 7 races (where there are 7 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 4 of 6 races (when there are 6 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 4 of 5 races (when there are 5 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 3 of 4 races (when there are 4 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best3 of 3 races (when there are 3 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 2 of 2 races (when there are 2 AB Cup races in a season)

- Best 1 of 1 race (when there is only 1 AB Cup race in a season)

SC2. The 6 highest ranked 2000 boys and the 6 highest ranked 2000 girls will be selected. The 6 

highest ranked 2001 boys and the 6 highest ranked 2001 girls will be selected.

SC3. Where an athlete who is ranked in the top 6 males and top 6 females born 2000 or an 

athlete who is ranked in the top 6 boys or top 6 girls born in 2001do not accept their position, 

the next ranked athletes will be offered the position. 

SC4. Force Majeur factors – athletes selected under SC4 will be in addition to, not replace, 

athletes eligible under SC1, SC2, and SC3. A maximum of two additional athletes may be 

selected using SC4. “Force Majeure” means an unexpected event beyond the reasonable control 

of the athlete that crucially affects that athlete’s ability to compete (e.g. illness, injury, and 

transportation breakdown) and can be put forward as rationale for not having competed in or 

completed a selection race.


Selection timeline

Feb 1, 2015 – 2015-16 ADT program published on CCA website

April 10, 2015 – athlete rankings posted on CCA website

April 20, 2015 – ADT application deadline for all athletes ranked in the top 6 males and top 6 females for 

athletes born in 2000 and the top 6 males and the top 6 females for athletes born in 2001 

April 21, 2015 – round two of ADT athlete applications made available to any additional athletes based 

on higher ranked athletes not accepting their position on ADT

April 26 – ADT application deadline for all additional athletes.

May 1, 2015 – ADT announced


Selection Process

1. Selection Committee, made up of CCA technical committee and CCA sport manager, create 

AB Cup points list

2. CCA posted factored AB Cup ranking point list for eligible athletes

3. Eligible athletes whose names are in the top 6 males and 6 females for both 2000 and 2001 

birth years indicate in writing that they wish to accept their position on the ADT by the stated 

deadline

4. Additional athletes made eligible due to higher ranked athletes not accepting their position 

on the AST indicate in writing that they wish to accept their position on the ADT by the stated 

deadline
________________________________________________________________________________


B. Alberta Development Team – 2015-16 Selection Criteria – Rationale and Summary Document

1. Summary of Proposed Criteria

2. Summary of Changes from 2014-15 Criteria

3. Rationale for Proposed Changes

4. Alignment with CCA Policy 


Summary of Proposed Criteria

a. Alberta Development Team is targeting a two year age group 2000 and 2001.

b. Alberta Development Team is selected entirely from Alberta Cup Series Aggregate 

points based on formula found in Selection criteria – e.g. best 6 of 9 races.

c. Alberta Development Team Selection process will use an application system instead of a 

selection system.


Summary of Changes

a. Two birth years are being targeted by this program instead of three as in previous 

criteria

b. Only Alberta Cup Series Aggregate points will be used for selection

c. Alberta Cup Aggregate points will be posted by April 10, 2015. Athletes will be 

encouraged to indicate their interest in participating in the ADT program by emailing 

CCA office and their club coach if they are within the selected group based on AB Cup 

aggregate points 


Rationale for Changes

a. The rationale for reducing number of years targeted by ADT is to make the target of 

the ADT Juvenile athletes. With a corresponding larger AST, first year junior boy/girl 

athletes who historically could be named to ADT if they didn’t meet AST criteria, will 

be have increased opportunity to be named to AST. This is better for these athletes 

because they move along with their peers to AST as junior boys/girls instead of being 

retained in ADT. Evidence based decision making is important when making changes. 

There is significant research about the negative effects of retention on motivation for 

continued effort towards improvement (John Hattie’s meta-analysis research indicates a 

r= -0.16 effect on future achievement when retention is used as a tool for engagement - 

http://visible-learning.org/ ). 

b. There is significant evidence to support changing criteria to use only AB Cup series 

aggregate points for selection. LTAD recommends minimal travel for T2T athletes. 

The AST Director’s Survey of AB Coaches provides evidence that AB Coaches are highly 

supportive of this change - http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/

09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-directors.html Over 80% of coaches, representing 18 

ski clubs, indicated support or strong support for this change. Zero respondents were 

opposed to this change.

c. AB Coaches (representing 18 clubs) indicated strong support for this change in their 

personal interviews and responses as evidenced by the results of the AST Director’s 

Survey of AB Coaches - http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/

results-of-alberta-ski-team-directors.html Over 77% of coaches agreed or strongly 

agreed with this change. Less than 10% (2 respondents) were opposed to this change. 

This represents considerable support for this change.


4. Alignment with CCA Policy

a. AST policies align with the proposed changes

i. 4.3.2.1 – this policy describes the outcomes of the ADT – all of which align with 

this proposed change. By focusing the program on juveniles, the program can 

have a increased impact on a greater number of juvenile athletes.

ii.4.3.2 – the proposed change of using only AB Cup aggregate points aligns 

completely with current ADT policy
_________________________________________________________________________________


C. AST Selection Criteria for 2015/16

Team Size

24 athletes (12 males and 12 females)


Athlete Eligibility

1. Member in good standing of a registered CCA club

2. Alberta resident (defined as full time resident for 6 months prior to team selection date)

3. Holder of Alberta health care card

4. Holder of valid CCC licence

5. Born in 1993-1999


Nomination Acceptance Requirements

1. CCA athlete agreement signed by athlete, coach and parents (if athlete is under 18 years of age)

2. Athlete code of conduct signed by athlete

3. Cca athlete media form and medical form completed

4. Payment of AST fee


Selection Criteria

A selection percentage score will be computed for eligible athletes as follows:

SC1. A factored CPL point based on 50% of distance CPL and 50% of sprint CPL points (of 

average of top athletes in each of 1993-1995, 1996-97 and 1998-99) will be calculated and 

posted on CCA website a minimum of three business days after April CPL points are posted on 

CCC website.

SC2. A minimum of two junior men and two junior women, and a minimum of two junior boys 

and two junior girls and two U23 men and two U23 women will be selected.

SC3. Where an athlete who are ranked in the top 10 males and top 10 females born 1996-1999 

who do not accept their position, the next ranked athletes will be offered the position. 

SC4. Force Majeur factors – athletes selected under SC4 will be in addition to, not replace, 

athletes eligible under SC1, SC2, and SC3. A maximum of two additional athletes may be 

selected using SC4. “Force Majeure” means an unexpected event beyond the reasonable control 

of the athlete that crucially affects that athlete’s ability to compete (e.g. illness, injury, and 

transportation breakdown) and can be put forward as rationale for not having competed in or 

completed a selection race.


Selection timeline

Feb 1, 2015 – 2015-16 AST program published on CCA website

April 10, 2015 – athlete rankings posted on CCA website

April 20, 2015 – AST application deadline for all athletes ranked in the top 10 males and top females for 

athletes born 1996-1999 and for the top ranked 2 males and top ranked 2 females born 1993-1995.

April 21, 2015 – round two of AST athlete applications made available to any additional athletes based 

on higher ranked athletes not accepting their position on AST

April 26 – AST application deadline for all additional athletes.

May 1, 2015 – AST announced


Selection Process

1. Selection Committee, made up of CCA technical committee and CCA sport manager, create 

factored CPL ranking list

2. CCA posted factored CPL point list for eligible athletes

3. Eligible athletes whose names are in the top 10 males and 10 females indicate in writing that 

they wish to accept their position on the AST by the stated deadline

4. Additional athletes made eligible due to higher ranked athletes not accepting their position 

on the AST indicate in writing that they wish to accept their position on the AST by the stated 

deadline
____________________________________________________________________________



D. Alberta Ski Team – 2015-16 Selection Criteria – Rationale and Summary Document

1. Summary of Proposed Criteria

2. Summary of Changes from 2014-15 Criteria

3. Rationale for Proposed Changes

4. Alignment with CCA Policy 


1. Summary of Proposed Criteria


a. Alberta Ski Team targets a four year age group of 1996-1999

b. Alberta Ski Team includes U23 athletes born 1993-1995 primarily for recognition 

purposes

c. Alberta Ski Team selection criteria are selected based on CPL points factored equally 

between sprint and distance points (50/50)

d. Alberta Ski Team ensures that a minimum number of male and female athletes and 

athletes from each of junior boy/girl and junior men/women and U23 men/women are 

selected to the team

e. Alberta Ski Team athletes are responsible for applying for AST positions based on the 

factored CPL point list published on CCA website no later than April 10, 2015 if they are 

identified as ‘selected’ on the published factored CPL point list.

f. 24 team spaces will be made available to eligible athletes.

g. No minimum % of top three athletes from CPL point list should be used as minimum 

standard.

2. Summary of Changes from 2014-15 criteria

a. A four year age of junior boy/girl and junior men/women is consistent with previous

criteria

b. U23 athletes will be identified as part of Alberta Ski Team. This is consistent with

current CCA AST policy. The primary purpose of including U23 athletes is for recognition

purposes, but also to align with CCA’s Canada Winter Games program priorities.

c. AST selection will be based on factored CPL points – proposed as 50% of sprint points +

50% of distance points from April 2015 CCC CPL points list.

d. AST will ensure a minimum number of athletes are included from eligible categories.

e. Eligible athletes, who are identified on the factored CPL points list published on CCA

website by April 10, 2015 will be encouraged to apply for their position on AST.

f. Team size will be increased. CCA funding for the program will remain the same.

Athletes ranked 1-6 on the factored CPL point list published by April 10, 2015 on CCA

website will pay current AST team fee (or less if possible); athletes ranked 7-12 on the

factored point list will pay the actual cost of team participation (unsubsidized by CCA

funding).

g. Minimum qualification for AST of 90% of average of top three athletes in category on

CPL point list should be removed.


3. Rationale for Proposed Changes

a. The four year age group of junior b/g and junior m/w is not a change from current AST

selection criteria. There is a change proposed that the ADT no longer include any junior

boy/girl athletes on that team. The rationale is to not keep same age peers together

moving along athlete development pathway. The evidence supporting this change is

found in educational research by John Hattie’s meta-analysis looking at retention in a

lower level program when learners do not attain the higher level outcome satisfactorily.

Hattie’s research indicates a negative (r=-0.16) influence on future achievement when

learners are retained. There is no known research directly related to this effect with

athletes in athlete development programs. Nonetheless, the belief is that Hattie’s

research is relevant to ‘learning’ contexts such as AST.

b. U23 athletes are included in current AST policy 4.4.1 U23 athletes have not been

included in the past number of years on the AST. This choice of previous Technical

Committees to not include U23 athletes has been their decision but is not consistent

with CCA AST policy. Including U23 athletes in AST has broad based support of Alberta

Coaches as evidenced in AB Ski Team Director’s Survey of Alberta Coaches http://

albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-
directors.html Over 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that U23 athletes

should be included in AST program. Only 1 respondent of 22 in the survey (4% of

respondents) felt that U23 athletes should not be included in the AST. This evidence

represents significant support for including U2 athletes in AST program. AST policy 4.4.2

provide direction to the Technical Committee to be responsive to the expressed needs

of club coaches.

c. Factored CPL points based on 50% of sprint and 50% of distance CPL points from

the April CCC CPL points list should be used to select AST athletes. The evidence

that supports this change is consistency with other ski jurisdictions e.g. the highest

performing jurisdiction in Canada over the past three years, Ski de Fond Quebec uses a

factored CPL points list for their team selection. Quebec athletes have represented the

majority of athletes qualifying for World Junior teams over the past number of years.

Additonal evidence in support of this change is that more than 77% of AB coaches

responding to AB Ski Team Director’s Survey of AB Coaches agree or strongly agree that

factored CPL points should be used. The belief is that by factoring CPL points, athletes

are encouraged to be successful at both sprint and distance competition. The belief, as

expressed in personal interviews with coaches during July-Aug 2014, is that selection

based off of either best sprint or best distance encourages the specialization at an

early age of athletes as either sprinters or distance skiers. This early specialization is

inconsistent with LTAD. AST policy 4.4.2 provide direction to the Technical Committee to

be responsive to the expressed needs of club coaches.

d. Stating a minimum number of athletes from eligible categories on AST is important so

that athletes from these categories are included on the AST. Evidence for this change

is provided by the fact that there are only 2 junior men and zero junior women on

the current 2014-15 AST. Currently there are zero U23 athletes on the 2014-15 AST.

Statistics support the notion that there is huge drop off of participation of racers after

junior boy/girl categories. CCA should be leveraging the tools available to support

and encourage lifelong participation in competitive cross country skiing – policy 4.4.2.

AST policy 4.4.2 provide direction to the Technical Committee to be responsive to the

expressed needs of club coaches.

e. Eligible athletes as indicated on factored CPL point list to be published by CCA on CCA

website by April 15, 2014, will be required to apply for their position. This is a change

from current procedure. The role of Technical Committee would change to being

responsible for creating the factored CPL point list and accepting the applications of

eligible athletes. In addition if there are any spaces available due to eligible athletes

not choosing to apply for a positon on AST, The Technical Committee’s job would be

to invite additional applications from the next highest ranked athletes on the factored

CPL Points list. This change would give atheltes the responsibility to indicate interest

and ensure that all available positions on the AST are filled. This would address the

current procedural gap in filling the AST with athletes who are eligible e.g. the 2014-15

AST has only 4 females even though a minimum of 6 females is stated in 2014-15 AST

selection criteria. Additional evidence for this change is provided by AB Coaches ( from

18 clubs) in their responses to the AB Ski Director’s Survey of AB Coaches from Sept

2014. http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-
team-directors.html Over 77% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it would

increase transparency for athletes, clubs, and coaches if athletes applied for positions

based on a published ranking list. Less than 10% of respondents disagreed with the

process of having athletes apply for positions. This provides clear support for this

change. AST policy 4.4.2 provide direction to the Technical Committee to be responsive

to the expressed needs of club coaches.

f. AST team size should increase to accommodate recognition of the top AB U23 athletes,

and deselection of athletes from ADT to AST programs. CCA AST policy 4.4.2 provides

directives around ensuring sustainability of the AST programs thus additional spaces

in the 2015-16 AST program compared to 2014-15 AST program, would need to be

on a cost recovery basis. AB Coaches supported increasing the size of the AST to

24 athletes in the AB Ski Team Directors Survey of AB Coaches in Sept 2014 http:/

/albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-
directors.html Over 77% of coaches (representing 18 AB ski clubs) agree or strongly

agree with this change. Less than 5% of coaches disagree with increasing the size of AST

to 20-24 athletes. This represents considerable support for this change.

g. The minimum qualification for eligible athletes of 90% of the average of the top 3

athletes in the competitive category as found on April CPL points list (as written in 2014-

15 AST criteria) should be lowered or removed. Over 77% of respondents (representing

18 AB ski clubs) indicated support for ensuring that criteria were not set so high

that AB athletes could not meet the standard. http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-

16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-directors.html This is evidenced

by the fact that there are only 2 junior men on the 2014-15 AST and zero junior women

on the 2014-15 AST. Removing or lowering the minimum standard would ensure that

the best AB athletes who would like to participate in the AST program are eligible to

participate.



4. Alignment with CCA policy

a. Identification of the four year age group 1996-1999. Policy 4.4.1 identify athletes aged

b. Inclusion of U23 athletes in AST selection criteria and program. Policy 4.4.1

c. Factored CPL points. CCA AST policy 4.4.2 direct CCA TC to consult with clubs, coaches...

d. Stating a minimum number of athletes from eligible categories. Policy 4.4.2 states that

e. Application process for eligible athletes. Policy 4.4.3 indicates that CCA will be

f. Increased size of AST. Policy 4.4.1 states that CCA will support competitive athletes

g. Minimum % eligibility. Policy 4.4.1 states that AST will support competitive athletes

17-23. 2014-15 AST selection criteria identify this relative four year age group as the

target of the AST program

identifies athletes aged 17-23 as the target of AST. 2014-15 AST selection criteria

identifies ‘alumni’ as eligible. Identifying U23 as part of the AST is more consistent with

stated policy and CCA programs such as Canada Winter Games (this program targets

U23 athletes)

about the development of AST program. CCA club coaches indicated support for using

factored CPL points. In addition, policy directs CCA to be consistent. Consistency to

external top performing Canadian ski jurisdictions is being used to inform this change.

AST should identify and recognize athletes who aspire to CCC programs. CCC program

access is limited to a small number of top performing junior men/women. Therefore,

CCA should address this gap by ensuring that there are a minimum number of junior

men/women on the AST.

responsible for a fair selection process. Creating a ranked list and giving responsibility

to athletes to apply is fair and increases transparency

in the pursuit of excellence. In addition Policy 4.4.2 states that programs must be

sustainable in nature, therefore, any increase in size of program would need to be

financed through a cost recovery model for lower ranked athletes. Additionally, Policy

4.4.2 states that consultation with clubs, coaches, etc will be undertaken to design

the AST program. Considerable consultation was undertaken in the form of personal

interviews with 22 coaches from 18 clubs during july-august 2014 and additional a

survey of club coaches was undertaken to inform the selection criteria and program

development.

aged 17-23. Policy 4.4.3 indicate that selection will be based on fair criteria. To ensure

that the best Alberta athletes who are interested in participating in the AST program are

included, the minimum % eligibility needs to be lowered or removed. This is evidenced

by the fact that there are zero junior women on the 2014-15 AST despite this group of

athletes being identified as the target of the program.

Current Alberta Ski Team Policy - as approved by Cross Country Alberta Board of Directors

In the next couple of months, the Technical Committee of Cross Country Alberta will create the Alberta Ski Team and Alberta Development Team (AST) programs for the 2015-16 competitive season.  The Technical Committee is made of the following voting members: Alberta Ski Team Director, Events Director, Youth and Athlete Development Director, and Leadership Director.  As per CCA job descriptions (http://www.xcountryab.net/alberta-ski-team-director/ ), this work is being led by the Alberta Ski Team Director in consultation with CCA sport manager and coaches and other interested stakeholders.  This blogpost is meant to create some clarity around the current set of policies that will guide the process and provide important guideposts and structural supports for the development of the program.   The AST programs (here referring to both the Alberta Ski Team and the Alberta Development Team programs) need to fit within the current policies and directives as approved by our provincial sport organization's board of directors.  These documents can be found at http://www.xcountryab.net/policies/or by contacting office@xcountryab.net

As a starting place in the process of designing the 2015-16 CCA AST programs, it is good to be familiar with the policies that will guide the work.  Here is a summary of the relevant pieces of CCA AST policy:

What age groups is the AST aiming to serve? (policy 4.4.1) - this policy directive informs stakeholders that the AST program aim to 'support competitive athletes aged 17-23...who are in pursuit of excellence"

What will be provided to AST athletes? (policy 4.4.1) this policy goes on to describe the type of educational experiences that CCA will ensure provision of  '...to support the athletes' education focused on technical, sport science, training, and competitive preparation'.'

Furthermore, CCA policy describes a level of quality of these programs (policy 4.4.2) '...ensure provision of competitive opportunities that will prepare athletes for national and international cross country skiing'

What is the purpose of AST program? (policy 4.4.2) this policy descibes as one of the aims to'...identify and recognize athletes who aspire to CCC programs ... education focused on technical, sport science, training, and competitive preparation... to encourage long term  participation in competitive cross country skiing... to develop understandings about the demands of becoming a 24 hour athlete who would participate in nationally administered athlete development programs.'

What are the directives of CCA in developing and administering the AST program?
 (policy 4.4.2)  The directives describe the actions that CCA will take to ensure a quality AST program.  The directives include '...sustainability..consistency...communication with club coaches and CCC coaches...alignment with CCC iniatives...funding...to annually allocate resources to facilitate a quality program.

What process will be used to create the AST programs? (policy 4.4.2) This policy describes the process that CCA will use annually to create the AST programs.  These processes include: '...the AST Committee, in consultation with clubs, coaches, CCA staff, CCC/CODA (winsport) will develop the AST program'

How will CCA ensure that the selection process will be fair? (policy 4.4.3)  This policy lays out important procedures to ensure fair selection opportunities.  '...athletes will have an equal opportunity to attend selection races...the selection process will be published by Aug 31 of each year for that upcoming selection year.'

What characteristics of athletes are required for them to be eligible to be selected to AST programs? (policy 4.4.3.1)  This policy provides descriptors of eligible athletes.  '...Alberta resident.'  This policy also describes what obligations are present of selected atheltes.  '...athletes must sign a contract.'  This policy also describes what happens if an athletes decides not to accept or withdraw from AST program.

What appeal procedures are in place in the event that an athlete feels that they should have been selected to the AST programs but were not selected? (policy 4.4.3.3)  This policy describes the appeal process.

It becomes evident that CCA AST policies provide details about what the AST programs are all about.  Having an understanding of what those policies are, are an important first step in designing the 2015-16 AST programs.

Consultation with clubs and coaches is an important piece of the work of designing the 2015-16 AST programs.  As the AST Director, and the person responsible for leading this work, it is my goal that the AST programs for 2015-16 reflect both CCA policy and the expressed needs of clubs across the province.  In the next couple of weeks, you can expect to be invited to some form of consultation.  I encourage you to participate in this important work so that we can ensure that the 2015-16 AST programs reflect what is important to the members of our provincial sport organization.  If there are things that are very important for you to share, I encourage you to contact me at ast@xcountryab.net

I want to hear from you.

I was very pleased to have had the chance to talk with club coaches from 18 clubs from all corners of Alberta over July and August, 2014.  It gave me a good sense of the vibe and priorities of clubs across the province.  It was somewhat surprising to me the consistency between the priorities of many, many clubs, small, large, urban, or rural, with volunteer coaches or professional coaches - there was alot of consistency in the messages that were shared.

I'd like to thank so many of you who took the time to respond to the coach's survey that I distributed in early september.  The results are found at http://albertaskiteamdirector2014-16.blogspot.ca/2014/09/results-of-alberta-ski-team-directors.html

The results show strong consensus about a number of ideas that will be used to guide the creation of both the selection criteria and the 2015-16 AST programs.

I look forward to continued dialogue with the goal of creating strong, meaningful Alberta Ski Team programs that reflect the expressed needs of AB xc ski clubs and CCA policy.


Roy
2014-16 AST Director
Canmore, AB

Results of Alberta Ski Team Director's Survey of Alberta Coaches Regarding AST Program and Criteria. Sept 10.14

Cross Country Alberta (CCA) is the provincial sport organization for cross country skiing in Alberta.  The Alberta Ski Team (AST) Director is an elected position on the Board of Directors of the CCA.  The CCA outline the AST Director's responsibilities.  These responsibilities include:

- maintain open communication with athletes, parents, and coaches and clubs
- develop draft policies and procedures as related to AST
- develop draft selection criteria that are based on AST objectives (as written in CCA policy) and budget
- design, develop, and facilitate AST program

In addition CCA policy directives create operational expectations around:
- communication with club coaches as part of the AST program and selection criteria development
- technical committee needs to be responsive to the expressed needs of athletes, coaches, and clubs as it relates to AST programs.

Current AST policy states that:
Alberta Development Team is aimed at athletes aged 14-17
Alberta Ski Team is aimed at athletes aged 17-23

With this as guiding information, a series of personal and telephone conversations was undertaken by the AST Director with coaches from 15 ski clubs from across Alberta in July and August 2014.  This was followed up with a survey with the intent of being able to quantify the expressed needs of club and coaches around the province focused on both program and selection criteria. 

The exact survey questions reflected the conversations that were undertaken over the summer 2014.  A commitment was made to coaches as part of the conversations that the survey results would be shared as soon as possible after the survey period closed.


The following are the survey results:

Survey Tool - https://ww w.surveymonkey.com/r/F2VDXRM

Number of Respondents:  22

Clubs responding:

XC Bragg Creek
Canmore Nordic Ski Club
Calgary Ski Club
Calgary Nordic Training Group
Camrose Ski Club
Capital Region Training Group
Edmonton Nordic
Foothills
Red Deer/Parkland
Rocky Mtn Racers
St Albert
Strathcona Wilderness
Vermilion
Winsport
Wapiti

Interpretation

A good cross section of different size and focus of ski clubs is present. 

Alberta Ski Team programs should be relevant to my club's athlete development program

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
72.73% 16	18.18% 4	4.55% 1	4.55% 1	0.00% 0	22	1.41

Purpose of Question: 

to determine the importance of AST programs to coaches of Alberta Ski Clubs

Interpretation of responses: 

Over 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the idea this statement.  Respondents feel that the AST should be relevant.  This response indicates that the AST programs are important to clubs.
. 
Action - develop a program that is relevant to the needs of Alberta Ski Clubs. 

Comments from respondents:

Currently, the AST program is replicating a great deal of what many of the clubs are already doing. The AST program should be a program that is over and above what a club is able to realistically able to do.

Having diversity shows the athletes that there are many ways to train and to increase their repertoire as athletes.

If not then there is no reason to have it

The Alberta Ski Team programs should aim to limit duplication of services already offered by ski clubs in Alberta

	strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
	59.09% 13	13.64% 3	18.18% 4	9.09% 2	0.00% 0	22	1.77

Purpose of the Question:

to inform the drafting of the 2015-16 AST programs

Interpretation of responses:

Over 72% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that the AST programs should limit dupliction of services.  less than 10% of clubs disagreed with reducing duplication.  Respondents are informing CCA that they would like to see less duplication of services in the AST program. 

Action  - plan an AST program that includes more 'value added' or 'unique' experiences that most clubs do not undertake themselves.

Comments from respondents:

We don't have the option of going to the glacier and so tag teaming is great/going with the AST/ADT for us up in the North.

Clubs dont have the capacity to duplicate - clubs are like High school - AWCA is like University

I'm neutral, because there is quite a diverse difference between what clubs are doing in the province

It is impossible for clubs to duplicate this service, they dont have the resources or experiance the AST has employed

I believe they offer a high quality coaching, and coach to athlete ratio

This is difficult due to the large variations in what the ski clubs are already offering. ie. Canmore does a lot of great things due to size, location and # of coaches. The smaller rural clubs can't offer what they do so.... even though many ADT/ADT activities may be a duplication for the Canmore kids it is very valuable for athletes in the smaller clubs.

The Alberta Ski Team programs primary purpose should be to provide augmented learning experiences for athletes focused on physical training, race skills, and socialization opportunities

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
68.18% 15	27.27% 6	4.55% 1	0.00% 0	0.00% 0	22	1.36

Purpose of the question: 

to guage the pulse of Alberta ski club coaches of what is important about the AST programs.

Interpretation of responses:

Over 95% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that AST programs should provide augmented learning experiences focused on physical training, race skills, and socialization experiences.  Not one respondent disagreed with this statement.  Respondents are informing CCA that they would like the AST programs to be focused on physical training, race skills, and socialization experiences.  Clubs see AST programs as highly important experiences for developing athletes.

Action:

plan an AST program that is focused on providing augmented learning experiences for athletes that focus on physical training , race skills, and socialization

Comments from respondents:

+ technique and some testing

In addition to learning from older more experianced athletes

Agree but only inbsofar as it is treated as "augmented learning"; I actually don't think there needs to be much programming for most athletes and those that need services because their clubs can't provide it, CCA should be facilitating/liaison the athlete-club relationship so that they recieve those services through either the Academy or another full capacity club.

The Alberta Ski Team (for athletes in Junior B/G and Junior M/W) should be increased in size to about 20-24 athletes to optimize the reach of this initiative and decrease the deselection of athletes, increasing the likelihood of some athletes moving on to national training centres as U23 athletes. Team fees would be differentiated for higher (1-6) and lower (7-12) ranked athletes similar to other sport organization teams (e.g. biathlon)

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
40.91% 9	36.36% 8	18.18% 4	4.55% 1	0.00% 0	22	1.86

Purpose of the question:

To determine the importance of a larger Alberta Ski Team to club coaches.  Also, to state that a larger AST would need to fit within the existing budget of the AST by charging differentiated fees for higher and lower ranked athletes.

Interpretation of responses:

Over 75% of Alberta ski club coaches agree or strongly agree that the AST should be increased in terms of the number of participating athletes.  Less than 5% of respondents disagree with increasing the size of the AST.  Most coaches also agree or strongly agree that differentiated fees is a good idea.

Action:

Increase the size of the Alberta Ski Team (for junior b/g and junior m/w) to 20-24 athletes.  Rank athletes as part of the selection process to know which athletes should pay differentiated team fees.

Comments from respondents:

I would definitely like to see more opportunities for the rest of the younger athletes in Alberta

If we are able to do a better job with more athletes we will strengthen our possibility to deliver more athletes to the next level, however, the program then needs to reflect this development. A 24 athlete team program cannot be run well with 1 coach.

Do we have that many athletes in Alberta seems like clubs need to do a better job of getting athletes to a good level

Ideally, fees are low so it reflects on their progression to a higher level program. I recommend less training opportunities (2 for the year is fine, maybe 3)but having more athletes involved. I like the 20-24 size

You dont want it diluted to the point it has no meaning - right AB would not have 20 athletes at this level

This question is really two question; 1) increase size of team and 2) institute variable fees within the team structure. And the first question presumes that we agree that the AST should consist of Junior B/G and Junior M/W athletes. I am not sure they should or should not include both or either of these categories.

great idea!!

Selection criteria for Alberta Development Team should be based on rankings generated from Alberta Cup series relative to same age peers.

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
45.45% 10	36.36% 8	18.18% 4	0.00% 0	0.00% 0	22	1.73

Purpose of question:

to inform the creation of selection criteria for ADT

Interpretation of responses:

Over 80% of respondents agreed or disagreed that ADT selection should be based off of Alberta Cup points.  Not one respondent disagreed with this statement.

Action:

Ensure that selection criteria for ADT is based on Alberta Cup points.

Comments from respondents:

I agree with this as long as there is little or no conflict with the NorAm schedule.

A session of brainstorming from coaches could come up with a realistic and appropriate ranking system.

Arctic Winter Games gives our kids a chance of qualifying as our focus every second year is to peak for AWG's and not AB Cup races.

ONLY ABCup not you get hot at the Eastern Championships or Canada Cup race that no other ski club attended!

should be only alberta cup racing vs cpl

Yes, but not totally based on performance. Team size should be high

Most athletes in Alberta Travel far to much, in particular Canmore, which flies in the face of LTAD

these criteria must be transparent and clearly communication to the ski community

Selection criteria for Alberta Ski Team should be based on a factored CPL points weighted 70/30 for distance/sprint, in this way not promoting early specialization as a distance or sprint racer.

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
27.27% 6	50.00% 11	13.64% 3	4.55% 1	4.55% 1	22	2.09

Purpose of the question:

to determine coach support for factoring CPL points for Alberta Ski Team selection. 

Interpretation of responses:

Over 75% of respondents agree or strongly agree that factoring should be used in selection criteria for AST.  Current criteria allow athletes to be selected based on either their highest sprint or highest distance CPL points.  Using factored CPL points as the selection criteria will align with other ski jurisdictions in Canada such as Ski de Fond Quebec. Less than 10% of respondents disagreed with using factored CPL points as the selection criteria.  Clubs are not supportive of the current selection criteria for AST.

Action:

Rewrite selection criteria to reflect the expressed needs of coaches who are engaged with the AST program.

Comments from respondents:

Even then the % is high forcing our athletes from the north to travel without a coach to races that the whole team doesn't attend. I agree with the no promoting specialization.

Just don't want athletes racing up chasing points

This questions should be broken down in a different way. The way it is written here presumes that CPL should be used for selections, and that early specialization will be discouraged by a 70/30 distance/sprint distribution for CPL selection calculations. I believe both these assumptions are questionable and worthy of debate.

wouldn't a 50/50 split be more in line with the goal of not promoting early specialization? Sorry - unclear on this

Alberta Ski Team selection criteria should ensure that the criteria are attainable by athletes in all eligible categories - the bar shouldnt be set so high that no one qualifies.

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
45.45% 10	31.82% 7	4.55% 1	9.09% 2	9.09% 2	22	2.05

Purpose of the question:

to inform the writing of selection criteria regarding 'minimum standards'

Interpretation of responses:

A significant majority (77%) agreed or strongly agreed that AST selection criteria should be attainable by atheltes.  Less than 20% disagreed or strongly disagreed.  This information is informing CCA that coaches feel that the AST should be for our best athletes, regardless of their ranking compared to athletes from other ski jurisdictions. 

Action: 

Write selection criteria that remove 'minimum standards'.


Comments from respondents:

There is nothing wrong with setting an appropriate standard if there is a program in place that is going to help an athlete achieve this standard.

Athletes need to feel they have a chance to succeed.

I need an example please. %standard I assume? What if a category gender is weak eg JB, do you take more JG/JMW to add up to 24? Or is it 6+6+6+6?

Of course!

We have to remember that sometimes with a higher bar, athletes will find a way to jump over it, no one likes mediocracy

This would be a waist of time. Recongizting athletic performance and achievement is not a bad idea. Set the bar, select and include ALL athletes that achieve that standard and then recognize and celebrate their achievements.

The current CCA policy for Alberta Ski Team programs states that the Alberta Ski Team targets junior b/g, junior m/w and U23 athletes. I think it is important that the top ranked Alberta U23 athletes are recognized as members of the Alberta Ski Team even if they no longer require the support of the Alberta Ski Team

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
31.82% 7	40.91% 9	22.73% 5	0.00% 0	4.55% 1	22	2.05

Purpose of the question:

to determine the importance of including U23 athletes in the AST program.

Interpretation of responses:

Over 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the AST should include U23 athletes and that this would be primarily for recognition purposes.  Only 1 responded of 22 disagreed with this idea.  5 respondents responded as neutral as it wasn't important to their context.  Recognition is an important benefit of AST.  Other jursidictions recognize U23 athletes as part of their provincial ski team.  The current AST policy includes U23 athletes.  CCA receives funding for a U23 team to attend Canada Winter Games.

Action:

Include U23 athletes in the AST at least for recognition purposes.

Comments from respondents:

Being a part of a provincial team is a big deal and XC SKiing in Alberta is losing that focus.

are there benefits? what is the incentive

yes. They do not need to take part in camps but should be team members and role models.

Personally I dont think they really care, most of our U23 athletes are on the national team

I think its fine in name only, but most athletes dont need it, it was a different time in thier life

To clarify my dissagreement I want to say that I DO believe that all athletes at all levels in the spectrum of athlete develompment should be recognized for their achievements. We keep getting caught up with the labels "AST" and "ADT" and try and paint a brush over all with these. We need to explore new language for recognition and programming for our athletes at all levels.

but wouldn't this reduce the number of spots for non U23 athletes who require support?

Increasing transparency of team selection is important. e.g. athletes should apply for positions on the Alberta Ski Team based on their factored rankings posted on CCA website the day after CCC posts April CPL points.

strongly agree –	agree –	neutral –	disagree –	strongly disagree –	Total –	Average Rating –
36.36% 8	40.91% 9	13.64% 3	4.55% 1	4.55% 1	22	2.00

Purpose of the question:

To inform the selection process used by CCA to identify and name an AST.

Interpretation of responses:

Increasing transparency is important to a large majority of Alberta Coaches (77%).  It should be very clear to athletes throughout the season and at the end of the season how they are ranked for AST positions.  Coaches also agree or strongly agree with the idea that athletes should apply for their positions and not wait to be selected by a 'technical committee' or AST committee.  Coaches agree or strongly agree that these factored rankings need to be posted on the CCA website the day  after they are posted on the CCC website.  The Alberta Ski Team is held in high esteem by clubs, athletes, and coaches.  Being named to the team should be as transparent as possible.

Action:

Modify selection procedures to increase transparency.

Comments from respondents:

I believe that there should be some time for the athletes to consult their coaches and look at their options for the year. The entire program for that year should be laid out with all the details finished for the athletes to make the best decision possible. The time doesn't need to be long, but it needs to be there.

An athlete on any NST/Training centre I feel should still be a member of the AST without having to indicate their intent. It's almost as if they are an alumni but could have AST support should they need it.

This puts the onus on the athletes to choose to be a part of the team and leaves out the drama.

I think it should be a combination of athletes apply and athletes being nominated to fill the spots on the team

Not sure about applying for a HP team. I think it has more merit if you are named rather than applying. Thanks.