Included in your club Membership, NorWesters will register athletes in up to six events per meet (age 9 to 15) or four per meet for older athletes. Masters will enter and pay for their own meet entries.

Registration emails are sent to Members prior to meets, with Registration deadlines provided. Simply reply to the email with the name(s) of the athletes and the event(s) you want to enter. The following format is appreciated:

ATHLETE NAME

ATHLETE SEX

AGE CATEGORY (year of birth)

EVENTS to be entered, along with seed/personal best result in current year.

Additional events may be entered only if the persons coach gives permission. These will be paid for by athletes themselves. Check the hosting club’s website for registration information.

PLEASE NOTE: IF ATHLETES DO NOT ATTEND MEETS OR SCRATCH EVENTS AFTER REGISTERING THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE THE FEES FOR MISSED EVENT. (Medical exemption allowed if coach apprroves)

For any questions please contact

JD’s

jdentries@gmail.com

Older Athletes norwestersmeets@gmail.com

President: Birgit Weaver

Vice-President: Miraj Uddin

Treasurer: Cheryl Messier

Secretary: Marnie Marshall

Registrar: Dawn Copping

Programs: Dawn Copping

Director: John Millard

Director: Gija Williams

Director: Chris Zimmer

Director: Svetlana Catia

Director: Lisa Thorne

Webmaster: Dawn Copping

CONTACT US AT

norwestersinfo@gmail.com

Application of this Code

This Code applies to all members of the NorWesters Track and Field Club (the "Club"). Members include athletes, relatives or friends of any athlete, coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, and members of the NorWesters executive (collectively the "Members").

This Code applies to all Members at anytime they are at a Club event, while travelling to and from any Club event and while communicating or interacting with or about any Member of the Club.

All members of the Club have a responsibility to:

Demonstrate through words and actions the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct.

Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable image of their sport and the Club.

Treat others with respect and refrain from negative or disparaging remarks or conduct.

Avoid and reject the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods.

Refrain from using alcohol and tobacco products when involved in Club training sessions or competitive events, and consume these products responsibly in association with Club social events.

Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as inappropriate comment or conduct directed toward an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious and is contrary to the Human Rights Code.

Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, sexual comments or sexual conduct, and unwelcome touching.

Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of the Club, and BC Athletics; As per: this link

All coaches of the Club have a responsibility to:

Consistently display high personal and professional standards and project a positive image of the sport and of coaching.

Ensure a safe training environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of athletes.

Actively assist in sustaining the present and future health of athletes by communicating and cooperating with registered medical practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of injuries and other associated health problems.

Educate athletes about the dangers of drugs and performance-enhancing substances.

Accept and promote an athlete's personal goals.

In the case of minors, communicate and cooperate with the parents/guardians of athletes and involve them in decisions about the athlete's development.

Avoid any behaviour that abuses the power imbalance between a coach and an athlete.

Not engage in a sexual relationship of any description with an athlete.

Athletes must:

Treat everyone fairly regardless of sex, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or age.

Always display high personal standards and project a favourable image of their sport and the Club.

Follow all training instructions and refrain from horseplay or behaviour that interferes with the training of others.

Immediately advise your coach of any injury to yourself or any other athlete.

Treat all athletes, officials and coaches in a kind, respectful and encouraging manner.

Immediately report to their parent or any other adult if another person in the Club approaches the athlete or touches the athlete in a sexual manner or in a manner that is inappropriate.

Immediately report to an adult any unsafe behaviour or behaviour that may be inappropriate. This includes behaviour or conduct that may or may not involve the athlete.

Refrain from criticizing other athletes, officials or coaches.

Abstain from using tobacco products or alcohol while at any Club event and must not use illegal drugs.

Be polite and respectful and not use profane, insulting, critical or threatening language.

The Club is intended to serve athletes of all ages training in track and field, cross country and road racing. The full athletic membership fee is based on the calendar year and includes membership in B.C. Athletics and Athletics Canada. Athletes nineteen years and older and parents or guardians of younger athletes are voting members of the Club. Membership is also available to officials, coaches and other supporters. Membership includes insurance and the usual rights and privileges of membership. Special seasonal, and short term memberships are available for specific programs run by the club.

Athletes will be accepted into the Club if they turn six years of age during the current year. While a member of NorWesters Track and Field Club, an athlete will abide by the policies and procedures applicable to membership as governed by B.C. Athletics and Athletics Canada. Full time training with another club for any reason must be approved by the coaching committee. This would normally only occur when NorWesters does not have a specialized coach in the athlete’s event.

NorWesters Track and Field Club is independent and self-supporting. It receives little regular financial or material assistance from outside bodies, private or governmental. The Club’s policy is to keep membership fees as low as possible. A substantial deficit each year is made up through sponsorship of sports events. Major annual recurring expenses are payment of coaches, sports equipment, meet entries, athletes travel, coaches travel, coaches expenses and facilities rental. Occasional grants from individuals and services clubs, notably Lynn Valley Legion, are gratefully acknowledged.

Every athlete in NorWesters is required to keep a record of his or her performances in each event. The primary emphasis in Club training and competition is improvement of individual performance with attention to values and principles of fairness, commitment, perseverance and sportsmanship. In this regard, Personal Best (P.B’s) recognition and respect for each athlete’s individuality and personal achievement by coaches, officials, and parents, ensures that athletes of all levels of ability make steady progress. The Club is enormously proud and pleased that it has contributed to the success of some of Canada’s outstanding track and field athletes. It is also proud that it has enabled thousands of children of average athletic ability to improve their skills and general fitness. The guidelines below ensure that Track and Field is a friendship sport and that children’s (and/or parent’s) natural competitiveness does not become a destructive force.

NorWesters Athlete Record Sheet (PDF)

DO: recognize outstanding achievements in competition. The medal winners deserve our respect for their ability and their effort.

DO: recognize personal achievement. The athlete in fifth place with an improved time or distance has achieved a personal victory. Cheer for him/her just as much.

DO: promote friendship, cooperation and mutual support among athletes inside and outside the club.

DO NOT: encourage children to show disrespect for athletes, coaches, parents or officials through criticism or ridicule.

DO NOT: encourage outcome goals. Victories over individuals, placing in competitions, times or measurements achieved, etc. should not be promoted as the source of judgment on an athlete’s performance. The central motivation should be personal improvement and the joy of the process of our sport.

Most executive, coaching and committee positions in the Club are volunteer positions filled by parents. Because membership fees only cover one half of our annual costs, all parents who enroll children in NorWesters are requested to volunteer time for fundraising activities, assistance at meets and a variety of other tasks throughout the year. Volunteering demonstrates parental support of their child and is satisfying in its own right.

Parental influence in the development of each athlete should be one of encouragement and support. Athletes generally follow programs outlined by the coaches and it is advised that parents have some idea of what each program covers. Read the information under Seasons. By supporting the efforts of our coaches and by encouraging athletes to show respect and diligence during practices, parents can be an asset in assisting with program delivery. Coaches are encouraged to help young athletes in setting and achieving realistic personal goals for self-improvement. Athletes, parents and coaches working together can accomplish amazing results.

There is general agreement among sport scientists that early event specialization is not beneficial. The general philosophy of Junior Development (athletes 9 - 13 years of age) supports a program that teaches a wide range of skills and promotes improved general fitness, agility, balance, flexibility and coordination. Club athletes are introduced to a complete range of track and field events and are encouraged to participate in cross country running. Athletes above the age of thirteen, on the advice of coaches, may train for a narrower range of events. For best results NorWesters follows the periodized approach to program development over a one year cycle. However, although the NorWesters training program operates year round, specialized shorter term programs are often implemented. As an example, we encourage athletes in other sports to join NorWesters for our cross-country season to develop a strong fitness and strength base that can be transferred to their sport. High School athletes only interested in competing during the spring season can participate in our High School program. The objective of any of our programs is to encourage as many athletes to try the sport of track and field whether it is for a short or long term. We are convinced that the joys experienced in the short term programs will result in many athletes committing to the annual programs.

CONDITIONING - INDOOR (September thru March)

The first two phases of development over the fall and winter and early spring months emphasize the development of strength, flexibility, and endurance through circuit training, flexibility exercises and distance running. Participation in cross country running is encouraged for athletes of all event groups to assist with improvements to endurance strength and mental toughness.

It is recommended that to achieve maximal development during these phases, athletes should attend at least two weekly practice sessions for the youngest athletes and three or four for older athletes. (See Membership Categories on the back of the Fee schedule for further information.)

OUTDOOR SEASON (April through July)

Technical training in some track and field events occurs after Christmas and increases during the precompetitive phases during April, May and June. Once all track and field events have been practised, athletes compete at weekend track and field competitions to fine tune their performances. The goal of the outdoor season is to achieve personal bests at competitions and to compete at the athlete's appropriate B.C. Championship competition.

It is recommended that to achieve maximal development during all these phases, athletes should attend all practice sessions. (See Membership Categories on the back of the Fee schedule for further information.)

Locations and times of practices are sent by email by Monday each week along with other information.. Please check each week for updates and before attending practices.

During practice sessions athletes are required to help take out and return club equipment and to help Coaches in other ways when requested.

Club athletes may be entered in track and field meets, cross country and road races. The Club pays entry fees for events authorized by the Board of Directors (up to six per meet for JD’s, four for older athletes). NorWesters pays only the fee portion for events where the cost of a T-shirt or other souvenir is included. Club members are encouraged to enter as many events as they wish. Parents will be given the full schedule of events for each age group. If an athlete enters more than three events on one day the Meet Entries Co-ordinator may check with the coach to ascertain if this is advisable for the athlete.

Relay teams are selected by the coaches. Otherwise the athletes themselves choose their events. Most track meets place no restrictions on athletes in regards to number of events or entry standards. Where these are in effect they are strictly followed.

Most track meets require pre-registration for each event and impose a deadline for entries. Entries are entered and prepaid by the Club. Athletes (or parents) are contacted once by the Meet Entries Coordinator before each competition. Athletes must choose events to be entered at this time or convey their decisions by prompt email. Prior to registering, parents/athletes are advised to study the meet schedules emailed to them to avoid potential conflicts between events. Once an athlete has conveyed their wish to be entered in an event or meet, the registrar will complete the necessary forms for entry, and prepay the entry fees. Athletes who fail to participate in an event (scratch) in which they are entered will be charged the cost of the meet entry. (unless the scratch is authorized by a coach for a medical reason).

Junior Development (J.D.) athletes must conform to all J.D rules which are posted on the BC Athletics website. Policies regarding events and distances allowed, including competing only in the child’s age group are closely followed.

Late entry (entries submitted after the Meet Entries Coordinator’s deadline) for meets or for individual events are permitted by many BUT NOT ALL meet organizers. Host organizations usually charge a higher rate as a late entry fee. Late entry fees may be collected on the day of the event or at an earlier published date by the organizers and will not be paid by the club. Late entries for individual events must be approved in advance by the NorWesters Senior Coaches. Athletes must reimburse the club the cost of meet entry fees before another meet can be entered.

TRACK MEET RULES ( SANCTIONED EVENTS)

Athletes who are members of B.C. Athletics may only compete in events sanctioned by B.C. Athletics.

BC Athletics insurance policy does not cover athletic events that do not meet their safety requirements. Elementary, Secondary School and University Meets are covered by their own insurance and are exempt.

Sanctioned track meets are highly structured events governed by a set of detailed Rules for Competition. Infractions of the rules by athletes, parents or coaches can result in disqualification, or dismissal of the athlete or the whole Club from a meet.

1.In most situations, officials or competing athletes only are allowed on the track or infield during a meet.

2.Parents, coaches or other athletes may not coach, advise or pace (run beside an athlete) within the competition area. Athletes may communicate with others during competition only when those persons are in the area designated by the officials for doing so.

3.Protests concerning the conduct of an event or the actions of an athlete are registered with meet officials by a senior club coach within a determined time period. Usually there is a $40.00 “protest fee” payable by the Club. Parents must not harass meet officials.

4.Athletes may not scratch from events unless suffering from illness or Injury. Scratches must be authorized and entered by the Coach. At higher level competitions unauthorized scratching can result in an athlete being disqualified for the remainder of the competition. Athletes who fail to compete in an event for which they are registered must reimburse the Club for the cost of that entry (unless a scratch is authorized). Athletes may switch events only on the basis of the Senior coach striking an agreement with the meet director.

Athletes should develop a preparation plan that works. This may take some time to refine. Included in the preparation plan should be the time it takes to reach the competition site, the time it takes to warm-up properly and strategies and tactics to enable the athlete to perform to their best ability. A successful plan will result in successful performances.

Transportation to local meets is not arranged by the Club. Parents are encouraged to arrange their own car pools. Travel to out of province competition is arranged by the club.

The NorWesters uniform is a red and white singlet and red, white or black shorts and white socks. Singlets are purchased from the Uniform Coordinator at cost. NorWesters is proud of its athletes and expects them to compete wearing the official club uniform at sanctioned competitions.

All athletes must wear good quality running shoes to practices. . Cross Trainers are not suitable and often cause heel pain. Cheap or worn-out shoes do not give sufficient protection and support for use on hard surfaces

Younger athletes should purchase distance spike shoes which have a slight heel. These can be used for all track and jumping events The spikes themselves should be 5mm long. Older athletes may purchase more specialized competition shoes ( sprint spikes, high jump spikes etc.) on the advice of their coach.

All training equipment and throwing implements are supplied and maintained by the Club for use at practices. Club equipment is not loaned for private use except for vaulting poles which must be signed for before use.

Coaches design their programs so that practices provide for a progressive workload and prescribed recovery days. All programs are designed for a one year cycle that culminates with the athlete achieving peak performance in the competition season. If an athlete attends the designated practices and participates fully in the prescribed off day activities, he or she will receive sufficient training. Parental coaching is discouraged except in exceptional circumstances and under guidance from the athlete's coach. Trying to add extra workload on top of the coach's program will not mean better performance as over-training has an adverse effect and often leads to injury. The club is always interested in parents who have a desire to coach and this would be a productive avenue to explore.

Parents who drive their athletes to practices are encouraged to deliver them on time and to patiently wait until the workout is complete. Understanding the need for a proper cool down with stretching is essential to ensure each athlete recovers from the workout and is ready for the next one.

VOLUNTEERING

There are many volunteer opportunities within the NorWesters Track and Field Club. From leadership and organizational support to coaching, helping at practices and meets, to attaining sponsorships, there are many ways. We know life is busy and everyone has busy schedules, but even a few hours a month can make all the difference in the lives of our young and aspiring athletes. Our Club supports the BC Athletics Officials program, and many of our members volunteer and work with them at events. NorWesters has six registered BC Athletics officials and would like to have more trained people.

BC ATHLETICS OFFICIALS

BC Athletics Officials are trained volunteers who work at Track and Field, Cross Country and Road events. These are the people who ensure the fairness/measurements/fun and organization of the track meets we all attend. Many are parents, but some are athletes, active or retired. Young athletes can join the Under-18 officials program to enhance their understanding of the sport, and accumulate credits for school programs. We encourage our members to get involved. Visit the BCA Officials Web Page for the latest information on training and certification as an official.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

If an athlete or parent has a problem related to coaching they should take it directly to the Senior Coach. If either party feels it would be beneficial they may wish to involve the Coaching Coordinator Dawn Copping, who is the Board’s representative on the Coaching Committee. If the coach and the Coaching Coordinator together cannot solve the problem then the Coaching Coordinator will bring the problem to the President or Board of Directors.

If an athlete or parent has an administrative problem, the individual should write a letter or ask for time at a Board meeting to put forward his or her point of view. Letters should be sent directly to the President.

In most cases problems can be solved on the spot by identifying it with those concerned, discussing the background and reasons why it is a problem and then agreeing on a mutual solution. Keeping in mind most of those involved in NorWesters are volunteers, some latitude should be given in taking forward minor grievances; Serious problems however, should be dealt with swiftly through the correct channels and democratically corrected as soon as possible.

PDF of NorWesters Constitution

PDF of NorWesters Bylaws

Policy Regarding Moving of Athletes Between Groups

Background

From time to time there will be requests for athletes moving from the group that they are training within the Club to another group. Most commonly these requests will be for an athlete to "move up" a group.

The decision for any movement of an athlete must be based on the best interests of the athlete and their progress in the sport of track and field.

NorWesters follows the generally accepted Long Term Development Model as prescribed by Istvan Balyi1 in the organization and training of athletes. This includes programs for: Junior Development (JD) (ages 9 to 15), Youths (ages 16 to 17), Juniors (ages 18 to 19), Seniors (ages 19 to 39) and Masters (ages over 40). The JD program is focused on the introduction of the full range track and field events (runs, jumps and throws) in order to address skills that are best developed prior to maturation. As with any long term program involving the development of young boys and girls, consideration must be given to both the individual’s biological and chronological training ages. As athletes mature at different stages of their chronological age, one cannot generalize based on this and must take the other factors into consideration when planning programs. Although specialization can start to occur at the older JD level in cases where it is evident the athlete has a distinct talent in one event area or does not enjoy doing events not suited to him or her, it is not until the Youth and older ages that specialization is encouraged and specific programming is established for those athletes. As such NorWesters training groups and programming is established as follows:

Junior Development

Ages 9 - 13 (runs, jumps and throws - physical literacy: skill development, economy of movement, hand-eye, etc.)

Ages 14 - 15 (runs, jumps and throws - aerobic, strength and speed development)

Youth, Junior, Senior, Masters (specialized training in the following)

Middle Distance

Sprints

Throws

Jumps

Why the policy?

The reason NorWesters Track and Field Club has established a policy regarding movement of athletes between different groups:

The training groups have been established by experts in the sport and are aimed at helping the athlete find the group that best fits his or her development stage.

Arbitrary changes can affect the delivery of the training programs.

Changes because there is a perceived or real personality conflict or discipline problem with a coach or other athletes is not resolved by changing training groups. This issue must be dealt with directly.

Requests to move an athlete into another group are most commonly made because:

There is a wish to receive specialized training in an event that is only offered at an older age group.

An exceptional athlete is not being challenged and feels that training with older athletes would enhance their progress.

There is a wish to change coaches or stay with a coach.

Requests to move athletes into another group can be made by:

Coaches

Athletes

Parents

NorWester Track and Field Club Decision Policy to Move an Athlete from the U16 Program to a Specialized Senior Program: (9 to 13 year olds will not be considered.)

The move must be in the best interest of the athlete.

Although there maybe significant pressure by a parent, athlete or coach to move an athlete to another group, it must be for reasons consistent with NorWester Club policy.

Criteria for moving an athlete:

Criteria for an athlete moving up includes having the ability to perform within an established range of times, distances or heights for the specialized event as well as meeting several critical tests for suitability to move into a higher group. For "moving up" from the JD program to one of the specialized event training programs, the athlete must meet the following criteria:

Performance Standards:

A range of performance standards are developed by the senior coaches and are revised from time to time to meet changing conditions. A range of measurement for each event gives some latitude to encourage new talented athletes into the sport as well as allowing 14 and 15 year old athletes who have demonstrated exceptional ability to be considered for upwards movement. These standards are attached to this policy.

Additional Criteria that must be met:

If the athlete meets the performance standards other considerations to be assessed include:

Physical capability of the athlete: The athlete must have demonstrated that he or she consistently places at the top of his or her age related event. The athlete is clearly physically above the level of his or her training group peers and would be better developed in the higher training group.

The athlete clearly demonstrates a level of maturity and leadership and similar positive behaviours that would enable him or her to fit in with the older training group.

The athlete has previously followed the policy of the JD program to maintain the overall fitness embodied by training in runs, jumps, and throws events.

The athlete has demonstrated a commitment to training by attending between 75 -100% of regular practices, unless there is a valid reason for not doing so, such as conflicts that the coach and athlete have agreed upon. A demonstration by the athlete that missed practices will be done on the athlete's own time or by participating in a similar sporting activity should that be the cause of the conflict. (i.e. soccer practice instead of running practice)

There must be complete agreement between the three stakeholders: Athlete, Coach, and Parents.

Furthermore, the process of an athlete applying to move up will always be contingent on the current event group size, coach/athlete ratio and general group dynamics (training level of the group, male/female ratio issues, and other specific requirements of an event group)

Process

Requests for moving an athlete should be made by any of the three stakeholders (athlete, coach, parents) to the Coaching Committee of NorWesters and they will assess the request and prepare a recommendation to move up to the Board. If it is felt by the Coaching Committee that there is not agreement by all three stakeholders and/or the athlete does not meet the guidelines of this policy the stakeholders will be so informed.

Who Makes the Decision

The decision to move an athlete is based on a recommendation and supporting rationale from the Coaches Committee to the Board of Directors. The Board has the final decision.

Image of NorWester Performance Standards to be used in assessing athletes to move up:

Note: - performances must be made in sanctioned or official high school competition.

* Istvan Balyi is the Resident Sport Scientist at the National Coaching Institute (NCI-BC,) Victoria, Canada. The Istvan Balyi model for long-term athlete development was initially developed, based on the East German structure from the 1960’s to the fall of the Berlin Wall. During this period East Germany, despite only having a population of 17 million, were world powers in sporting competition.

NorWesters Travel Funding

PDF of NorWesters Awards Criteria for Annual Club Awards Banquet