A. Minimum eligibility requirements for Team nomination consideration:
1.
Must be a citizen of the
2. Must meet the minimum International Biathlon Union (IBU) standards (see Attachment A).
3. Must meet any additional requirements as set forth in this document.
B. Team Size: The Olympic
Team size will be determined based on IOC/IBU Quota System (Attachment B)
based on the standing of the
– Brief Summary: Nominations to the 2006 Olympic Winter Games will be through one of three methods:
A. Meeting established 2004-2005 World Cup or World Championship standards (See Section IV. A. 1. a.).
B. Nomination through competition in Olympic Trials Race Series (“Trials”) (See Section IV. B.).
C. Waiver process. (See Section IV. B. 6.)
A. 2004-2005 World Cup and World Championship (See Section IV. A.)
B. Olympic Trials Race Series (“Trials”) (See Section IV. B.)
1. Date (approximately December 2005/January 2006) and location to be determined and posted at www.usbiathlon.org no later than May 1, 2005.
2. Events: Men and Women
- Individual Race (1 each)
- Sprint Race (2 each)
- Pursuit Format Race (1 each)
C. Preliminary or qualifying events required to participate in the Trials.
1. Competition time not more than 20% behind the average of the top three times at European Cup events (including European Championship) or a top half placing at the Junior World Championship in the 2004-2005 season,
Or
2. Participation at World Cup, World Championship or Olympic Winter Games Season, 2001-2002 and beyond.
a. Finishing within the 2004-2005 World Cup and World Championships standards listed below.
Standards required at the conclusion of the 2004-2005 competitive season.
1. Women: Top 35 placement in the overall World Cup Final Ranking of the 2004-2005 season, or two Top 10 finishes in World Cup or World Championships of the 2004-2005 season, in the races identified in paragraph IV. A. 2, below.
2. Men: Top 40 placement in the overall World Cup Final Ranking of the 2004-2005 season, or two Top 15 finishes in World Cup or World Championships of the 2004-2005 season, in the races identified in paragraph IV. A. 2, below.
b. Agreement to fulfill a training contract [1] signed between the United States Biathlon Association (USBA) and athlete. The International Competition Committee (ICC) will be responsible for creating the training contract. The composition of this committee is listed in Section XV. Each training contract must be submitted to USOC’s Sport Partnerships Team and be approved by the USOC prior to execution of the contract.
Up to 50% of the maximum allowed team size (by IBU/IOC rules) may qualify (rounding down for all fractions). Example: If the men’s team is allowed a maximum of five athletes, then two athletes could qualify by meeting the standards listed below.
If more than 50% of the team size meets the criteria, the athletes with the single best 2004-2005 World Cup/World Championship placing qualify. If there is a tie, the athlete with the most IBU World Cup Points will qualify. If there is still a tie, the athlete with the best percent-back finish in a 2004-2005 World Cup/World Championship race will qualify.
2. 2004-2005 World Cup and World Championship events: The Individual, Sprint, Mass Start and/or Pursuit races from the following events can be used to qualify:
Dec 2-5, 2004 Beitostolen, NOR World Cup
Dec. 9-12, 2004 Holmenkollen, NOR World Cup
Dec. 16-29, 2004 Ostersund, SWE World Cup
Jan. 6-9, 2005 Oberhof, GER World Cup
Jan. 13-16, 2005 Ruhpolding, GER World Cup
Jan. 20-23, 2005 Antholtz, ITA World Cup
Feb 20-13, 2005 Torino, ITA World Cup
Feb. 17-20, 2005 Pokljuka, SLO World Cup
Mar. 4-13, 2005 Hochfilzen, AUT World Championship
Mar. 14-20, 2005 Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS World Cup
Note: Qualified athletes do not need to participate in the Olympic Trials Race Series.
3. Qualification to compete in the World Cup and World Championship events listed above in Section IV. A. 2. will be through World Team Trials to be held (location TBD) in late December 2004 and early January 2005. Information on date and location of the World Team Trials will be posted at www.usbiathlon.org by October 15, 2004.
Qualification for World Cup and World Championships will be based on the same selection system listed in Section IV. B. (below) with the best two of three competitions, based on the percent back scoring system. Individuals may qualify for the 2004-2005 World Team and may not have to compete in World Team Trials. Information on qualification for the World Team will be posted at www.usbiathlon.org by October 15, 2004.
B. Olympic Trials Race Series (“Trials”) - Athletes who do not qualify for nomination to the 2006 Olympic Team through the 2004-2005 World Cups and World Championship (Section IV. A.) may enter the Olympic Trials Race Series, which will be held in accordance with the following:
2. Scoring: The competitions will be scored using the following percent back scoring system. The best three finishers’ times are averaged forming the scoring base. Percent backs are calculated using the base in the following formula:
Athletes % back = 2- (athlete’s time/scoring base)
3. Ranking and Nomination: The best 3 of 4 percent back results from the Olympic Trials Race Series will be totaled for each athlete to establish the ranking. The team will be filled in rank order following the already qualified athletes up to the maximum allowable team size. The Trials will be scheduled such that the team can attend at least 2 World Cup events prior to the Olympic Games and so athletes who may need to qualify for team nomination via European Cup results may be able to do so.
4. Contingencies: In the event one or more of the Trials competitions are cancelled the following will apply:
a. If 3 races are held, the best 2 of 3 races will be scored.
b. If less than 3 races are held; the winner of each race will be named to the team and the ICC in accordance with the USBA Principles of Discretion (Attachment C) will determine the remaining selections.
5. Petitions to compete in the Trials: (For individuals who do not meet requirements of Section III. C.) Petitions will be considered by the ICC and must be submitted in writing to the USBA Executive Director at least two months prior to the commencement of the Trials. The Petition must include:
· Written recommendation from the athlete’s primary coach
· Written evaluation and prognosis of illness or injury, if any, from the athlete’s physician
· Race history with results for the past 2 years
· Any other facts and information bearing on the situation.
5. IOC/IBU criteria for Olympic participation: Athletes who may be pending nomination at the Olympic Trials Race Series event who do not meet the IOC/IBU criteria for Olympic participation will be afforded the opportunity to qualify at European Cup events after the Trials but prior to the Olympic Games. If athletes do not meet the criteria via these European Cups then qualifying athletes, in rank order from Trials will be nominated to the Team until vacancies are filled.
6. Waiver from competing in the Trials: In order to be considered for Olympic Team nomination, all athletes must compete in the Trials, unless they have already qualified for the Team (see Section IV. A) or unless they receive a waiver.
For waiver consideration, acts of fate will be taken into account only for athletes who would have made the Team had the act of fate not taken place and who have demonstrated top five results among US athletes nationally and internationally between December 2004 and the 2006 Olympic Trials (relevant competitions include National Championship, World Championship Trials, World Cups and World Championships). Illness, injury, personal or family emergencies and equipment problems that were clearly beyond the athlete’s control will be considered. Injuries and illness must be verified in writing by a USBA physician and the documentation must be included with the waiver request. The ICC shall review any waiver request filed prior to the Trials. The ICC will act on the waiver request and may nominate an athlete to the Team based on the USBA Principles of Discretion (Attachment C).
All requests for waivers must be presented to the ICC for consideration of approval or denial of the request. All requests must be submitted in writing.
V. Olympic Start Position Determination
Athlete results at World Cup events conducted after Olympic Trials Race Series and prior to start of Olympic Games 2006 will be used to guide the selection of athletes for Olympic start positions as follows:
A. Individual and Sprint Competitions: The coaching staff and the Team Leader will determine start positions for each competition using the USBA Principles of Discretion (Attachment C). Results from Olympic Trials, World Cup Competition 2004-2006 and Olympic competitions 2002 and 2006 will be used to guide selection. If necessary, the staff may hold a time trial to determine starts between conclusion of the Trials and start of the Olympic Games.
B. Seeding and Relay Starts: Seeding is the assignment of athletes to each of
the 4 start draw groups. Additionally, the relay has four legs so the running sequence is the order in which the athletes will run the relay. The coaching staff and the Team Leader will determine all seeding as well relay athletes and the running sequence using the USBA Principles of Discretion (Attachment C).
VI. Discretionary Selection
A. For consideration to compete in the Trials: In the event that an athlete does not meet the criteria for eligibility to enter the Trials, he/she may submit a petition to the ICC to enter the Trials (See Section IV. B. 4.).
B. For nomination to the 2006 Olympic Winter Games Team: Nomination to the 2006 Olympic Winter Games team shall be primarily through objective criteria (See Section IV. A. and B.); However, the following will also apply under specific circumstances:
a. Contingencies: If, at the Trials, less than 3 races are held, the winner in each race will be named to the team and the ICC in accordance with the USBA Principals of Discretion (Attachment C) will determine the remaining selections. (See Section IV. B. 3. b.)
b. Waivers: The ICC will consider waivers for athletes who are unable to compete in the Trials (See Section IV. B. 6.)
VII. Removal of Athletes
A. An athlete who is to be nominated to the Team by USBA may be removed from the Nominations for any of the following reasons, as determined by the US Biathlon.
§ Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to USBA Executive Director.
§ Injury or illness as certified by the USBA physician or medical staff.
§ Violation of the USBA Code of Conduct (Attachment D).
An athlete who may be removed from the Team pursuant to this provision has the right to a hearing per USBA’s Constitution and Bylaws (Chapter 19).
B. Once the Athlete Nominations are accepted by the USOC, an athlete is subject to the USOC Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures.
C. An athlete may be removed from Nomination or from the Team at any time for violation of IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and/or USOC anti-doping protocol, policies, procedures. In such instances, the adjudication process will be managed through the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
VIII. Replacement of Athletes
Athletes will be replaced in rank order from Trials results (See Section IV. B.2.).
IX. Supporting Documents
US Biathlon will retain all supporting documents and data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
X. Required Documents
The following USCA documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of participation in the Olympic Games:
- USBA Code of Conduct (Attachment D)
- Athlete Contract (See Section IV.A.1.b.)
XI. Publicity/Distribution of Procedures
The USOC approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published by US Biathlon in the following locations and will include the USOC approval date:
A. NGB website: www: USBiathlon.org
The website information will be posted as soon as possible, but not more than 5 business days following notice of approval by the USOC.
B. Other: Sent electronically via e-mail to the USBA membership list.
C. Sent electronically to all USBA Coaches and Board of Directors
XII. Date of Nomination
Nomination of Athletes form will be submitted to the USOC on January 11, 2006.
XIII. Mandatory Training and/or Competitions
Athletes nominated and further selected to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games will be required to train and compete at selected competitions after the Olympic Trials Race Series and prior to the start of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games under the direction of the US Biathlon Olympic coach. Information on specific competition dates will be published on June 1, 2005. Additionally, as referenced in Section IV. A. 1. b., athletes will be required to sign a training contract that will outline his/her training plan between the time of selection to the Team and through completion of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
XIV. IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and USOC Anti-Doping Requirements
Athletes must adhere to all IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and USOC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures. This includes participation in out of competition testing as required by the IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and USOC rules.
XV. Development of Selection Procedures
The following committee and the USBA/USOC AAC representative (Chad Salmela) were responsible for creating the 2006 Olympic Winter Games Athlete Selection Procedures for US Biathlon:
USBA International Competition Committee
· Alan Nye, Chair
· David Gieck, Athlete Representative
· Tracy Lamb, IBU Technical Delegate, former National Team Coach, former elite athlete
· Algis Shalna, National Team Head Coach
XVI. NGB Bylaws and Grievance Procedures
The US Biathlon Bylaws and Grievance Procedures can be found at www.USBiathlon.org.
XVII. International Disclaimer
These procedures are based on IOC and/or the IBU rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC and/or the IBU rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to US Biathlon. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency.
XVIII. Athlete Ombudsman
Athletes who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete that are not answered by US Biathlon may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman: John W. Ruger by:
· Toll free telephone at (888) ATHLETE
· E-mail at john.ruger@usoc.org
I certify that the information provided herein regarding Athlete Selection Procedures represents the method approved by US Biathlon.
| Position |
Print Name |
Signature |
Date |
| NGB President or Executive Director |
|||
| Nat. Team Coach, Head Coach, or Nat. Program Director |
|||
| USOC Athletes’ Advisory Council* |
*If USOC AAC Representative has delegated authority to the Alternate AAC Representative to sign the Selection Procedures, attach a letter from the AAC Representative indicating the reason he/she has delegated authority.
USOC USE ONLY
| Date Original Procedures Rec’d______________________ Date Revision Submitted ___________________________ |
Date of USOC Approval_____________________________ |
USBA Principles of Discretion
The purpose of a discretionary choice is to allow some flexibility in decisions about who is selected. Creating watertight, finite criteria for discretionary choices is impossible, since by their very nature they are meant to account for the unanticipated circumstances, which inevitably elude the principles of objective criteria. Based on the context of the situation, the committee or staff will evaluate which athlete has the best chance of producing the best result. Factors that influence use of discretion are:
· History of performance in an event over the previous 2 competitive seasons.
· Recent improvements in results (both in training and racing).
· Recent decline in results (both training and competition).
· Sickness or injury as certified by a USBA or USOC physician.
ATTACHMENT D
UNITED STATES BIATHLON TEAM
CODE OF CONDUCT
Membership on a United States Biathlon Team is an honor; a distinction few achieve and an accomplishment universally recognized. The responsibilities include obligations to do my best for the US Biathlon Association (USBA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the International Biathlon Union (IBU), and myself.
To this end, I pledge to uphold the spirit of this Code of Conduct, which offers a general guide to my conduct as a member of the Team. I recognize that this Code does not establish a complete set of rules, which prescribes every aspect of appropriate behavior.
By signing this Code of Conduct, in its unaltered form, I (1) accept nomination and, if accepted, selection to the Team; (2) agree to abide by this Code and the USBA Grievance Procedures found in the USBA By-laws, Chapters 28, 29, 31, 32 and 33. USBA By-laws can be found at web site www.usbiathlon.org. USBA Grievance Procedures are applicable until USBA athlete nominations are accepted by the USOC at which time team members fall under USOC Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures.
I have familiarized myself with the Code, and understand that acceptance of its provisions as written is a condition of my membership on the Team.
As a member of the Team, I pledge to:
- act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair play and responsible conduct;
- maintain a level of fitness and competitive readiness, which will permit my performance to be at the maximum of my abilities;
- avoid criminal behavior;
- Adhere to all IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and USOC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures. This includes participation in out of competition testing as required by the IOC, WADA, IBU, USADA and USOC rules.”
- refrain from conduct detracting from my ability or that of my teammates to attain peak performance;
- refrain from the use of, or the providing of, alcohol or drugs in violation of local, state or national law;
- respect the property of others whether personal or public;
- respect members of my Team, other teams, spectators and officials, and engage in no form of verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse;
- follow my individual sport team rules, including by way of example, rules regarding curfew and required attendance at team meetings or functions [and such other rules as may be in force during the time I am on the Biathlon Team], provided that these rules have been distributed to me in advance;
- wear designated apparel at official functions such as designated by the USBA/IBU/USOC
-
act in a way that will bring respect and honor to the Team, the USBA,
the USOC, and the
- remember that at all times I am an ambassador for my sport, my country and the US Biathlon program
AFFIRMATION: I have read and accept this Code of Conduct including the USBA Grievance Procedures, I agree to the rules, guidelines, jurisdiction and procedures stated in these documents as a condition of being named and remaining a member of the US Biathlon Team.
______________________________ ________________________
Signature Date
______________________________ ________________________
USBA Representative Date
This is to certify that I/we as parent(s)/guardian(s) with legal responsibility for this participant, do consent and agree not only to his/her acceptance of the rules, guidelines, jurisdiction and procedures stated herein, but also for myself/ourselves accept and agree, to the extent applicable, to these conditions of my/our child’s involvement on the US Biathlon Team as stated above.
Parent/Guardian of team member under 18 years of age:
______________________________ ________________________
Signature Date
______________________________
Relationship (Parent or guardian)
| QUALIFICATION SYSTEM FOR XX WINTER OLYMPICS GAMES, TORINO 2006 |
| INTERNATIONAL BIATHLON UNION |
| EVENTS |
| Men |
|
20
km Individual |
| Women |
| 15
km Individual |
| ATHLETE / NOC QUOTA |
| ATHLETES QUOTA |
| 220
athletes |
| NOC QUOTA |
| NOCs placed in IBU Nations Cup score of the 2004/05 season: |
|||||
| Register |
Start |
Total |
|||
| qualified place |
per event |
||||
| MEN |
|||||
| Place 1-5 |
max.6 |
4 |
30 |
||
| Place 6-20 |
max.5 |
4 |
75 |
||
| Place 21-28 |
max.1 |
1 |
8 |
||
| TOTAL |
113 |
||||
| Place 29+* |
max.1 |
1 |
on reallocation only |
||
| WOMEN |
|||||
| Place 1-5 |
max.6 |
4 |
30 |
||
| Place 6-15 |
max.5 |
4 |
50 |
||
| Place 16-20 |
max.4 |
4 |
20 |
||
| Place 21-27 |
max.l |
1 |
8 |
||
| TOTAL |
107 |
||||
| Place 28+* |
max.1 |
1 |
on reallocation only |
||
| * In case of unused quota of a total of 113 or 107 respectively |
.Individual competitions
Maximal 88 male and 87 female athletes (in case of participation
of 28 NOC with male teams and 27 NOC with female teams)
.Sprint competitions
Maximal 88 male and 87 female athletes (in case of participation
of 28 NOC with male teams and 27 NOC with female teams)
.Pursuit competitions
Maximal 60 male and 60 female athletes
.Mass Start competition
Maximal 30 male and 30 female athletes
.Relay competitions
The best 20 NOCs for Men and Women, based on the previous
year's Nations Cup Score.
Only
qualified individual athletes have the right to participate in the relay.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Only the world's best athletes who are able to race the tracks according to IBU technical standards and who are able to use the rifles following the safety rules shall take part in Olympic Winter Games.
SYSTEM IN DETAILS
The right to participate in the Olympic Games requires:
. competition time not more rl1an 20 % behind the average of the top three times at European Cup events (including European Championships) or a top half placing at the Junior World Championship 2004 and 2005
. participation at a World Cup, World Championship or Olympic Winter Games in the Competition Season 2001/2002 or before
All members of Relay teams must also have met this individual qualification requirement.
Between the Olympic Winter Games 2002 (included) and the last Biathlon World Cup before the Olympic Winter Games 2006 - 22 January 2006
Qualifying events (dates & places)
22 January 2006 End of qualification period - World Cup, Antholz (It)
22 January 2006 Final deadline for IBU to inform all NOCs regarding qualified athletes
22 January 2006 Deadline for NOCs ranked beyond 28 for men and 27 for women to request from IBU the participation of 1 man and 1 woman
23 January 2006 NOCs to confirm to IBU use of their quota places
26 January 2006 IBU to inform relevant NOCs regarding reallocation of quota places and qualified athletes
30 January 2006 Deadline for Torino 2006 Organizing Committee to receive entry forms submitted by the NOCs
The IBU will inform the National Federations and respective NOCs regarding the qualified athletes by 22 January 2006.
The IBU Member Federations are kindly requested to co-ordinate with their National Olympic Committees and to inform IBU regarding the use of their quota places not later than 23 January 2006.
IBU Member Federations which are not placed within the first 28 for men and 27 for women in the country ranking, according to the final standing country's score of the 2004/05 season are advised to approach their NOC for provisional entering of one male and one female biathlete.
The entry with the notice which biathletes are being entered to start in the Olympic Winter Games should be submitted to TOROC on 30 January 2006 at the latest. The number of the entered biathletes must correspond wid1 d1e allowed number of biad1letes following the admitted quota for the NOC concerned.
A replacement of the entered biathletes by an NOC in case of injury or force majeure is possible until d1e Technical Meeting before the start of the first biathlon competition based on the admitted quota for the NOC concerned and in line with the IOC/TOROC Medical replacement policy. In such a case, the replaced athlete will have to return his/her accreditation before the replacement athlete can be accredited.
REALLOCATION OF UNUSED QUOTA POSITIONS
If some NOCs do not fill their quota, free quota places can be given to athletes from the countries ranked over the limits stated above (see the phrase marked with * above).
The IBU Secretary General will assign, based on open quota spaces, one each quota space each, to the NOCs of the National Federations that have qualified in the season 2005/2006 in the countries' score from rank 28 onward for the men and rank 27 onward for the women as soon as possible. These athletes must have reached the IBU technical standards for participation at the Olympic Winter Games 2006 (see detailed qualification system).
| Register Start |
Total |
||
| MEN |
|||
| Place 1-5 |
max. 6 |
4 |
30 |
| Place 6-20 |
max. 5 |
4 |
75 |
| Place 21-28 |
max. 1 |
1 |
8 |
| TOTAL |
113 |
||
| Place 29 + * |
max. 1 |
1 |
on reallocation only |
| WOMEN |
|||
| Place 1-5 |
max. 6 |
4 |
30 |
| Place 6-15 |
max. 5 |
4 |
50 |
| Place 16-20 |
max. 4 |
4 |
20 |
| Place 21-27 |
max. l |
1 |
8 |
| TOTAL |
107 |
||
| Place 28 + * |
max. 1 |
1 |
on reallocation only |
| TORINO 2006 - QUALIFICATION SYSTEMS SUMMARY PRINCIPLES |
| MEN(5) |
| WOMEN (5) 15 km Individual 7.5 km Sprint 10 km Pursuit 12.5 Mass Start 4 x 6 km Relay |
| INTERNATIONAL BIATHLON UNION (IBU) |
| EVENTS (10) |
| 20 km Individual 10 km Sprint 12.5 km Pursuit 15 km Mass Start 4 x 7.5 km Relay |
| QUOTA |
| ATHLETES QUOTA (220) 220 athletes - 113 Men and 107 Women |
| NOC QUOTA NOCs placed in IBU Nations Cup score of the 2004/05 season: |
| *In case of unused quota of a total of 113 or 107 respectively |
| ALLOCATION OF QUALIFICATION The qualification is allocated to the NOC with open right of selection among the qualified athletes |
| QUALIFICATION SYSTEM PRINCIPLES |
| EVENT QUALIFICATION |
| European Cup (including European Championships) |
| Competition time - not more than 20% behind the average of the top three times |
| Junior World Championship |
| A top half placing in 2004 and 2005 |
| World Cup World Championship Olympic Winter Games |
| One participation in competition season 2001-02 or before |
[1] The training contract for each athlete is developed by the USBA International Competition Committee and the Olympic Team coach, in consultation with the athlete, within one week after the Olympic Team is nominated. Each contract is individual and specific to each athlete and will be designed to enable the athlete to best prepare for his/her training and participation in the Olympic Games, with the focus of the program on peak performance.