Sport Information

As required, the Saskatchewan Games Council may appoint an Advisory Panel to assist in developing and advising on Sport Technical requirements for the Saskatchewan Games program.

Function of the Sport Advisory Panel:

• To advise on the process for eligible sports to be included on the sport calendar for the Games.

• To advise on the sport selection for each Games.

• To advise on any sport technical issues which may impact participation in the Games.

The panel may be selected from the Games partners including, but not limited to, Sask Sport Inc., the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and the PSO’s.

The Saskatchewan Games Council will determine the criteria for sport selection for the Saskatchewan Games.  The selection process will consider the ratio of male and female participants, maximum and minimum number of participants per District, community facility availability, overall PSO sport development and minimum number of sports.

All sports facilities must meet the minimum standards acceptable to the PSO.  A list of sports and the facility minimum standards will be provided to the eligible bidding communities.

Sport Selection Timelines

• • • 43 months prior to the event – Sport Applications for inclusion into the next Games will be sent to all eligible Provincial Sport Organizations.

    • 41 months prior to the event – Deadline for submission of the Sport Application form to the Saskatchewan Games Council.

    • 40 months prior to the event – Saskatchewan Games Council will review and approve the sports selected to the Games and communicate results to all applicants.  The approved sport list will be included in the bid documents sent to eligible bidding communities.

Sports for each Saskatchewan Games are selected by the Saskatchewan Games Council.  The Council is the permanent regulatory body whose responsibilities also include setting the rules of competitor eligibility, determining the number of athletes and coaches/managers per sport, and ensuring Games facility minimum standards are met.  The Council will request each PSO to submit a Sport Application for inclusion in the upcoming Games program.

Note: Para-sport was introduced at the 2018 Winter Games and will continue to be a priority for the Games.  The Council is committed to work with the PSOs to ensure inclusion in all summer and winter Games.

The following summer and winter sports are presently eligible for inclusion in the Games program:

Summer Sports: Archery, Athletics, Baseball, Basketball, Canoe/Kayak, Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Lawn Bowling, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Special Olympics, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball (Indoor and Beach), Water Polo, Waterski and Wakeboard, Wheelchair Basketball, Ultimate Disc.

Winter Sports: Alpine Ski, Artistic Swimming, Badminton, Biathlon, Bowling (5 pin), Boxing, Broomball, Cheerleading, Cross Country Ski (includes Para-Nordic), Curling (includes Mixed Doubles), Darts, Fencing, Figure Skating, Futsal (Indoor Soccer), Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, Tumbling and Trampoline), Hockey, Judo, Karate, Racquetball, Ringette, Snowboarding, Special Olympics, Speed Skating, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo-Do, Target Shooting, Weightlifting, Wrestling. 

All sports that wish to be considered for inclusion in a Saskatchewan Games are required to complete an application.  

Throughout the application process, each sport will be given the opportunity to demonstrate how the Saskatchewan Games fit into their sport development plans and how those plans meet the purpose and goals of the Saskatchewan Games program.

General Selection Criteria

The PSO must clearly identify where the Saskatchewan Games fit within its LTAD framework.  The Saskatchewan Games are identified to be in the ‘Train to Train’ stage of development; however, the Saskatchewan Games Council (SGC) will consider applications outside of this stage if the PSO can clearly demonstrate how a different stage aligns better with their development process. 

1.  Sports must identify the LTAD stage for the level of competition being proposed for the Games.

2.  If the LTAD stage is outside of Train to Train, the sport must provide an explanation as to why.

3.  Sports must demonstrate that they have sufficient membership in the age range being proposed who would be eligible to compete in the Saskatchewan Games, showing a gender and District breakdown.

Eligibility for Inclusion in the Saskatchewan Games

1.  Recognized as the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) in Saskatchewan and, be a member in good standing with Sask Sport Inc.

2.  Demonstrate that the PSO has active membership in six of nine Districts; exceptions may include situations where facilities are non-existent in a District. These exceptions will be determined by the Saskatchewan Games Council.

Events, Categories and Numbers

1.  Sports must provide a list of the events they propose to hold at the Saskatchewan Games with details explaining the next level(s) of competition for Games athletes.

2.  Sports must outline the proposed number of participants from each District, the number of coaches, and the number of officials required for a viable competition.

3.  Sports must outline their team selection process within all nine Districts and demonstrate the ability to have a meaningful selection process in at least six of nine Districts (see exception rule under eligibility).  This implies that there are more potential athletes able to try out than there are positions available on the District team.

Venues, Equipment and Rules

Sports applying must include:

1.  Detailed minimum facility requirements.  Facilities will vary from community to community; however, the Saskatchewan Games commits to providing a facility that meets the minimum standard.

2.  Information about the equipment and availability of equipment for the competition.

Athlete Development Criteria 

1.  The age of the athletes attending the Games must fit within the LTAD framework for their sport’s development model.  It is recommended that the athlete should be a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 18 years of age.

2.  The age range for Games athletes should be set to allow all eligible athletes to progress from the Saskatchewan Games to the next level of competition.

Coach Development Criteria 

1.  All Games head coaches must be fully certified at NCCP Competition Introduction in the sport they are coaching at the Saskatchewan Games.  Based on the age classification and development of the athletes, the PSO may elect to increase the level of coaching certification required for the Games.

2.  Sports must demonstrate their commitment to coaching development in all Districts by using the Saskatchewan Games as an opportunity to train, upgrade, and/or mentor coaches.

3.  Sports must demonstrate that coaches participating in the Saskatchewan Games are working toward increasing their coaching competency. 

4.  Sports must provide information about the coach training and certification available for their sport (i.e., NCCP or other certification available).

5.  Sports must strive to recruit male and female coaches proportionate to the number of male and female athletes participating in the Saskatchewan Games.

Officials Development Criteria 

1.  Sports must demonstrate their commitment to the development of officials by using the Saskatchewan Games as an opportunity to train, upgrade, and/or mentor officials.

2.  Sports must demonstrate that officials participating in the Saskatchewan Games are working toward increasing their officiating competency.

3.  Sports must strive to recruit male and female officials proportionate to the number of male and female athletes participating in the Saskatchewan Games. 

Evaluation 

1.  All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee designated by the Saskatchewan Games Council.

2.  A scoring tool will be used to adjudicate the applications. The scoring tool will reflect the priority areas outlined in the application (athlete development, District participation, etc.).

3.  The scoring criteria will reflect the ratio of male and female participants, maximum and minimum participant numbers per District, the host communities’ ability to provide the appropriate venue and equipment as per the sport minimum standard requirements, and the PSO sport development initiatives.

4.  Sports that best meet the scoring criteria will be given preference for inclusion in the Saskatchewan Games.

Note: The Council will determine the team size per District with a minimum team size of 210 and a maximum team size of 245 participants per District.  The team size will be dependent on the sports that apply, and which ones are selected.

Sport Application Weighting Distribution

1.  General Sport Information – 10% weighting 

2.  Athlete Development – 15%

• LTAD alignment

• Age appropriate competition

• Pathway importance 

3.  District Participation – 20%

• Full participation in all nine Districts

• Current participation numbers for the proposed age group

• A clear development plan has been outlined 

4.  Venues and Equipment – 5% 

5.  Coaching Development – 15%

• Identification and recruitment of coaches

• An adequate number of active coaches in the sport 

6.  Officials Development – 10%

• Identification and recruitment of officials

• An adequate number of active officials in the sport 

7.  Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives – 5%

• How the sport will engage the Indigenous community

• How the sport has made effort to include under represented populations 

8.  Sport Performance from Previous Saskatchewan Games – 18%

• Participation numbers with and without fill

• Partnership cooperation and support 

9.  Overall Application Rating – 2%

Monitoring 

Upon selection, sports will be monitored throughout the developmental process leading up to the Saskatchewan Games.  If it is determined by the SGC that the sport is not fulfilling commitments as per this application, inclusion in the Saskatchewan Games may be revoked.

Future Saskatchewan Games 

Upon the conclusion of each Saskatchewan Games, the Saskatchewan Games Council will evaluate each sport and determine their eligibility to apply for participation in future Games.

Past Games Evaluation Criteria 

Sports that best meet the criteria (i.e., have more athletes in more Districts) are more likely to be included in future Saskatchewan Games. 

1.  Sports with less than 60% of the overall maximum number of participants or with less than six Districts represented may be excluded from future Games.

2.  Sports with less than 75% of the overall maximum number of participants or less than six Districts represented will be considered at risk.  With two successive at risk designations, the sport may be excluded from future Games.

• Participation numbers will first be assessed on a District by District basis not using the fill policy numbers.  Fill policy participation numbers for the sport will play a factor, but the goal of the Saskatchewan Games is for sports to have full team sizes. 

3.  Sports will also be evaluated based on the timelines attached to the sport acceptance form.  Activities that will be reviewed include: 

• Compiling the Technical Package

• Appointment of the Provincial Technical Liaison (PTL)

• Compiling daily sport competition schedules

• Appointing of Major officials

• Attendance at the Games in a Technical capacity and official protocol functions

• Ongoing support from the PTL and host Sport Chairperson

• District team and coach selection are conducted in a coordinated and timely manner

The Sport Technical Package will be the document governing the conduct of each sport in the Games.  A technical package template for each Games will be distributed by the Saskatchewan Games Council.  It is the responsibility of the SGC to coordinate with the PSO to develop the technical package.  The technical package should be available at least 24 months in advance of the Games.   

The Technical Package should contain information on the following:

• Athlete and coach eligibility

• Competition venue and dates

• Sanction confirmation

• Number of competitors per District

• Number of coaches per District

• Age classifications

• Provincial registration

• Provincial Technical Liaison

• Type of competition including a list of events

• Results procedure

• Tie Breaking procedure

• Sport Protest procedure

• Equipment

• Sport Jury

• Officials required

• Medical services

• Medals

• District team selection procedure

• Provincial sport contact

Explanation of Terms: Saskatchewan Games Technical Packages

1.0      SPORT: Name of Sport

1.1 Competition Site: To be confirmed by Host Organization 

1.2 Competition Dates: SGC will work with the PSO to select the appropriate phase of the Games (1st or 2nd half).  Each half has 2.5 days of competition.                                  

1.3 Sanction: Each participating PSO is required to sanction the sport competition.  PSO’s are asked that they not sanction another provincial championship, or major event in the same classification, for five days prior, during or five days following their competition at the Saskatchewan Games.  Sanctioning fees are to be waived for the Games.

2.0      PARTICIPANTS:

2.1 Competitors: The team size that was identified by the sport in the sport application and was approved by the SGC.  Changes must be approved by the SGC.  If your sport has Special Olympics athletes or Para-athletes, these numbers will be listed separately. 

2.2 Coaches/Managers: The number of coaches and managers that were approved in the sport application.  Sports that have both male and female competitors must ensure that at least one coach or manager is male and at least one coach or manager is female.

3.0      CLASSIFICATION:

3.1 Year of Birth: Clearly state the age classification for participants.  If applicable, please indicate the division category (i.e., U15).  Indicate the year(s) a participant must be born to be eligible. 

3.2 Year of Birth: Special Olympics or Para-sport athletes.

4.0      ELIGIBILITY:

4.1 Athletes: Clearly state the eligibility criteria for the participants within the age classification listed above.  For example, athletes must be an active member of your PSO.  If your sport has Special Olympics or Para-sport athletes, please indicate any additional eligibility criteria. 

4.2 Coaches/Managers: The Saskatchewan Games Council recommends a minimum of NCCP Competition Introduction Certified for all head coaches.  Please indicate any additional coaching requirements your sport may require.  All coaches and managers must complete the Respect in Sport for Coaches Training and pass a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. 

4.3 Exclusions: Clearly state which participants will not be eligible to compete.  For example, high performance athletes, provincial team members, national team members, etc.

5.0    PROVINCIAL REGISTRATION:

5.1 Registration is with: All participants must be registered members of the sport they are competing in and recognized as such by the PSO.  Indicate the name, address, phone, fax and email of your association’s contact person for registration. 

6.0    PROVINCIAL TECHNICAL LIAISON:

The Provincial Technical Liaison (PTL) will be responsible to provide technical assistance and information regarding your sport to the Host Organization and District.  If Special Olympics or Para-sport are a part of your sport, please indicate the contact information for those disciplines as well.

This person is the “technical” person appointed by the PSO.  The duties include providing technical information to the Host Organization as required.  The PTL needs to be available to attend at least two meetings with the Sport Chairperson of the Host Organization.  Also, the PTL will be available to assist the District Sport Contact in the development of your sport in the nine (9) Districts.

7.0    TYPE OF COMPETITION:

Please indicate the type of competition your sport recommends for the Games.  For example, round robin, pool structure, etc.  The detailed sport competition schedule will be developed together with the Host Organization approximately 1 year prior to the Games.

8.0    RESULTS:

Describe the recommended scoring and results procedure that should be used.  This procedure must ensure maximum participation and clearly place each District from first to ninth spot at the competition of the event.  For example, 1st place = 9 points, 2nd = 8 points, etc.

9.0    TIE BREAKING PROCEDURE:

Clearly state the tie breaking procedure as per your sport’s rulebook, handbook, etc.

10.0    SPORT PROTEST PROCEDURE:

Clearly state the sport protest procedure for as per your sport’s rulebook, handbook, etc.

11.0   EQUIPMENT:

Identify the equipment required by each participant and the Host Organization.  Equipment requirements for the Host Organization must be approved by the PSO.  For example, ball size, field dimensions, etc.

12.0   SPORT JURY:

Indicate the method to be used for dealing with field of play issues.  Outline the make-up of the Sport Jury for your sport.

13.0   OFFICIALS REQUIRED:

Indicate the positions required, the numbers required and the responsibility of each official.  Expenses associated with all major officials will be the responsibility of the Host Organization.  Major officials will be appointed by the PSO in cooperation with the Host Organization Sport Chairperson.  Minor officials are the responsibility of the Host Organization.

14.0   MEDICAL SERVICES:

Provide an outline of the medical services required for your sport competition.

15.0    MEDALS:

Provide a breakdown of the number of gold, silver and bronze medals required for your competition.

16.0    DISTRICT TEAMS SELECTION CRITERIA:

Outline the process that will be used to select the District team for your sport.   Sanctioning fees for District play downs and team selection competitions are to be waived.

17.0    PROVINCIAL SPORT CONTACT:

Please indicate the name, address and contact information for the Executive Director or the designated individual who will be the primary contact for your sport.  This individual will be contacted by the District sport coordinators to obtain specific information relating to District sport initiatives, play-downs and coach selection etc.

18.0   OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED:

19.0   TECHNICAL PACKAGE APPROVAL:

The Technical Package must be reviewed and approved by your association’s Board of Directors before it is submitted to the Saskatchewan Games Council for their ratification.  Please indicate the meeting date it was approved at and have the appropriate person within the organization (President or CEO) sign the document.  Please provide their name, address, phone number and email address. 

Sport Competition Scoring

Competition within each sport will determine the District placement and order of finish.  Only Districts competing in each sport are eligible for points.  Sport scoring details will be included in the technical package for the sport.

Competition Schedules

1.  The competition will be organized and directed by the host Organization.

2.  Team Competition Schedules will be determined once the number of Districts participating has been established.  In most cases, teams will be split into pools for round robin competition.  The top teams in each pool will advance to the medal rounds.   

3.  For the round robin competition, the seeding order will generally be determined by the Districts placing in the previous Games (winter or summer depending on the sport).  In most cases, the pools will be divided as follows: Pool A – 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and Pool B – 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th.

• In the event there is no comparable performance for the sport from the past two Games, the PSO and the Saskatchewan Games Council will determine the District seeding.

• In the spirit of providing meaningful competition, the Council may ask the PSO to establish the round robin competition schedule to matchup the District teams that have a similar skill level.

4.  Individual sports will determine their competition format as outlined in the technical package.

5.  The PTL in cooperation with the host sport chairperson will develop the daily sport competition schedule.  The Saskatchewan Games Council will approve the schedule along with any subsequent changes.

Games-Time Scheduling Changes

1.  Games-time schedule changes are defined as changes to the sport schedule from participant arrivals day to the end of competition.  While the Host Organization or Sask Games Council may require schedule changes for a variety of reasons, the final decision will be based on the following.  

• Proposed changes are compiled by the VP/AVP Sport, Sport Chairs and the Provincial Technical Liaison (PTL).

• For a Minor schedule change (delays less than 90 minutes), the VP/AVP Sport will approve the schedule change. 

• For a Major schedule change (delays more 90 minutes or an event cancellation), the VP/AVP Sport will present the proposed schedule to the Provincial Games Consultant for approval.

2.  Games-time schedule changes will be made as soon as possible once it is known that a change is required.  The schedule will be updated in GEMS.pro as soon as possible.  The Games Operation Centre will be responsible for notifying stakeholders (i.e, Districts, PSO, and Division reps) of the schedule change. 

See the Sport Scheduling Policy for more information.

Officials

1.  The PSO is responsible for appointing the appropriate number of Major Technical Officials for conducting each sport event.   

2.  Officials participating in the Saskatchewan Games will not receive remuneration for their services from the Host or the Saskatchewan Games Council.  

3.  Accommodations, meals and transportation are to be provided by the Host organizing committee

Protests

1.    Prior to the Games, the Sask Games Council and the PSO will determine the Sport Jury.  If the PSO does not have a designated procedure as per their National or Provincial competition rule book, a Sport Jury will be appointed.  In this case, the Sport Jury would be represented by the Host Sport Chairperson, a PSO representative and an Officials’ representative. 

2.    All official protests must be written in duplicate and presented to the sport chairperson no later than one hour after the posting of the official results at each sport venue (or as per the PSO/NSO rules for sport protests).  The time and date must appear on the protest document. 

3.    Protests must be signed by the Chef de Mission or a mission staff designate of the District team. 

4.    Once a protest is submitted, the Sport Jury for the sport which the protest occurs, will meet and render a decision.  A written copy of the decision will be posted on the official posting board at the sport venue indicating the time and date of posting. 

5.    The decision of the Sport Jury may be appealed up to three hours after the original protest decision has been posted.  In this case, a District will present a written appeal, signed by the Chef de Mission or a mission staff designate, to the Games Jury appointed by the Saskatchewan Games Council.  The written decision of the Games Jury will be copied to the District in question and will be posted on the official posting board at the sport venue.  The decision of the Games Jury will be final.

The Saskatchewan Games Council will appoint a Games Jury for each Saskatchewan Games.

1.   The Games Jury will include the following representatives:

·   Saskatchewan Games Council

·   Sask Sport Inc.

·   The Sport Director or a designate from the Host Committee 

2.   The Games Jury will act on behalf of the Saskatchewan Games Council and will have jurisdiction for the entire Games. 

3.   The Games Jury will receive, hear and render a decision on any appeals submitted by the District Chef de Mission. 

4.   The appeal will be based on the posted decision of the Sport Jury. 

5.   The appeal must have clear evidence of new information not considered by the Sport Jury and/or a clear description of any misinterpretations which may have been made by the Sport Jury. 

6.   The decision of the Games Jury is final. 

7.    Any appeals which arise upon conclusion of the Games may be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Games Council.  The Council will deal with these appeals using the Appeal Policy established by the Council.