The Sport Solution Clinic Blog

    Athletes have value. They are obviously hard-working, determined and incredibly talented individuals, but that’s not what I’m referring to here. Many Canadian National Athletes also possess immense value in marketing themselves. It is no secret that Athletes, even those fortunate enough to be carded, rely on sponsorship and advertising agreements to pay the bills. For our top-level Athletes, their value in leveraging these agreements is at its peak during the Olympic Games. However, there has historically been what is referred to as a “blackout period” of approximately five weeks where the Athletes were not allowed to take advantage of the spotlight they earned by way of promoting personal sponsors. [1]   The home of the rules surrounding Athlete’s marketing rights is the Olympic Charter . [2] Bye-law 3 to Rule 40 (the Rule that prohibited personal advertising during the blackout period) was amended in June of 2019. Olympic Athletes may now m...

  Introduction:   Athletes should be provided with a safe and healthy environment to train and perform. This includes an environment which is free from harassment, discrimination, and mental and/or physical abuse. Although Government organizations have implemented a number of mechanisms to address harassment in sport, this can often be a difficult issue for Athletes to navigate. This is part two (2) of a five (5) part series. The purpose of these posts is to educate Athletes on recognizing harassment and abuse in sport, as well as to outline their rights and remedies available.   Warning: This post contains information about psychological, physical, and sexual harassment and abuse which may be triggering for some readers.     What Mechanisms Can Be Used Harass and Abuse?   In Part I of Addressing Harassment and Abuse in Sport, the International Olympic Committee’s five (5) definitions of harassment and abuse in sport were ...

  Introduction:   Athletes should be provided with a safe and healthy environment to train and perform. This includes an environment which is free from harassment, discrimination, and mental and/or physical abuse. Although Government organizations have implemented a number of mechanisms to address harassment in sport, this can often be a difficult issue for Athletes to navigate. This is part one (1) of a five (5) post series. The purpose of these posts is to educate Athletes on recognizing harassment and abuse in sport, as well as to outline their rights and remedies available.   Warning: This post contains information about psychological, physical, and sexual harassment and abuse which may be triggering for some readers.     What is Harassment and Abuse?   The International Olympic Committee has created five (5) main definitions of harassment and abuse: psychological, physical, neglect, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse...

  Purpose : This post is for Athletes to consult if they were not selected to a specific team. This document will outline the Athlete’s rights and tips for what to do moving forward.   Step 1 – Seek Legal Advice We always recommend that you seek legal representation/advice as soon as you are notified of non-selection. A lawyer can inform you of your rights and help you sort through your organization’s policies. The more time the representative has before the appeal deadline the better. Please feel free to contact Sport Solution for free assistance at sportsolution@athletescan.com .   Step 2 – How Long do I Have to Appeal the Decision? Check your organizations Selection Policy (which may be general or event specific). This policy should state how long you have to file a notice of appeal. It is usually a certain number of days from the date that you were notified that you were not selected. Make a note of the due date for the notice of appeal ...