Purpose
The purpose of the Athletes Council is to represent and promote the views and interests of the National programs and CAS athletes in general in an effort to ensure the collective voice of athletes is represented in furthering the CAS vision to be a world leading nation in Artistic Swimming.
Composition
The Athletes Council is comprised of persons who are registrants or past registrants in good standing of CAS. The elected Athlete Representative will serve as the Committee Chair, attend board meetings and provide council to the CAS Board of Directors. The committee will be comprised of:
- Chairperson; The Chair must be a former Canadian National Team member (Junior or Senior) and have been retired within 5 years at the time of their first term election.
- Senior National Team Representative
- Three members at large to be appointed by the Athletes Council Chair, Chief Sport Officer & CEO (1 member at large will be appointed as the Representative for the Youth National Team/Junior National Team depending on which program is taking place)
- All committee members will have values consistent with CAS and adhere to the Conduct Policy.
- Persons appointed to the committee will have knowledge, experience and interest in athlete issues and will reflect, to the extent possible, the diversity of the Canada Artistic Swimming membership including geography, language, artistic swimming -specific knowledge, professional backgrounds and personal experience
Key Duties
Ensure that athletes participate in a constructive and professional manner in the decision making and feedback process of CAS.
Ensure to the greatest extent possible, that CAS policies and programs meet the needs of the athletes by;
- providing athlete representation to the Board;
- providing input prior to approval on key documents/policies/topics directly or indirectly affecting athletes including but limited to; Athlete Agreements; Rule Changes; Conduct Policy
- developing various forums and platforms including the CAS website, in which athletes can share and develop information or ideas as they relate to the development or well-being of athletes at all levels
- developing leadership succession and skills within the athlete community as a whole
- representing the athletes as it relates to Safe Sport and raising the concerns with respect to the well-being of athletes
- being a resource to athletes for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitations, all matters relating to the performances and well-being of the athletes.
- recognizing and reflecting inclusivity and the diversity of the organization in its actions and decisions.
- presenting an Athlete Report annually at the CAS Annual Meeting that provides key insights and feedback from the athletes.
The Chair of the Council (or appointee) attends the AthletesCAN annual forum provided funding is available from AthletesCAN.
The Chair of the Council works with the PTSOs to promote and develop the Provincial Athlete Representative role and works collaboratively with those representatives in such a role at the provincial level.
Term
The Athlete Representative (Chair of Athletes Council) will be elected to a 3-year term by the CAS Athletes. The election will take place at the National Qualifier competition. An Athlete Representative may only serve up to two 3-year terms.
The Senior National Team council representative will serve a 2-year term and will be elected by the members of the full time training group within the first 10 days of team training.
Members at large will serve 2-year terms and maybe re-invited by the Athlete Council Chair, CEO and CSO to serve an additional 2-year term.
Terms of Reference
The Chair of the Council reviews the Terms of Reference with CAS President, CEO and CSO at the end of each 3-year term.
Last Updated: August 2020
Board Approval: August 11, 2020
