Squash Ontario

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QUEST FOR GOLD

2009 - 2010

ATHLETES NOMINATED FOR 2009 QUEST FOR GOLD FUNDING

All athletes listed have met the eligibility and selection criteria

Girls (4 cards)

Ailisa Agnew

Jillian Baker

Hollie Naughton

Jennifer Pelletier

Note: Selected but declined: Michelle Gemmell, Alyssa Mehta

Boys (4 cards)

Adam Engel

Michael McCue

Tyler Osborne

Nick Sachvie

(subject to Ministry of Health Promotion approval)

Quest for Gold – Ontario Athlete Assistance Program 2009-2010

Ministry of Health Promotion Eligibility Criteria:

All athletes must also meet the Ministry of Health Promotion’s minimum athlete eligibility criteria:

Athlete must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
Athlete must be a resident of Ontario for one year prior to his/her nomination for carding status, with the following exception;

The residency requirement will be waived if the athlete is a direct family member of:

a regular force member, or
a reservist as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 who is deployed under a circumstance described in clause 50.2 (1) (a) or (b) of that Act, or who is deployed or in any other way placed on active duty under a circumstance described in regulations made for the purposes of clause 50.2 (1) (c) of that Act.
Athletes must be training and continuing to train in Ontario. Exceptions (“Residency Exceptions”) will be made on a case specific basis providing that the athlete can substantiate that:
He/She cannot receive the required level of training in Ontario and is out of the province temporarily during the year (i.e. due to lack of facilities, coaching, competitions);
The onus is on the athlete to demonstrate that he/she needs to be out of province. The athlete will submit written documentation to their SQUASH ONTARIO’s Selection Committee clearly indicating how they meet these exceptions. The Ministry may require that the athlete provide supporting documentation from the athlete’s PSO/ MSO, National Sport Organization (NSO) or other sources to verify reasons for athlete’s absence from the Province of Ontario.
He/She must attend a post-secondary institution out-of-province because the course of study is not available to him/her in Ontario;
It is more financially feasible to attend a post-secondary institution out-of-province, or other extenuating circumstances that require the athlete to be out of the province.
Athlete must be a member in good standing with SQUASH ONTARIO and NSO where applicable.
Athlete must have entered into a Sports Organization - Athlete Agreement with SQUASH ONTARIO and must be in full compliance with the terms and conditions of that agreement.
Athlete must demonstrate a commitment and dedication to a proper training and competitive program.
Athlete must be instructed by a coach who has been trained and certified in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Level 2 or equivalent.
Athlete must not be under sanction as per the Canadian Anti-Doping Policy.
Athlete must be attending an educational institution full-time (i.e. primary and secondary schools)
- Exceptions will be made providing that the athlete can substantiate that his/her training will not allow for full-time attendance or if an athlete requires special needs that preclude full or part-time attendance (e.g. Athlete with a disability (AWAD))
Athletes who have completed their area of study at the secondary level (i.e. high school) and who continue to train towards participation in major national or international competitions will also be given consideration.
If eligible, the athlete must compete, and continue to compete for Ontario and/or Canada for one year from the date of the Minister’s letter informing the athlete of acceptance into OAAP program, at Canada Games and other national competitions involving provincial team competitions. Athletes who have achieved Canada Card status are not eligible for Ontario Cards.
Eligibility will be limited to Ontario junior-aged athletes ((“junior-aged” refers to chronological age, not a sport’s specific age category - only exception is for SQUASH ONTARIOs using 30% of Ontario Card allotment for Senior level athletes not funded by Sport Canada – see note below) who have been identified as a next generation national team athlete as demonstrated by:
- Identification within the NSO pool of identified next generation national team athletes for the last two competitive seasons; OR
- Results at regional championships, national championships (junior and/or senior) or other recognized national/international competitions over the last two competitive seasons; OR
- Representation on a Canadian National Team (developmental and/or junior). Athletes training for Canada Games or provincial teams may also be considered.

Important Notes:

To be deemed a potential next generation national team athlete, the athlete must be age-eligible to compete on the national team in the year following receipt of Ontario Card funding.
All athletes under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian sign their OAAP application form. Cheques will be processed in the name of the eligible athlete.
Athletes who are attending any foreign post-secondary educational institution (including NCAA institutions) and are receiving an athletic scholarship in any sport are not eligible to receive OAAP support.
An athlete that received Sport Canada Carding between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009 and/or April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 and is no longer in receipt of Sport Canada Athlete Assistance shall not be eligible to receive Quest for Gold funding during fiscal year 2009-2010 (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.) The intent of this rule is to prevent athletes whose performance levels and rankings no longer qualify them for Sport Canada carding from taking an Ontario Card from a future national-level athlete. However, exceptions may apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions may include, but may not be limited to logistical or administrative changes, injuries, etc.
An athlete can only be nominated to receive Quest for Gold funding in one sport.
The onus is entirely on the athlete to determine the impact of accepting OAAP funding on current or future NCAA eligibility and to decide whether or not to accept OAAP funding. The athlete will be required to acknowledge this onus and responsibility when signing the OAAP Ontario Card application form and agreeing to the related terms and conditions of the program. Athletes are strongly encouraged to contact the NCAA Eligibility Center to determine the impact of Quest for Gold - OAAP funding on current or future eligibility for a NCAA scholarship or on eligibility to compete in a non-scholarship NCAA sport.
In the event of a conflict or inconsistency, the selection criteria established by the Ministry and set out the Athlete Handbook provided to each nominated athlete shall prevail over the selection criteria established by the SQUASH ONTARIO.

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Squash Ontario Specific Athlete Selection Criteria:

The following squash specific athlete selection criteria will be utilized in the identification, ranking and selection of athletes for Ontario Cards:

The 8 cards will be allocated equally between boys and girls – 4 cards to the boys and 4 cards to the girls

Selection priority will be given to eligible athletes on the national junior squads. If more than 4 male or more than 4 female Ontario athletes are on the national junior squads, the athletes will be selected based on overall Ontario junior rankings as at 30 November 2009. The athlete must be a member in good standing of the current (2009-2010) national junior squad as named by Squash Canada.

If the quota for all 4 male and 4 female cards is not filled through selections from national squads, the overall Ontario junior rankings will be used for selection * and an athlete must be age - eligible to participate in the 2010 Canadian Junior Closed Championships, the date of which is April 22 – 25. 2010

These rankings will be as of 30 November 2009 which will have been updated to include results of junior sanctioned events between:

1 September 2009 and 30 November 2009.

These would include 2 Gold high performance events and the 2009 Ontario Junior Closed Championships.

To be eligible for selection, athletes must participate in 2 of the 3 events (Gold # 1 which is being held on October 2 – 4, 2009, Gold # 2 which is being held on November 6– 8, 2009 and the BMO Ontario Junior Closed Championships which are being held on November 27 – 29, 2009).

Residency Exceptions:

Any athlete living/training outside of Ontario is required to submit written documentation to the Squash Ontario Selection Committee clearly identifying how they meet the following residency exceptions, identified in the Ministry of Health Promotion’s General Eligibility Criteria:

Athletes must be living and continuing to train in Ontario. Exceptions will be made on a case specific basis providing that the athlete can substantiate that:
He/She cannot receive the required level of training in Ontario and is out of the province temporarily during the year (i.e. due to lack of facilities, coaching, competitions);
He/She must attend a post-secondary institution out-of-province because the course of study is not available to him/her in Ontario;
It is more financially feasible to attend a post-secondary institution out-of-province, or other extenuating circumstances that require the athlete to be out of the province.

This information must be received by the Selection Committee by no later than 30 November 2009 in order to be considered.

Residency Exemption for Military Families: The one-year Ontario residency requirement is waived for any Ontario Card or Canada Card applicant who is a spouse or dependant of a: Regular Force member of the Canadian Forces; or Reservist currently deployed by the Canadian Forces into active service. This means that eligible military family members now qualify for OAAP funding immediately upon becoming residents of Ontario. Please see the 2009-2010 Quest for Gold Athlete Handbook for details of this exemption, including a list of documents needed to verify eligibility for this waiver of the one-year Ontario residency requirement.

Alternates:

Squash Ontario will also nominate alternates to those athletes nominated for Ontario Card status. Alternates will be those athletes who are ranked directly behind those athletes nominated for the allotment of Ontario Cards in a particular category/discipline. The names of alternates will be published along with the names of nominated athletes. If an athlete drops out or is removed from the OAAP an alternate will be substituted into that athlete’s position, provided that:

Alternate is substituted within 2009-2010 fiscal year;
An alternate is available from the same category/discipline/card level (Full/Half);

Funding for athlete being substituted is still available within fiscal year (e.g. full funding for card has not already been paid out to athlete no longer in program).

To Apply:

All required information must be submitted to:

Name Robert Brooks

Email sfunston@squashontario.com

Address 3 Concorde Gate, Toronto, ON M3C 3N7

Phone number, 416-426-7202

no later than 30 November 2009. The athlete agreement will only come into effect if an athlete is selected and accepts carding status through the OAAP program.

Breaking a Tie:

If two athletes are tied in the rankings, the Committee will use head to head results between the two athletes in the tournaments being used for ranking purposes.

Squash Ontario will publish or make known the athletes nominated for Ontario Card status by no later than 10 December 2009.

Appeals

Appeals will be allowed in writing from athletes who have not been nominated by a SQUASH ONTARIO for Ontario Card status. Appeals will be dealt with by an Appeals Committee comprised of representatives from the sport community and chosen by the Ministry.

Grounds for appeals will be limited strictly to issues related to:

A) Whether or not the SQUASH ONTARIO has completed the selection process in accordance with their own published selection criteria and related procedures;

B) Whether or not the selection criteria developed and applied by the SQUASH ONTARIO were fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination or conflict of interest.

After hearing an appeal the Appeals Committee will have the authority to:

Direct the SQUASH ONTARIO to redo the selection process using the correct criteria/process and submit a new list of nominated athletes;
Deny the appeal; or
Allow the appeal and nominate the appellant for carding status.

The appeals will only be accepted on the MHP-provided template, in writing through regular post, registered mail, and courier or delivered in person. Appeals that are delivered personally or by courier shall be deemed to be received on the date of delivery. Appeals that are delivered by regular post or registered mail shall be deemed to be received three days after the date of mailing. Appeals submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted. The Appeals Committee will discuss all appeals at once, after SQUASH ONTARIOs publish their list of nominated athletes. Appeals received in advance of the SQUASH ONTARIO announcing nominees will not be reviewed until after the Appeals deadline.

The deadline for athletes to submit appeals to the Appeals Committee is February 1, 2010.

Appeals must be completed on the template below and will be directed to:

Quest for Gold Ontario Athlete Assistance Program Appeals Committee

c/o Sport and Recreation Branch

Ministry of Health Promotion,

18th floor, 393 University Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M7A 2S1

JUNIOR SQUASH TOURNAMENT POLICIES

2009-2010

Gold Events

Entry deadline will be 11:59 p.m. the Wednesday of the week prior to the tournament (10 days before the event). Waiting lists will be established.

There will be absolutely no refunds after the draws have been done.

Juniors entering Gold or Ontario Championships

Juniors must play in their age group, unless they meet the following criteria:

Won any 2 (two) of the following junior events in their current age group

National Championships
Provincial Championships (Open or Closed)
Junior Gold event.

Note: If a player won 2 of the required events (as above) in their age group but then moves up an age category, they must then win 2 events in their new category before they can move up again. For example, in 2008-2009, an Under 15 junior wins an Under 15 Gold and an Under 15 Ontario Championship, he/she may then play under 17 in the 2009-2010 year. However, when he/she turns 15, he/she has to stay under 17 until he/she wins 2 of the required events in that age category.

Results from the 2008-2009 season will be used to determine eligibility for the 2009-2010 season.

Players will have to adhere to this policy each year in each age category that they are qualified to enter. The exception to this rule is when players are required by Squash Canada to play in a Core event in the under 19 age category.

Players who may play up effective 1 September 2009

1. Amy Commisso

2. Alina D'Asti

3. Michelle Gemmell

4. Alyssa Mehta

5. Hollie Naughton

6. Madlen O'Connor

7. Tyler Osborne

8. Jennifer Pelletier

9. Ethan Shoihet

10. Dileas MacGowan

11. Jillian Baker

Girls in Boys Events

"In order for a girl to participate in a boys' event, she must be ranked #1 or # 2 overall in Ontario at the time of entry and must have represented Canada as a national team member as selected by Squash Canada".

Silver Events

The top-ranked 8 boys in under 13, under 15 and under 17 may not participate in Silver events. And the top-ranked 2 boys under 11 may not participate in Silver events.

The top-ranked 4 girls in under 11 must move up one age category and the top-ranked 4 girls under 13 and under 15 may not participate in silver events.

Ontario...the Giant Killer

By Mike McCue and Mark Sachvie

Six years ago, the Battle of the Border was created as part of a significant restructuring of junior squash in Ontario – beginning with the introduction of the bronze and silver junior events – to the transition from Regional Junior Opens to Golds – to the establishment of a four year Canada Games cycle which includes funding subsidies for our athletes. The costs for junior squash grow exponentially with the grandness of our dreams. And so it is with the Battle of the Border – all funds we raise through our Annual Charity Golf Tournament – our live and silent auctions – goes to help us provide this outstanding competitive event for our junior athletes. So to all of you who have supported junior squash by playing in our golf tournament – donating auction items – or who made personal donations to the Lee Hanebury Junior Squash Fund – thank you – you helped make this happen!

Team Ontario emerged victorious at the 6th annual Battle of the Border over team USA. As ever, the matches were well contested and the final result was close. In the end, Ontario squeaked out a 13-11 victory. Sean Vallejos-Sevilla of Ottawa won the clincher for Ontario, saving multiple match balls before winning 14-12 in the fifth. It was another great weekend for all players involved. The weekend began with some friendly match play on Friday night, followed by a pizza dinner. Each age group played a round robin against their American counterparts on Saturday, providing four high quality prep matches for all the players. On Saturday night, everyone went to Niagara Falls for a night downtown. Some great new American friends were made and everyone enjoyed the evening, especially those who chose to engage in some of the attractions the Falls has to offer! All the players were full of nervous energy going to bed, in anticipation of the big matches the next day.

The Battle of the Border began early Sunday morning, with each age group using one court to play their matches by order of strength. Everyone performed extremely well considering the stage. After three hours of intense action, Ontario won for the second straight year. It was an awesome exposure to international competition, and the fact that it was a team event certainly gave the tournament a different feel than the usual individual events. Mark Sachvie and Connor O’Malley of U.S. Squash are the men to thank for staging such an event, and it will be back bigger and better next year. Special thanks to the Ontario coaches (Mark Sachvie,Richard Yendell, Nicole Pirko, Maia Kirk, Chris Robitaille, Rob Brooks and Chris Sachvie) for their dedication all weekend and their expertise on Sunday.

Canada Games Squad Named

Congratulations to the following young athletes who have been selected to the 2009 -2010 Canada Winter Games Squad:

Jennifer Pelletier, Hollie Naughton, Michelle Gemmell, Adam Engel, Michael McCue, Cole Osborne, Tyler Osborne, Joshua Sekhar, Ailsa Agnew, Alyssa Mehta, Jillian Baker, Sean Vallejos-Sevilla

The Squad is comprised of 12 young athletes (6 boys and 6 girls). Next year at this time, we will be selecting the Canada Games Team of 8 athletes (4 boys and 4 girls) to represent Ontario at the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

The Canada Games are a very, very important component of Squash Ontario’s junior high performance athlete development. In 2007 Team Ontario won two gold medals – that is our goal for 2011.

6th Annual Battle of the Border

(Ontario vs America)

June 26 - 28, 2009

2009 TEAM ONTARIO

Team Ontario Under 13: Josh Hollings, Ethan Shoihet, Carter Robitaille, Vince Commisso, Madlen O'Connor, Sophie Mehta, Sarah Hopton, Dasha Reddy

Team Ontario Under 15: Sean Vallejos-Sevilla, Joe Hall, Mohammed Hamour, Jarryd Osborne, Hollie Naughton, Jillian Baker, Ailsa Agnew, Alyssa Mehta

Team Ontario Under 17: Tyler Osborne, Mike McCue, James Keene, Stephen Rush, Jennifer Pelletier, Michelle Gemmell, Natasha Anzik, Jennifer Klein

NOTE: Jake Beck was selected for Team Ontario Under 15; unfortunately he was not able to accept his selection.

Selection Criteria

must have participated in 3 of 4 Gold events during the 2008-2009 season
must have participated in EITHER the 2008 Ontario Junior Closed Championships or the 2009 Ontario Junior Open Championships
rankings as at 30 April 2009
must be a member in good standing of Squash Ontario

NOTE: The Boys’ Team will be selected based on the Boys’ Ontario Rankings as at 30 April 20089

The Girls’ Team will be selected based on the Girls’ Ontario Rankings as at 30 April 2009

Age Eligibility

under 13 as at 28 June 2009
under 15 as at 28 June 2009
under 17 as at 28 June 2009

Team Composition

Top 4 boys under 13 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Top 4 boys under 15 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Top 4 boys under 17 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Top 4 girls under 13 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Top 4 girls under 15 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Top 4 girls under 17 who meet both the selection and age eligibility criteria

Selections

Will be made by the Junior Advisory Committee on or before 1 June 2009

2009 - 2010 TOURNAMENT SCORING

Ontario Championships and Jesters Gold Events

Boys and Girls Under 19, Under 17 will use Par11 scoring

Boys and Girls Under 15, Under 13 and Under 11 will use Par 15 scoring

Head Silver Events

Boys and Girls Under 17, Under 15, Under 13 and Under 11 will use Par 15 scoring

2008 – 2009 TEAM ONTARIO

The Squash Ontario Junior Advisory Committee is very pleased to announce the selection of Team Ontario athletes for the 2008-2009 season. These athletes have been selected based on having met all published selection criteria.

Boys Under 19: Adam Engel, Tyler Osborne, Albert Shoihet

Boys Under 17: Joshua Sekhar, Cole Osborne, Cameron Seth

Girls Under 19: Jennifer Pelletier, Natasha Anzik

Girls Under 17: Michelle Gemmell, Hollie Naughton, Alina D'Asti, Jillian Baker, Dileas MacGowan, Alyssa Mehta

Coaches: Patrick Ryding, Richard Yendell

2008 BATTLE OF THE BORDER TEAM

The Squash Ontario Junior Advisory Committee is very pleased to announce the selection of the Battle of the Border Team for 2008. These athletes have been selected based on their having met all published selection critiera.

Boys Under 13: Jake Beck, Jarryd Osborne, Joshua Hollings, Chris Riedelsheimer

Boys Under 15: Joshua Sekhar, Kyle Ogilvy, Ryan Todd, Sebastian Riedelsheimer

Boys Under 17: Nick Sachvie, Adam Engel, Tyler Osborne, Albert Shoihet

Girls Under 13: Alina D’Asti, Alyssa Mehta, Erica Jewett, Madlen O’Connor

Girls Under 15: Michelle Gemmell, Hollie Naughton, Jillian Baker, Dileas MacGowan

Girls Under 17: Jennifer Pelletier, Rebecca Lau, Natasha Seth, Natasha Anzik

Coaches: Nicole Pirko, Cindy Sachvie, Richard Yendell, Patrick Ryding

2008 – 2009 JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

The Squash Ontario Junior Advisory Committee is very pleased to announce the selection of the Under 13/Under 15 Junior Development Squad for 2008-2009. These athletes have been selected based on their having met all published selection criteria.

Under 15 Squad: Sean Vallejos-Sevilla, Jake Beck, Joseph Hall, Erica Jewett, Alisa Agnew

Under 13 Squad: Joshua Hollings, Ethan Shoihet, Carter Robitaille, Vince Commisso, Adam Beck, Duncan McKillop, Madlen O’Connor, Sophie Mehta, Dasha Reddy, Sarah Hopton, Amy Commisso, Anna Lailey, Talia McDougall

Coaches: Jamie Nicholls, Jonathon Power

Our Philosophy on Fair Play

TO ALL JUNIOR SQUASH PLAYERS, JUNIOR PARENTS AND JUNIOR SQUASH COACHES

Fair play means treating everyone with respect – opponents, officials, coaches, organizers and spectators. The game of squash has always prided itself on being an example of good sportsmanship and fair play; fair play is of the utmost importance to Squash Ontario. Many years ago, it created the Jim Mason Fair Play awards which are presented to junior players who practice sportsmanship and fair play.

What is Fair Play?

Sincerely congratulating your opponent after they have defeated you.

Thanking the official for a job well done, even if you lost the match.

Being mature enough to know that sometimes in sports, its not that you lost the match, your opponent won.

Believe in and practice the golden rule….treat your opponents in the same way you’d like to be treated. Keep this one simple rule in mind and you will always be looked upon as an athlete who understands and honours the rules of fair play.

In the first two tournaments of this season, we have received several reports of poor behaviour on the part of players. The throwing of racquets, slapping the ball in anger, crying or any other similar behaviour are detrimental to the game and this behaviour will not be tolerated.

All squash coaches who are attending junior events will be asked to monitor behaviour both on and off the court and report bad behaviour to Squash Ontario in writing. The first report received will result in a strongly worded letter of reprimand. A second letter will result in Code of Conduct disciplinary action.

We wish you as athletes every success on the courts this season. Play hard and play fair.

Mark Sachvie

Chair Squash Ontario Junior Advisory Committee

JUNIOR SQUASH TOURNAMENT POLICIES

2008-2009

Gold Events

Entry deadline will be 11:59 p.m. the Sunday the week of the Championship. Waiting lists will be established

There will be absolutely no refunds after the draws have been done

Juniors entering Gold or Ontario Championships

Juniors must play in their age group, unless they meet the following criteria:

Won any 2 (two) of the following junior events in their current age group

National Championships
Provincial Championships (Open or Closed)
Junior Gold event.

Note: If a player won 2 of the required events (as above) in their age group but then moves up an age category, they must then win 2 events in their new category before they can move up again. For example, in 2007-2008, an Under 15 junior wins an Under 15 Gold and an Under 15 Ontario Championship, he/she may then play under 17 in the 2008-2009 year. However, when he/she turns 15, he/she has to stay under 17 until he/she wins 2 of the required events in that age category.

Results from the 2007-08 season will be used to determine eligibility for the 2008-09 season.

Players who may play up effective 1 January 2009

1. Joshua Sekhar

2. Nick Sachvie

3. Michelle Gemmell

4. Jennifer Pelletier

5. Sophie Mehta

7. Michael McCue

8. Hollie Naughton

9. Tyler Osborne

10. Alyssa Mehta

11. Ryan Todd

12. Jillian Baker

13. Joshua Hollings

Girls in Boys Events

Silver Events

The top 8 boys in under 13, under 15 and under 17 may not participate in silver events. And the top 2 boys under 11 may not participate in silver events.

The top 4 girls in under 11 must move up one age category and the top 4 under 13 and under 15 may not participate in silver events.

Junior Manual....the "ins" and "outs" of junior squash in Ontario

UPDATED JUNIOR SQUASH MANUAL