Historically, Canada Cup competitions have provided opportunity for masters to participate in a high level national meet as the series travels across the country from Calgary to Quebec City and Winnipeg. Recently, however, Speed Skating Canada's High Performance Long Track Committee has set time standards for entry to these competitions which are far beyond the ability of most masters. The HPLTC is empowered to do so under SSC Rule B8-801, provided such standards are "deemed to be developmentally appropriate and consistent with the Guiding Principles for Competitions and Events".
Masters have appealed these criteria to SSC noting Guiding Principle #6 which states that competitions and events should "be fun, safe, attractive and accessible to people of all ages, all skill levels and from different backgrounds." Despite this, the eligibility criteria have not been changed to include time standards which are appropriate to masters skaters.
Some masters were, however, able to skate Canada Cup #1 in Quebec City on December 3-5, 2010 including Richard Wismer (ON), Dave Clements (ON) and Blaine Hill (AB). Complete results of the meet can be seen here.
From a review of the results for Canada Cup #2 in Calgary on January 6-9, 2011; it appears that no masters participated.
For Canada Cup #3 in Winnipeg on January 28-30, 2011; the rules were changed to allow masters skaters, who had not met the time standards, to compete although no awards were to be given to such skaters. On this occasion, Randy Plett (MB) and Daren Lind (AB) skated within the meet, having met the required time standard for entry. Bernie Enns (MB) and Brett Arnason (MB) also competed, although outside the official competition. Complete results can be seen here.
Canada Cup #4 is scheduled to run March 15-20, 2011 in Calgary, providing one last opportunity this season for the few masters who may be qualified, or admitted, to enter.
Masters have appealed these criteria to SSC noting Guiding Principle #6 which states that competitions and events should "be fun, safe, attractive and accessible to people of all ages, all skill levels and from different backgrounds." Despite this, the eligibility criteria have not been changed to include time standards which are appropriate to masters skaters.
Some masters were, however, able to skate Canada Cup #1 in Quebec City on December 3-5, 2010 including Richard Wismer (ON), Dave Clements (ON) and Blaine Hill (AB). Complete results of the meet can be seen here.
From a review of the results for Canada Cup #2 in Calgary on January 6-9, 2011; it appears that no masters participated.
For Canada Cup #3 in Winnipeg on January 28-30, 2011; the rules were changed to allow masters skaters, who had not met the time standards, to compete although no awards were to be given to such skaters. On this occasion, Randy Plett (MB) and Daren Lind (AB) skated within the meet, having met the required time standard for entry. Bernie Enns (MB) and Brett Arnason (MB) also competed, although outside the official competition. Complete results can be seen here.
Canada Cup #4 is scheduled to run March 15-20, 2011 in Calgary, providing one last opportunity this season for the few masters who may be qualified, or admitted, to enter.
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