Canadian National Disc Golf Team Selection Policy

Eligibility Requirements

Players must meet the following criteria in order to qualify to represent Canada as a member of the National team for the positions delegated to objective metrics:

Individual must be a current PDGA member in good standing as of the application period.
Individual must be a member of their corresponding CanDiscGolf recognized. Provincial/Territorial Sports Organization where available.
Individual must have competed in at least 6 PDGA events (league rounds will not be considered) in the current calendar year (Jan.1-Sep.1).
Individual must submit their expression of interest to participate within the advertised application period.
Applicant must select whether they would be willing to participate as a backup or “additional athlete” on their application form which would coincide with a separate agreement where, if selected, the athlete would agree to a “no guarantee” clause regarding match minimums.
Individual must obtain/renew their Canadian passport no later than 3 months prior to the advertised start of the event. They must also fulfill all visa requirements as well as WFDF requirements & WADA training certification at least one month prior to the event where available.
Individual must carry Canadian citizenship & residency.*

*extenuating circumstances will be assessed by the NTSC upon appeal

Team Composition

The World Flying Disc Federation (“WFDF”) guidelines stipulate that every country must send a team with at least 6 athletes representing the following divisions:
– 3 MPO representatives (MPO1, MPO2, MPO3)

– 2 FPO representatives (FPO1, FPO2)

– 1 MP40 representative (MPM)

Each country is permitted to field an additional 6 representatives, to a team maximum of 12 athletes, if they wish. Below you’ll find a working proposal for Team Canada:

– 5 MPO representatives (MPO1, MPO2, MPO3 & 2 additional MPO athletes)

– 3 FPO representatives (FPO1, FPO2 & 1 additional FPO athlete)

– 2 MP40 representatives (MPM & 1 additional MPM athlete)

Team Total: 10 athletes; 6 starters, 4 backup athletes

This allows for a contingency due to injury, travel issues or the employment of strategy/load management. It also streamlines fundraising to apply to a smaller group, allowing for a larger subsidy per player.

Team Selection Criteria

In alignment with Sport Canada’s requirements, it is important we strive to provide transparency in our selection criteria and provide clear, objective goals for our athletes to pursue representation of their country on the international stage. 

Below is the objective criteria we will use to select Team Canada:

– All athletes must apply to represent Canada during the application phase.

– All Canadians who meet the above requirements are eligible to apply.

– Applications submitted outside of the announced window will not be considered.

– All applicants will be assessed objectively by their PDGA rating as-of September 1st of the application year.

– The top 3 MPO, 2 FPO and 1 MPM applicants will be chosen based solely on PDGA rating.

– In the event of identical PDGA ratings between athletes, the following criteria will be considered as a tie-breaker, in order of priority:

    • Multi-division eligibility (for instance; is eligible to play both MPO & MPM, FPO & MPM)

    • The number of non-league PDGA events played during the eligibility period

    • The athlete’s past performance in the World Team Championships

– The remaining 4 “backup” athletes will be ranked based on their PDGA rating as of September 1st and assessed in an identical manner to the primary starters. In addition, consideration in each position will be given to athletes based on their willingness to participate in a “no guarantee” capacity, noted on their initial application.

Reserves

There will be “reserve” positions allocated to athletes who may fill-in for rostered participants should the need arise. These individuals will not travel to the event unless called-upon to replace a rostered athlete prior to the advertised roster submission date.

Special Considerations “NTSC Picks”

The selection committee may choose to examine additional applicants based on the subjective assessment of their potential to contribute to the National team. This may be a result of not meeting eligibility requirements or additional extenuating circumstances. Any nomination for consideration will require a “50% + 1” vote from the NTSC. This special consideration is reserved for athletes who the NTSC has identified as a “special case” or have submitted an appeal for consideration. Once nominated, a discussion of the NTSC will be conducted with an additional “50% + 1” vote necessary to solidify the athletes position on the team alongside a proposed resolution. The NTSC reserves the right to supersede our selection criteria should an outstanding and compelling case present itself. In the event of an unsuccessful vote for nomination or addition to the team, the athlete will no longer be considered for the current application period.

National Team Selection Timeline

The application period should begin a month prior to the advertised selection deadline. In the event that the application period is attenuated (2025) it is recommended that the NTSC and CanDiscGolf employ enhanced marketing efforts to reach all potential athletes. It is recommended that the top 10 male and female athletes by PDGA rating are contacted directly.  For annual consideration, we will use September 1st as our application deadline.

Download the Canadian National Disc Golf Team Selection Policy

Your current National Team Selection Committee is:

Adam Dowe (NS), Johnston Miller (NL), Duncan Dixon (NB), Etienne Couture (QC), Greg Hesterman (SK), Jamie Roddick (YK), Jessica Benoit (MB), Jordan Alway (AB), Kevin King (BC), Oscar Kempe (PEI), Colleen McInnes (ON), Chris Ozolins (ON)