BCWA AUTHORITY TO SANCTION AMATEUR WRESTLING EVENTS

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Under British Columbia's provincial framework governing amateur combat sports, the BC Wrestling Association (BCWA) has been authorized by the Office of the BC Athletic Commissioner to approve and sanction amateur wrestling events in British Columbia. The BC Athletic Commissioner formally confirmed BCWA's approval to host BC Wrestling events in the Province in December 2024. The Commissioner has subsequently confirmed the continuing role of authorized Provincial Sport Organizations in approving their respective amateur combat sport events and has identified event policies, competition rules, event calendars, safety requirements and provincial audit/oversight as components of this framework.

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Accordingly, BCWA event sanctioning represents formal approval for an amateur wrestling event to operate under BCWA's recognized rules, policies, safety standards and event requirements. Event organizers receiving a BCWA sanction accept responsibility for complying with all conditions of that sanction, including applicable BCWA and Wrestling Canada Lutte rules, membership requirements, Safe Sport requirements, coach and official requirements, medical and emergency procedures, participant registration and verification, venue and competition-area safety standards, and post-event reporting requirements.

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A BCWA sanction should not be understood as BCWA assuming responsibility for the organization, management or operation of the event. The Tournament Convener/Host Organization remains responsible for the safe and compliant delivery of the event and for ensuring that all sanctioning conditions are met before and throughout the event. BCWA may request supporting documentation, verify compliance, impose conditions on a sanction, or refuse, suspend or withdraw sanctioning where BCWA requirements are not satisfied.

 

BC Wrestling Association - Event Sanctioning:

 

Events sanctioned by BCWA must adhere to BCWA/BC High School modified rules or Wrestling Canada Lutte rules (as per appendix A of the Wrestling Canada Lutte Rule Book or BCWA approved Youth Wrestling Rules, which establishes guidelines for safe and controlled participation in wrestling. 

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To be sanctioned by BC Wrestling Association, the event must follow these guidelines, including ensuring that all participants in these events (Coaches, athletes, officials, volunteer, event organizers) are members in good standing of the BC Wrestling Association, a wrestling Provincial/Territory Sport Organization (PTSO), or USA Wrestling.  

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To assist with this process, the below document has been produced both to outline the process for obtaining sanctions for events, and also to clearly outline what is expected of sanctioned events.

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Written requests for sanctions are required for all events where registered BCWA Members are participating as members.  All requests for Sanction are to be made using the BCWA Request for Event Sanction Form and sent to the BCWA office as noted on the form. 

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Sanction forms are available on the BCWA website (below) or from the BCWA office and, after completed are to be returned to the office with PAYMENT of $50.00 (unless otherwise specified) no later then 7 DAYS before the event.

Registered Club programs are pre-sanctioned for:

• routine club activity such as weekly training/practices where Wrestling coaching certification guidelines are met.

 

Clubs are not sanctioned for any activities (e.g. banquets) involving alcohol and drugs.

RULES:  The rules for BCWA Sanctioned events are those outlined in the current Wrestling Canada Lutte rule book.

 

Rule modifications as endorsed by the BCWA for events being sanctioned are acceptable.

 

Please Note:  

BCWA Membership insurance coverage is extended only for members of recognized BCWA member clubs and unaffiliated members and who have paid their Annual BCWA Membership Fees.
 

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