University of Windsor Scholarship at UWindsor Electronic Theses and Dissertations Theses, Dissertations, and Major Papers 1-1-2006 Exploring athlete advocacy through Canadian sport policies, International multi-sport events, and athlete experiences. Aaron Lowe University of Windsor Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd Recommended Citation Lowe, Aaron, "Exploring athlete advocacy through Canadian sport policies, International multi-sport events, and athlete experiences." (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 7143. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/7143 This online database contains the full-text of PhD dissertations and Masters’ theses of University of Windsor students from 1954 forward. These documents are made available for personal study and research purposes only, in accordance with the Canadian Copyright Act and the Creative Commons license—CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution, Non-Commercial, No Derivative Works). 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ABSTRACT This thesis explores the ways that elite amateur athletes can have a more effective voice within the Canadian Sport System by looking at select Canadian sport policies, athlete involvement in the organization of International multi-sport events held in Canada, and athlete requirements to be an effective advocate. A document analysis of 23 federal sport policy documents from 1961-2004 explored patterns in rationale, recommended solutions, rules and resources. Interviews were conducted with six athletes and six organizers involved in three different International multi­ sport events (1988 Winter Olympics, 1994 Commonwealth Games, and the 1999 Pan-American Games) to identify the involvement athletes had in the organization of these events, as well as their advice for athletes to become better advocates in the Canadian Sport System. Sport policy documents highlighted the need for a new athlete policy clarifying the roles for athletes and organizers. Athlete involvement in multi-sport events progressed from an informal to a formal involvement, in areas including village and transportation issues. Key advocate qualities included knowledge of personal, sport, and broader societal issues impacting on sport. iii Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my family and all the elite amateur athletes out there who feel neglected or feel that their voices are not being heard in the Canadian Sport System. My hope is that this research contributes to the overall increased involvement of elite amateur athletes in the decision-making processes in Canada, at all levels. To my mom, thanks for always supporting me through the ups and downs of sport and education. Your constant reassurance that school is important has allowed me to become a better person and more prepared for life after sport. To Megan, together hopefully we have made a difference in the lives of the future generations of athletes. Our strong relationship has made writing this thesis possible, especially on those long, hard days in front of the computer ........it was all worth it! iv Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many people who have had an impact in my life and have helped me to persevere through my athletic career as well as allowing me to accomplish my educational goals. Their personal and academic support throughout the past several years is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Victoria Paraschak. Your drive to help me understand sport more analytically, your passion for teaching, and your friendship have all been meaningful, which has led to a richer educational experience. I would also like to thank the committee members: Dr. Scott Martyn, Dr. Alan Sears (proposal stage) and Dr. James Winter. Your advice and support have been significant in the completion of this thesis. I thank you for your individual contributions. Also worthy of acknowledgement are the faculty and staff within the Departments of Kinesiology and Athletics and Recreation. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Marge Holman, Dr. Marliese Kimmerle, Dr. Robert Boucher, Dr. Alan Metcalfe, Dr. Krista Chandler, Diane Dupuis, Pat Amlin, and Gord Grace. Your encouragement and contributions to my education are held in high regard. A special thanks to all of the participants who took part in my interviews. Bill Warren, Bill France, Dave Carmichael, Bruce Wasylik, Mike Moore, Randy Anderson, Rod Garassino, Kathy Salmon, Trevino Betty, Stacey Galloway, Ian Bird, and Susane Dandenault. You have all made this research a worthwhile endeavor, Thank You. v Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. I would also like to thank Skate Canada, Sport Canada, my coaches, everyone at Radovich Chiropractic, Joanne Rothery, and Dave Stoute. They have all been invaluable supporters throughout my athletic career, and also huge contributors, helping me achieve many of my life goals. To my mom and Megan, the two biggest supporters in my life, I love you both. Sincerely, Aaron Lowe vi Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT........................................................................................ iii DEDICATION....................................................................................................................iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................v LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS................................................... x CHAPTER PAGE 1. INTRODUCTION I. Introduction...................................................................................................1 II. Operational definition of Athlete-Centred .................................................7 III. Assumptions ........................................................................ 8 IV. Theoretical and Practical Justification .....................................................15 2. CANADIAN SPORT POLICY ANALYSIS I. Introduction................................................................................................ 19 II. Preliminary History of the Federal Government’s Relationship with Elite Amateur Athletes ................................................................... 19 III. Methodology and Directional Proposition for Sub-Problem #1 ........... 33 IV. Delimitations and Limitations: Canadian Sport