Frequently Asked Questions
Track Meets
Q - Why are track and field meets only held in Moncton and Saint John?
A - These are the only cities in the province that have the facility and necessary equipment to host (synthetic track, sand pits, throwing areas, photo-finish camera, blocks, hurdles, steeplechase barriers, high jump / pole vault mats, throwing implements, washroom facilities, etc.).
Q - How are meet fees determined?
A - It depends on who is hosting the meet. If ANB is hosting the meet, then the fee is usually $25 for the first event and $10 for each additional. If the meet is not hosted by ANB, than the host (club, school, university, etc.) can set the amount to whatever they choose.
Athlete Development
Q - How can I get a training routine/plan?
A - ANB has numerous clubs and coaches across the province. Check out our club section on the website https://www.anb.ca/club-finder/ and contact the one that is closes to you. If you are unable to find more information please contact one of our staff.
Q - Are ANB programs only for the best athletes?
A - No, while some of our programs have standards and qualification requirements the majority of our programs are open to all members.
Q - How do I get to higher-level meets?
A - Talk with your coach and club about the competition schedule. All NB meets can be found at on our calendar http://www.anb.ca/calendar/
Q - How do I get an event clinic hosted in my city/school/club?
A - Contact Chris Belof with the following information: date, location, where it is to take place, time available, event area(s), and equipment available. He will do his best to coordinate it.
Club Development
Q - I want to get involved with my club - what should I do?
A - Get in contact with the president/head coach of the club. Offer to join the board of directors (if there is one). Share some ideas and thoughts on what the club can do better and what you are willing to do to help out.
Q - What if there is no club in my area?
A - Several options exists at this point - you could affiliate yourself with a club already running in the province; you could start your own club; you could continue to train and compete as an unattached athlete as club affiliation is not a requirement.
Coaches
Q - I want to continue my NCCP coaching education. What can I do?
A - Check out the calendar http://www.anb.ca/calendar/ to see if there are any up coming coaching clinics listed. You may also contact Steve LeBlanc who is in charge of all NCCP related coaching education related matters in NB and make sure he is aware of what you are looking for.
Q - I want to become a better coach - what should I do?
A - Get online, pick up the phone, send an email - coaches are usually very open to helping others. So don’t be shy. https://www.anb.ca/coaching-education/ has many useful links to websites that can help you. If you want to just chat coaching and ideas get in contact with ANB staff members.
Q - How do I get coaches to share their secrets?
A - While this is a decision for the individual coach, the best way to find out is to simply ask. Coaches are always looking to make their athletes better so open up the dialogue and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Q - When are coaching courses offered?
A - Coaching courses are held when there is a perceived need. Coaches looking to increase their certification should email Steve LeBlanc to inform him of what course (club, sport, performance) and event area they are looking to do. When there is enough to make a course worthwhile it will be organized.
Q - Why is it more difficult to become further certified in the new NCCP?
A - The Coaches Association of Canada and NCCP have gone away from level decoration (higher level does not automatically make one a better coach) and more to role appropriate - Introduction, Development, High Performance. These areas line up with our Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Plan. The goal is for the coach to be the best that they can be at the level of athletes they are working with. For example coaches wanting to work with athletes in high performance and get certified at the same level should expect to coach year round, have 4-6 training sessions per week, and working with athletes looking to attend the national junior and senior championships.
Officials
Q - Why do we need certified officials?
A - In order for our track meets to count for rankings, records, and qualification, and to make sure that the rules of the sport are properly followed, it is imperative that we have certified officials. Track meets cannot take place without our officials!
Q - How do I get involved in officiating?
A - Contact our Officials Chair Chris Gray at anb.officials.chair@gmail.com. He will be able to explain how to get involved.
Q - Are officials paid like a hockey referee?
A - No, all of our officials are 100% volunteers. Not only are our events much longer but they donate their time solely for the benefit of our sport. Aside from some meals and expenses, they are out rain or shine for the betterment of our sport - so next time you see an official, please say “Thank you”!
Q - How do I become more involved?
A - Contact our Executive Director or our Officials Chair. Talk to an official at a track meet and ask them questions. All of our officials are very friendly and would love to explain what they do. We have spots at all of our events areas that are usually very simple, but the important thing to remember is that all are important in making the events run on time and in accordance with the rules. We are always looking for more officials!
Programs
Athlete Development & Support Program
Q - Is this a team?
A - No, the ADSP is not a team. The ADSP serves as a program designed to offer recognition, opportunity, and support to athletes in a wide variety of athletics stages ranging from development to elite.
Q - How do I become part of the ADSP?
A - There are a variety of factors that come into play when selecting athletes for the ADSP. For an in-depth look check out the ADSP section of our website http://www.anb.ca/programs/adsp/
Q - What happened to the Podium and High Performance programs?
A - In short, the ADSP has replaced the Podium and High Performance programs, creating a more cohesive pathway for our athletes and allowing us to better serve our membership.
Q - How are programs and events determined?
A - Our organizer (Steve LeBlanc) has an idea on what he wants to accomplish with his programs, however the biggest factor is the yearly calendar. Factors such as competition calendar and location and timing are routinely examined.
Q - I have further questions who should I contact?
A - For any HP or ADSP questions, contact Chris Belof.
Legion Provincial Team
Q - How are the standards determined?
A - Standards are determined by taking the average of 8th place from the previous three editions of Legion Nationals. Events where there are less than 8 competitors use an alternate standard determination format.
Q - Why are the NB team standards different from the Legion Nationals entry standards?
A - Legion Nationals entry standards are determined to make sure that a large number of athletes can enter the meet and the quality of athletes is of a desired performance level. NB's team standards are determined to select the most competitive team possible, and minding that the team is limited to 36 athletes in total, and two entries per event.
Q - Who sets the times, rules, and regulations while at the Legion Championships?
A - Athletes travelling and being part of Team New Brunswick are part of the Legion program. As such the Royal Canadian Legion sets all schedule and rules.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact any of our staff or board members. All of their contact information can be found on the contact portion of our website (http://www.anb.ca/contact/).