Section 1: Program Overview

1.1 What Is the AAP?

The Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) is a national-level program designed to contribute toward improved Canadian performances at major international sporting events such as the Olympic/Paralympic Games and World Championships. To this end, the AAP identifies and provides funding directly to athletes already placed, or having the potential to place, in the top 16 in the world.

Athletes who are approved for funding and are financially supported through the AAP are referred to as CARDED ATHLETES. AAP support is known as CARDING.

Over 1,800 athletes in more than 80 sport disciplines are approved for AAP support each year. See Athletes Receiving AAP Support for a list of currently carded athletes.

Note: The AAP is the only Sport Canada program that provides funding directly to athletes.

1.2 How Does the AAP Carding Process Work?

National Sport Organizations (NSOs), athletes and Sport Canada are all involved in the AAP carding process. Their respective responsibilities are described in Section 3 (NSO, Athlete and Sport Canada Responsibilities). The table below summarizes the steps involved in the AAP carding process and refers you to the sections describing each part of the process in more detail.

This part of the AAP carding process…	Is described in…
Sport Canada approves eligible NSOs for funding	Minimum Eligibility Requirements for NSOs
Sport Canada allocates cards to eligible NSOs	Allocating Cards to Eligible NSOs
NSOs develop sport-specific carding criteria that athletes must meet to be nominated for AAP support	Carding Criteria
NSOs nominate or re-nominate eligible athletes for AAP support at a given level	Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Athletes Application for and Approval of Cards
Sport Canada reviews and approves nominations based on the sport-specific carding criteria and AAP policies	Application for and Approval of Cards
Athletes complete the AAP Application Form provided by their NSO and sign an Athlete/NSO Agreement	Application for and Approval of Cards Athlete/NSO Agreement
Athletes approved for carding receive benefits during the period of time for which they are approved	Financial Benefits Illness, Injury or Pregnancy
AAP funding may be withdrawn as a result of 1) voluntary withdrawal from the AAP or 2) withdrawal of carded status	Voluntary Withdrawal from the AAP Withdrawal of Carded Status Policy on Anti-doping and AAP Support
Athletes may wish to appeal an NSO or a Sport Canada decision or recommendation about carding	Appeals Policy

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