Member Resources

Empowering Knowledge & Expertise to our Members

The foundation of WushuCanada are the accredited coaches, officials and volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to the passion for the martial arts.
WushuCanada provides the opportunities and resources to foster the development of coaches and officials through a diverse range of programs and certification courses offered through the IWUF and the National Coach Certification Program NCCP.
Excellence in safety, quality and international standards dictate the framework in which we all strive for.  Visit each section of the resources that are offered to see how you can be empowered as a member of WushuCanada.

Wushu Officiating at the World Wushu Championships

Build Your Knowledge With WushuCanada

  • International Accreditation – Attain your International Wushu Federation Certification
  • National Recognition Courses –Attain your Coaching Certification through NCCP
  • Club/School – Operate efficiently under the WushuCanada Insurance  Program
  • Student Focus– Curriculum templates under the official regulations of Wushu Competition
  • Volunteer – Register as a volunteer to get involved with events and programs

Clubs & School Owners

WushuCanada Recognition & Benefits

WushuCanada through its’ provincially recognized associations offers 2 levels of memberships to clubs and schools who wish to partake in sanctioned events and activities.  Clubs who utilize the WushuCanada umbrella insurance program and support benefits opt to register for FULL Member Club status, whereas clubs who simply wish to partake in events for select members may register as a Participant Club member.

Participant Club Basic Membership Status

Participant Club Basic Membership Status: Rate $100.00 per year from date of official acceptance

  • Provides recognition for member club participation;
  • Provides listing status as “Participant Member Club”;
  • Provides eligibility to registered individual members of member clubs to participate in events;
  • Provides recognition to member club for the achievements of their registered members;
  • Provides option for coaches of member club to enroll in the WushuCanada coach certification program;
  • Provides liability coverage for participant clubs and their registered members during their participation in WushuCanada events;
  • Provides option for Participant Member Clubs to host sanctioned events as an independent “Event Organizer”.
Participant Club Membership Requirements:

  • Requires only the registration of individual members who participate in WushuCanada events;
  • Requires the club to provide validation of  independent Insurance Coverage prior to acceptance as participant club that meets or exceeds WushuCanada minimum coverage standards;
  • Requires participant club to complete membership contract that acknowledges that their coaches are independently certified and conform to coaching standards different to that of WushuCanada certified programming.
Participant Club Membership Limitations:

  • Limited to marketing exposure provided by participant club status;
  • Limited to liability coverage only during participation at WushuCanada events and not during day to day operations of club;
  • Participant Clubs are NOT enrolled in WushuCanada Club Insurance Program;
  • Participant Clubs and their Individual Registered Members are NOT eligible for subsidies or support programs.
  • Participant Member Clubs may apply to host events as an “Independent Event Organizer” with additional fees and operating expenses.

WushuCanada Full Membership Club Status

WushuCanada Full Member Club Status: Rate $500.00 per year

  • Provides Full Member Recognition for Clubs and their registered individual members;
  • Provides exposure for member clubs in all WushuCanada club marketing initiatives;
  • Provides listing status as “Full Member Club” along with logo placement and description of club details;
  • Provides eligibility to registered individual members of Member Clubs to participate in events;
  • Provides recognition to Member Clubs for the achievements of their registered members;
  • Provides access to enrollment of coaches of Member Clubs to the WushuCanada coach certification program;
  • Provides liability coverage for Member Clubs and their registered members during their participation in WushuCanada events;
  • Provides liability coverage for Member Clubs and all its’ members during the regular operations of club activities;
  • Provides enrollment of Member Clubs in the WushuCanada Club Insurance Program;
  • Provides Member Clubs with custom upgrade options for content insurance with insurance provider;
  • Provides Member Clubs and their Individual Members with access to subsidies and support programs;
  • Provides Member Clubs option to host sanctioned events as a “Club Organizer”;
  • Provides Member Clubs access to utilize event and clinic subsidies to host events at their venue.

Full Member Club Requirements:

  • Requires full membership of all individual members of club at either a recreational or high performance level;
  • Requires the club to provide validation of business registration or incorporation at provincial and/or federal levels;
  • Requires the club to complete coaching certification for all active coaches conducting programs at their facility;
  • Requires that all active coaches must enlist as a coach member and maintain coaching requirements as per WushuCanada standards;
  • Requires commitment to procedures as indicated in “Maintaining Membership Status” to be an ongoing member in good standing.

To Maintain Status in Good Standing:

  • Each new participant in Member Club programs must be enrolled online with WushuCanada prior to the commencement of their activities;
  • All new registered members should be acknowledged to the benefits of membership and the membership policy of WushuCanada;
  • Administrative staff, coaches and caregivers must meet all standards of WushuCanada which include:
    • First Aid Training and Certification every 2 years;
    • Enhanced Background Check (Vulnerable Sector Check) every 2 years;
    • Commitment to WushuCanada Coaching Certification Program for Coaches;
  • WushuCanada is committed to helping Club owners offer the most efficient and professional programs to their members and as Full Member Clubs, the PSO supports offers it’s resources to aid in achieving these goals.
  • Full Member Clubs are eligible to Host events as an official “Club Organizer”

Event Organizers and Promoters

WushuCanada supports Provincial Sports Organizations that are recognized by their Provincial Governments who oversee sanctioning protocol in combative sport pertaining to Sanda Free Fighting.

In sanctioning events, WushuCanada emphasizes diligence in several key areas:
  • Safety and Protocol
  • Participation
  • Production Logistics
  • Marketing Awareness
  • Equipment and Staffing
  • Quality and Professionalism

Potential Hosts or Event Producers may apply for sanctioning in one of two ways:

WushuCanada Club Organizers:

  • Reserved for WushuCanada Full Member Clubs;
  • Club organizers have first priority in selected dates and venues;
  • Access to event assistance and profit sharing programs to ensure viability of events;
  • WushuCanada provides full equipment and logistical support;
  • Club organizers take on role of event coordinators and are exposed to minimal financial risks in operating events;

Independent Event Organizers and Promoters:

  • Event Organizers submit applications and pay a sanctioning fee to obtain the rights to host an event;
  • WushuCanada sanctioning policy must be followed in its entirety;
  • Upon payment of sanctioning fees and associated event fees the Event Organizer assumes all financial risks to their event;
  • Associated fee include but are not limited to equipment rentals, set up, officiating, transportation, medical staffing, awards etc.;
  • All fees are clearly laid and understood prior to approval or signing of any sanctioning contract;
  • WushuCanada provides marketing and participation support via it’s network of members;
  • Event dates and types are arranged as to support all sanctioned events without conflicts of interest;
  • All revenue and admissions are maintained and the responsibility of the event organizer;
  • Sponsorships must be approved and within the guidelines of the WushuCanada sponsorship policy;

Changes for Amateur Combative Sports (Ontario)

As defined in the Ontario Sport Recognition Policy, a legal amateur combative sport contest will display the official Ontario logo on all contest advertising along with this wording: “THIS CONTEST IS SANCTIONED BY AN ORGANIZATION OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO.”
Ontario supports the safe participation in amateur combative sports.

In 2015 the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport released Game ON – The Ontario Government’s Sport Plan in which it committed to clarify the legal status of amateur combative sport.

Through an Order in Council, the Government of Ontario has designated 11 amateur sports in which contests are now legal if held with the permission of a government-recognized Provincial Sport Organization (PSO).

A PSO is a not-for-profit organization recognized by the Ministry as the governing body of a particular amateur sport in Ontario. The primary function of a PSO is the development of athletes, coaches and officials. A PSO must be recognized in accordance with the provincial Sport Recognition Policy. Currently there are 9 government-recognized PSOs in Ontario for combative sports.

Contests in sports that are not sanctioned by a provincially-recognized PSO are deemed illegal.

Definition of a Contest

When sanctioning contests, PSOs must adhere to the definition of a contest and all requirements as detailed in the Sport Recognition Policy.

If a contest meets the definition of a prize fight, it must be sanctioned by the recognized PSO.

As per the Canadian Criminal Code section 83 (2), “In this section, prize fight means an encounter or fight with fists, hands or feet between two persons who have met for that purpose by previous arrangement made by or for them.”

Hosting a Combative Sport Contest

To host a contest in an exempt amateur combative sport, the associated recognized PSO must sanction the contest.

The government has authorized nine PSOs as the recognized sport bodies to sanction contests.

A contest NOT authorized by a recognized PSO in an exempt amateur combative sport could be deemed illegal and subject to prosecution.

Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

Contests in Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) will remain illegal until the sport is added to the list of exempt sports and there is a recognized PSO for AMMA.

Currently there is no international sport federation for the sport of AMMA that is endorsed by the Global Association of International Sport Federations (formerly Sport Accord) or the International Olympic Committee. Therefore, when the Order in Council (OIC) was created, the sport of AMMA was omitted from the list since there would be no organization designated to sanction amateur contests.

Enforcement

Enforcement of the Canadian Criminal Code is handled by provincial or municipal police services.

Competing in an Amateur Combative Sport

The Order in Council only applies to amateur combative sports contests that contravene the Federal Criminal Code and does not apply to participation in training or fitness activities.

For a list of sanctioned amateur combative sport contests in Ontario:

Health and Safety Standards for Amateur Combative Sport

Before participating in an amateur combative sport, it is important to be informed about the health and safety practices at the training facilities or tournament venues. This includes obtaining information about first aid response and insurance policies that disclose how injuries are handled and the responsibilities of tournament or practice facility owners.

To inform your decision about participating in an amateur combative sport, information about health and safety standards is available.

More Information

For more information, please contact your Provincial Sport Organization, or email sport@ontario.ca to reach someone at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

We recognize that operating a club or hosting an event is no easy task.  WushuCanada members utilize a vast network of clubs and volunteers along with a PSO support system to add value to all your program initiatives.

Coaching

Long-Term Athlete Development – What it means for you

As members of a national sport organization, we have the responsibility in our respective roles to help each of our members attain their own level of personal excellence.  The WushuCanada Long-Term Athlete Development Model “LTAD” will assist in this regard by presenting the “big picture” of martial arts, and specifically Wushu in Canada.  Together with the National Coaches Certification Program “NCCP” modules under the Multi-Sport Stream, the Wushu LTAD will empower coaches and club owners with the understanding and knowledge of core principles and stages incorporated into sport martial arts training.  Through education and certification, instructors and coaches will further understand:
– The recommended pathway to develop athletes at all leves, including high performance athletes.
– The framework put forth by WushuCanada and the National Coaches Certification Program (NCCP).
– Where each type of instructor or coach fits into the educational framework of wushu in Canada.

Become a coach…

Becoming a certified coach is an exciting process that begins your journey into a rewarding and challenging field. It is important to emphasize that some of the best coaches have not been elite athletes themselves, but have developed strengths in key areas such as motivation and communication with athletes, and demonstrating leadership through exemplary actions on and off the playing field.  Coaches inspire their athletes to excel. They lead while building tomorrow’s leaders. When you coach, you encourage participants of all ages to be active, to challenge themselves, and to have fun. In fact, coaching offers enormous benefits for coaches and participants alike.

NCCPcoach.ca

Officiating

Become an Active Volunteer

WushuCanada coordinates a number of programs, workshops, accredited courses and subsidies to provide ongoing support and development for officials and volunteers.

Officials are an essential part of sport. They should be given an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the martial arts community by learning new skills through education, training and mentoring. It is important to create a respectful, appreciative and supportive environment for everyone participating, including spectators.

A WushuCanada official is any person who controls the actual play of a competition by the application of the rules and laws of the sport to make judgement on the rule infringements, performance, time or score. These officials (e.g. umpire, referee, or judge) administer the their training to ensure the proper conduct of Wushu participation in a safe and well coordinated environment.

The certification program begins with an introductory development clinic to become a Level 1 – Recreation Official with available upgrade program clinics to attain higher levels of certification; the highest being a certified International Wushu Federation Official.

Certification clinics are comprised of both theory, technical and practical components and consist of different content depending on whether the course is for Taolu or Sanda officiating. These clinics are available to organizations, clubs, and individuals. The goal of the clinics is to certify and develop officials both for Taolu and Sanda.

Clinic registrations will be posted on the Events Calendar as they become available and may also be administered upon request.

In order to obtain the next level of certification, upgrade clinics must be successfully completed.

For Taolu (Routines) there are 5 levels of certification in the WushuCanada Official’s Development Program:

  • Level 1 “Officials First” Recreational Event Official and Head Table Assistant
  • Level 2 Group B Overall Performance Official
  • Level 3 Group A Technical Movement Official
  • Level 4 Group C Difficulty Component Official-IWuF or PAWF Equivalency Program
  • Level 5 Chief Official-IWuF or PAWF Equivalency Program

For Sanda and Combative Classes there are 5 levels of certification in the WushuCanada Official’s Development Program:

  • Level 1 “Officials First” Recreational Class E/F Event Official and Head Table Assistant
  • Level 2 Class D/C Sideline Official
  • Level 3 Class B/A Sideline Official
  • Level 4 Platform/Centre Referree Official-IWuF or PAWF Equivalency Program
  • Level 5 Chief Official-IWuF or PAWF Equivalency Program

WushuCanada officials ensure that the athletes and participants are abiding by the rules and playing in the spirit of the sport. They are also there to ensure that events are observed and enjoyed by all.

Benefits of being a WushuCanada Official:
-Enjoyment and satisfaction
-Career path
-Development to elite level
-Potential for financial rewards
-Personal development
-Fitness and health
-Social interaction
-Opportunity to travel
-Opportunity for parents, enthusiasts or partners to be involved in sport.

Officials require but are not limited to the following skills:
-Decision-making
-Interpersonal communications
-People management
-Knowledge of the rules
-Understanding of the sport
-Appropriate level of fitness
-Sense of humour
-Courage and confidence.

Becoming a WushuCanada Official
All you need is an interest in Martial Arts and a willingness to be involved.

Level 1 “Officials First” Certification Program
The first level in the WushuCanada officials’ development program, it is designed for any person aspiring to become a wushu official. The purpose is to enable the candidate to understand and apply basic rule interpretations associated with recreation competition divisions in Taolu or Sanda. Level 1 officials are allowed and expected to officiate as a first official WushuCanada sanctioned recreational competitions and tournaments; as well as work as administration to learn the processes of timing, score keeping, marshaling and equipment handling during events.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be 16 years of age, or older
Must complete and pass applicable Level 1 theory exam
Must perform adequately at a practical evaluation during 1-3 initiation events.
Must attend a Certification Technical Clinic prior to participation in 3rd official event.
Must become a registered member of WushuCanada via “Officials First” program.
Must pass a Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening Check to be assigned to WushuOntario and WushuCanada competitions.

Level 2 Certification

In order to become a Level 2 Official, a candidate must have been active as a Level 1 Official for at least 5 recognized events or 50 bouts, and fulfilled all the requirements of the Officials Upgrade Program. The Level 2 Official is allowed and expected to officiate as sideline or panel judge during recreational, provincial championships and Ontario Winter Games.

Level 3 Certification

An official aspiring to be a Level 3 Official must have been active as a Level 2 Official for at least 3 recognized events and must apply for entry into the Officials Upgrade Program. The Level 3 – Official is recognized as a “senior official” and as such is allowed and expected to officiate at all competition levels in Canada including qualifiers and National Championships held in Canada.

Level 4 Certification

An official seeking Level 4 status must have been active as an Official for at least two years and must be recommended by the Officials Committee for entry into the Officials Upgrade Program. The Level 4 Official has the opportunity and is expected to officiate at all competition levels in Canada and is recommended to begin certification at the international level. IWuF or PAWF equivalency is adapted at this level of certification.

Level 5 Certification

Level 5 Certification is the highest level attainable in the WushuCanada Officials’ Development Program. Only the top Officials from across Canada will be recommended for entry into the International Upgrade Program. Upon entry into Level 5 certification, officials must be prepared to officiate at the highest levels of Wushu throughout the province, country and world. Each year WushuCanada will recommend and subsidize its most active officials to attain, maintain and upgrade their certification under the IWuF officiating program.

NEXT STEPS

So you are now a certified WushuCanada Official, how do you get assigned to officiate events?

Before you can be assigned to officiate events you will need to ensure you are on the most current officiating panel which is public record on the WushuCanada website.
To officiate international events you will need to register with WushuCanada and be certified under the IWuF. These include participation at the World Championships, University Games, World Game etc.

Note: In order to officiate in the WushuCanada events you will need to submit a Police Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Screening to the WushuCanada office. For details on the WushuCanada Screening Policy and how to obtain your Police Check, go to “How to attain a background check” tab.

UNIFORMS and PACKAGES

Upon registration as an Officiating Member of WushuCanada, officials will receive a welcoming letter along with digital copies of the most up to date rules and regulations. During their initial practical assessment at their first event they will receive an Officiating “Tie” along with a Passport and Badge.

Standard Officiating Uniform consists of White Dress Shirt or Blouse, Black Trousers and Black Shoes. Wearing of the “Tie” is optional for female officials. Platform/Centre referees may opt to wear a black “Bow” tie during events.

Optional Officiating Uniforms may be available if agreed upon by the Officiating committee and provided for by Organizers of sanctioned events. These may be in the form of polo or collared shirts relevant to the particular event.

WushuCanada “Officials First” Certification Program

At WushuCanada we strongly recognize the importance of our officiating team who dedicate their time and efforts to aid in the successful advancement of our martial art athletes.
Launching in 2018 WushuCanada will deploy the “Officials First” program with several key initiatives.
-Accessibility
-Quality development
-Recognition
-Opportunity for Advancement

More often than not, officials can be considered as a sport organization’s most important volunteers. They put time, training, and impartiality into their passion for sport. Whether past coaches, athletes or simply enthusiasts, officials directly impact and determine the positive pathways in which our athletes progress.

Subsidized membership for all registrants in the “Officials First” certification program. Your time and effort is a clear indication of your first commitment to pursuing your interest in the martial arts.
-Theory: general understanding of Taolu or Sanda Class E/F regulations along with general knowledge in the differences among Taolu Events or Sanda Classes.
-Practical: Commitment to participation in a minimum of 4 events per year.
-Renumeration: Level 1 Certification is a voluntary commitment however, meals at events along with transportation arrangements are always arranged for officials and volunteers.
-Officiating welcome kit: Taolu or Sanda Rule Book, Official’s tie, Officiating Passport.
-Recognition: listed as level 1 certified official upon completion of online course.
-Technical Requirements: Application, Vulnerable sector check via WushuCanada, Online Level 1 applicable course.

Costs:
Level 1-Subsidized
Level 2-5: $90.00 per year
Honorariums, remuneration, upgrade subsidies and travel benefits begin at Certification Level 3.

Police Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Screenings. Follow the link below, create and access your personal account below and share results with WushuCanada for completion of official background check.

WushuOntario Background Check

WushuCanada requires mandatory Police Record Checks (PRC) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) checks for all individuals in leadership roles who work directly with athletes. This includes all Staff, Directors, Chairs, Coaches, Managers, Officials, Chaperones and persons who manage finances.

Screening of personnel and volunteers is an important part of providing a safe sporting environment and has become a common practice among sport organizations that provide programs and services to the community. WushuCanada is responsible at law, to do everything reasonable to provide a safe and secure environment for participants in its programs, activities and events. WushuCanada takes very seriously, and is committed to, fulfilling the duty of care it owes to its members.

WushuCanada requires each person to submit a PRC and VSS once every three (3) years from the date of completion, upon which time you must submit a new PRC/VSS.  The process is super easy via our partnership with mybackcheck.com.

https://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/landing-pages/w/wushu-canada/

WushuCanada Screening Policy

To register for current courses ensure you are signed up as an “Enthusiast, Volunteer or Officiating” member of WushuCanada and you will receive updates on courses and locations. Also keep checking the event sections of the website for next available certification dates.

Rules & Regulations

Education & Knowledge for Competition

The Rules & Regulations of Wushu competition are separated into distinct areas of expertise.  There are 4 areas of competition and multiple levels of events that pertain to specific officiating criteria.

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