USA Judo ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES

2016 Olympic Games – RIO de JANIERO, BRAZIL Men and Women

August 7, 2014 1. SELECTION SYSTEM

1.1. Provide the minimum eligibility requirements for an athlete to be considered

for nomination to the Team:

1.1.1. Nationality/Passport requirements: Athlete must be a national of the United States at the time of nomination. Athlete must hold a valid U.S. passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the Games. Athlete also must be a national of the United States and have a valid U.S. passport in order to compete in any Olympic Qualification competition.

1.1.2. Minimum International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and/or Pan American Sport Organization (PASO) (PAG and PPAG only) standards for participation: Any competitor in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American or Parapan American Games must be a national of the country of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) or National Paralympic Committee (NPC) which is entering such competitor. For additional information regarding an athlete who is a national of two or more countries, has changed his or her nationality or acquired a new nationality, refer to the IOC Charter (Rule 42), the IPC Handbook (Section 2, Chapter 3.1), or the PASO Statutes (Article XXII, Sections 4 and 5).

1.1.3. Minimum International Federation (IF) and/or Continental Federation (CF) (PAG and PPAG only) standards for participation (if any): All athletes participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games must be born on or before 31 December 2001.

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The Olympic Games qualification system may be found at http://www.ijf.org/ (go to “Documents”).

1.1.4. Other requirements (if any): The athlete must hold a current USA Judo black belt ranking. Athletes must be a member in good standing with USA Judo.

1.2. Tryout Events: 1.2.1. Provide the event names, dates and locations of all trials, events and

camps to be used as part of the selection process. The events listed below earn IJF World Ranking Points. The IJF World Ranking List as of May 30, 2016 will be used to determine direct qualification to the 2016 Olympic Team: Continental Cups May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016 Grand Prixes May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016 Grand Slams May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016 Masters May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016 World Championships May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016 Pan Am Championships May 29, 2014 – May 30, 2016

The locations and dates of these events will be posted on www.ijf.org and www.usjudo.org as soon as they become available.

1.2.2. Provide event names, dates, locations and description of how athletes qualify for the trials, events and camps listed above in 1.2.1. (if any). Qualification for Continental Cups There is a maximum of four competitors per country per weight category including the organizing country.

USA Judo’s Continental Cup Selection Procedures are available at http://www.teamusa.org/usa-judo/athletes/seniors/competition-opportunities.

Qualification for Grand Slams and Grand Prixes

There is a maximum of two competitors per country per weight category. For the organizing country there will be a maximum of four competitors per weight category. Only two competitors from

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the organizing country may receive points for the World Ranking List.

USA Judo’s Grand Slam and Grand Prix Selection Procedures are available at http://www.teamusa.org/usa-judo/athletes/seniors/competition-opportunities.

Qualification for Masters

The top 16 competitors per weight category from the World Ranking List will be invited to compete at the Masters. A minimum of one competitor from the organizing country will compete in each weight category. If the organizing country has no competitor among the top 16, then the top 15 from the World Ranking List and one competitor from the organizing country will compete. The IJF selection procedures for the Masters tournament will be followed. They will be posted on www.ijf.org. Qualification for World Championships There is a maximum of one competitor per country per weight category. USA Judo’s World Championship Selection Procedures are available at http://www.teamusa.org/usa-judo/athletes/seniors/competition-opportunities. Qualification for Pan American Championships There is a maximum of one competitor per country per weight category. USA Judo’s Pan American Championships Selection Procedures are available at http://www.teamusa.org/usa-judo/athletes/seniors/competition-opportunities.

1.3. Provide a comprehensive, step-by-step description of the method that explains how athletes will go through the selection process to become Team nominees (include maximum Team size).

The qualification slot will go directly to an athlete, not a nation, based on the IJF World Ranking List as of May 30th, 2016. There will be a maximum of one athlete per weight category per country.

The maximum team size is 14 athletes, one representing each weight category. The 14 weight categories are: Men’s 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, 100kg, and 100+kg; Women’s 48kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, 70kg, 78kg, and 78+kg.

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Qualification to Olympic Games The athletes are identified by following the ranking position in each weight category from top to bottom until 22 different countries are represented for men and 14 for women. Athletes who are seeded in the TOP 8 according to the final Olympic Qualification invitation list provided by the IJF will be nominated to the Olympic Team unless more than one athlete is seeded in the TOP 8 in a weight category (see below). The following scenarios outline whether or not a 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo will be necessary. Date and location information for any potential 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo will be announced no later than 30 days prior to the event and posted at www.usjudo.org. Scenario #1 – No trials necessary:

If the USA has one athlete ranked in this block (top-22 for men and top-14 for women), this athlete is directly qualified.

Scenario #2 – No trials necessary: If the USA has two athletes ranked in this block and only one athlete

is seeded in the TOP 8, the TOP 8 seeded athlete will be directly qualified and there is no need for a trials event. The athlete ranked 9+ will be the identified replacement athlete if the need arises.

Scenario #3 – Trials needed: If the USA has two athletes ranked in this block and both athletes are

seeded in the TOP 8 OR neither athlete is seeded in the TOP 8, a 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo (date and location, TBA) will be held. If the higher IJF ranked athlete wins the first match, he/she shall be the athlete selected in that weight category of competition. If the higher IJF ranked athlete loses, then the athletes shall engage in a best-of-three fight-off. The winner of that fight-off shall be the athlete selected for that weight category of competition.

Scenario #4 – Trials needed: If three or more athletes are ranked within this block and all of them

are seeded in the TOP 8 OR none of them are seeded in the TOP 8, then a single elimination 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo will be held (date and location, TBA). The athletes will be seeded according to the current seeding chart (see below). If the first seeded athlete wins the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo he/she shall be the athlete selected in that weight category of competition to the 2016 Olympic Games Team. If the highest seeded athlete loses, the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo will continue with the winner of the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo and the first seeded athlete engaging in a best-of-three fight-off that same day. The winner of that fight-off shall be the athlete selected for that weight category to the 2016 Olympic Games Team.

Scenario #5 – Trials needed (to determine replacement athlete):

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If the USA has three or more athletes ranked within this block and only one athlete is seeded in the TOP 8, the TOP 8 seeded athlete will be directly qualified. However, the remaining athletes ranked within this block but outside of the TOP 8 will compete in a trials event (date and location, TBA) to determine who will be identified as a replacement athlete if the need were to arise.

o In the case of two remaining athletes: If the higher IJF ranked athlete wins the first match, he/she shall be the identified replacement athlete for that weight category. If the higher IJF ranked athlete loses, then the athletes shall engage in a best-of-three fight-off. The winner of that fight-off shall be the identified replacement athlete for that weight category.

o In the case of three or more remaining athletes: The athletes will be seeded according to the current seeding chart (see below). If the first seeded athlete wins the trials, he/she shall be the identified replacement athlete for that weight category. If the highest seeded athlete loses, the trials will continue with the winner of the trials and the first seeded athlete engaging in a best-of-three fight-off that same day. The winner of that fight-off shall be the identified athlete replacement for that weight category.

Seeding Chart:

Pool A – 1 vs. 4 OR 1 - bye Pool B – 2 vs. 3 2 vs. 3

Continental Qualification to Olympic Games

In addition to the qualification method described above, the next best athletes may qualify on a continental quota based on the World Ranking List and will be determined by the IJF with each Continental Union as described in the IJF’s Olympic Games Qualification System (http://www.ijf.org/). Any remaining slots will be allocated across all weight divisions through the Continental Ranking List. If the Continental Union fails to use its full allocation, any remaining slots will be returned to the IJF who will distribute it according to the World Ranking List.

2. DISCRETIONARY SELECTION (if applicable)

2.1. Provide rationale for utilizing discretionary selection (if any):

N/A

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2.2. List the discretionary criteria and explain how they will be used (if any): N/A

2.3. Provide the name of the committee that will be responsible for making discretionary selections, along with a complete list of the members’ titles currently serving on the committee: N/A 2.3.1. Specify the process that will be used to identify and handle any

potential conflicts of interest involving a member of the committee. N/A

3. REMOVAL OF ATHLETES 3.1. Prior to acceptance of nominations by the USOC, the NGB has jurisdiction

over potential nominees. An athlete who is to be nominated to the Team by the NGB may be removed as a nominee for any of the following reasons, as determined by the NGB: 3.1.1. Voluntary withdrawal. Athlete must submit a written letter to the

NGB CEO/Executive Director. 3.1.2. Injury or illness as certified by a physician (or medical staff)

approved by the NGB. If an athlete refuses verification of his/her illness or injury by a physician (or medical staff) approved by the NGB, his/her injury will be assumed to be disabling and he/she may be removed.

3.1.3. Violation of the NGB’s Code of Conduct (Attachment A). An athlete who is removed from the Team pursuant to this provision has the right to a hearing per the USA Judo Constitution and Bylaws Article 14 and the USOC’s Bylaws, Section 9.

3.2. Once an athlete nomination is accepted by the USOC, the USOC has jurisdiction over the Team, at which time, in addition to any applicable NGB Code of Conduct, the USOC’s Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures apply. The USOC’s Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures can be found at: http://www.teamusa.org/for-athletes/athlete-ombudsman

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3.3. An athlete may be removed as a nominee to the Team or from the Team for an

adjudicated violation of IOC, PASO, IPC, WADA, IF, USADA and/or USOC anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures, as applicable.

4. REPLACEMENT OF ATHLETES 4.1. Describe the selection and approval process for determining replacement

athlete(s) should a vacancy occur: 4.1.1. prior to submission of Entries by Name to the Local Organizing

Committee, including any applicable group or committee:

For Scenario #1 above as well as any Continental qualifier, the IJF will reallocate the slot to the next highest ranked athlete from the IJF World Ranking List of 30 May 2016 from an NOC who has not already qualified in that weight category.

For Scenario #2 above, the athlete ranked 9+ (9th-22nd for men or 9th-14th for women) will be the identified replacement athlete.

For Scenario #3 above, the replacement athlete will be the 2nd place finisher at the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo in that weight category.

For Scenario #4 above, the replacement athlete will be the 2nd place finisher at the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo in that weight category. If both athletes withdraw or are removed from nomination the 3rd place finisher at the 2016 Olympic Trials – Judo will be the replacement in that weight category.

For Scenario #5 above, the replacement athlete will be the 1st place finisher at the trials event in that weight category. If the athlete who qualified by being the TOP 8 IJF seeded athlete and the 1st place finisher at the trials event both withdraw or are removed from nomination, then the 2nd place finisher at the trials event will be the replacement in that weight category.

4.1.2. after submission of Entries by Name to the Local Organizing

Committee, including any applicable group or committee: Reallocation of unused quota places will be determined in accordance with the IJF Olympic Qualification System (http://www.ijf.org/).

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5. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

USA Judo will retain the approved Selection Procedures and all supporting documents, including scouting or evaluation forms, etc., and data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremony of the Games.

6. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS In addition to the USOC Code of Conduct, the following documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of nomination to the Olympic Games and are included as attachments:

USA Judo Code of Conduct (Attachment A)

7. PUBLICITY/DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEDURES The USOC approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published by USA Judo in the following locations: 7.1. NGB Web site: www.usjudo.org

These procedures will be posted as soon as possible, but not more than five business days following notice of approval by the USOC.

7.2. Other: N/A

8. DATE OF NOMINATION The Nomination of Athletes form, including replacements, will be announced to all athletes and submitted to the USOC on or before: June 24, 2016

9. MANDATORY TRAINING AND/OR COMPETITION Specify the location, schedule and duration of mandatory training and/or competition:

No mandatory training is planned at this time. If mandatory training is added, athletes will be notified at least 30 days prior to any training.

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10. ANTI-DOPING REQUIREMENTS Athletes must adhere to all IOC, IPC, PASO, WADA, IF, USADA and USOC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. This includes participation in Out-of-Competition Testing as required by the IOC, IPC, PASO, WADA, IF, USADA and USOC Rules, as applicable.

11. DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION PROCEDURES The following committee/group (include names and titles) was responsible for creating these Selection Procedures:

Jose Rodriguez USA Judo Executive Director Ed Liddie USA Judo High Performance Director Brian Olson Athletes’ Advisory Council Representative High Performance Committee

Chris Skelley, Chair Pat Burris, Coaches Education Committee Chair Jhonny Prado, Coach Representative Jim Hrbek, Junior Athlete Performance Committee Chair Eddie Liddie, Liaison, USA Judo High Performance Director Jimmy Pedro, Athlete Representative Brian Olson, Athlete Representative Mike Swain, Coach Representative

12. NGB BYLAWS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

The USA Judo Bylaws and Grievance Procedures can be found at:

http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Judo/About-Us/Governance/USA-Judo-Bylaws (Article 14)

13. INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIMER

These procedures are based on IOC, IPC, PASO, as applicable, and/or IJF rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC, IPC, PASO, as applicable, and/or IJF rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USA Judo. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency.

INTRODUCTION

As an athlete member of USA Judo participating in the 2014 International/National Season, it is

an honor and a distinction few achieve that is universally recognized. I understand that United

States Judo, Inc. (USA Judo) manages the 2014 International/National Season. It is in that

context that as a participant in the 2014 International/National Season that I make the pledge set

forth below to USA Judo.

I pledge to honor and uphold the spirit and intent of this Code of Conduct (Code), which offers a

general guide to my conduct as a participant.

I have familiarized myself with the Code and understand that acceptance of its provisions as

written is a condition of my participation in the 2014 International/National Season.

THIS CODE MUST BE COMPLETED IN AN UNALTERED FORM IN ALL

APPLICABLE PLACES IN ORDER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE CONSIDERED AS A

PARTICIPANT.

AGREEMENT

As a participant, I hereby promise and agree that I:

Have acted and will act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair play

and responsible conduct;

Will maintain a level of fitness and competitive readiness that will permit my

performance to be at the maximum of my abilities;

Will not commit any doping violation as defined by the International Olympic Committee

(IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the United States Anti-Doping Agency

(USADA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) or the International Judo

Federation (IJF);

Am not currently serving a doping a violation and/or do not have a pending or unresolved

doping charge;

Will not knowingly be involved or situated where illegal drugs or other behavior altering

drugs are present;

Will conform to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and will not

engage in any conduct that is criminal under any laws, including, but not limited to laws

CODE OF CONDUCT

Attachment A

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governing possession and use of drugs, alcohol and providing drugs to any person and of

alcohol to minors;

Will abide by all applicable written rules, regulations, codes, and protocols that may be

established for competitions, camps, clinics, exhibitions, appearances or other events,

programs and activities in which I am to participate, including those of USA Judo, the

IJF, the USOC, the IOC, and any organizer of and event in which I participate.

Am eligible to compete under USA Judo and IJF rules;

Will refrain from conduct detracting from my ability or that of my teammates to attain

peak performance;

Will respect the property of others whether personal or public;

Will respect members of my Team, other teams, spectators and officials, and engage in

no form of discriminatory behavior or verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse;

Will follow all team rules, including by way of example, for attendance at events,

practices, team meetings, travel, accommodations, curfews (if applicable), official

ceremonies, public relations assignments;

Subject to the ability of an athlete to use personal performance gear as defined by the

USOC for competition purposes, I am aware that USA Judo sponsors, suppliers and

licensees provide critical support for participating delegation members, and will wear

designated USA Judo apparel when requested to do so at all team functions, including,

but not limited to, dining in public, and traveling between the hotel and venue, and I will

not conceal or cover-up any USA Judo sponsor, supplier or licensee brand or any other

identifying marks appearing on USA Judo apparel;

Agree to be filmed and photographed by the official photographers(s) and network(s) of

USA Judo under conditions authorized by USA Judo, and give event organizers and USA

Judo the right to use my name, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information

before, during and after the period of my participation in these activities to promote the

activity in which I participate or to promote the success of the team on which I compete;

however, in no event may USA Judo or the event organizers use or authorize the use of

my name, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information for the purpose of trade,

including any use in a manner that would imply an endorsement of any company, product

or service by me, individually, without my written permission;

Will not use or authorize the use of photographs, films or videos of myself in my USA

Judo apparel or equipment of the use of USA Judo logo for the purpose of trade, without

the prior written consent of USA Judo (which consent shall not be reasonably withheld);

Will act in a way that will bring respect and honor to myself, my teammates, USA Judo

and the United States, and will conduct myself in a manner that will not in any way bring

disrespect, discredit, or dishonor to either myself, my teammates, USA Judo or the

United States; and

Will remember that at all times I am an ambassador for my sport, my country and the

Olympic Movement.

I further acknowledge, understand and agree that failure to abide by or comply with any provision

of this Code may result in:

Disciplinary action in accordance with applicable disciplinary procedures of USA Judo;

Subject to procedures as may be applicable, dismissal from the team and/or as a

participant in any event in which I am participating, and for which I am responsible for

any repayment to USA Judo of any and all expenses incurred on my behalf;

Attachment A

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Suspension from future events and/or USA Judo activities;

Denial of funding or eligibility for monetary support;

Requests to issue written or verbal apologies; or

Such other sanctions as deemed appropriate and necessary.

I and USA Judo acknowledge that I have a right to a hearing before denied the opportunity to

participate or if I am charged with a violation of this Code.

ATHLETE OMBUDSMAN:

I may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman at 719-866-5000 or via email at

athlete.ombudsman@usoc.org for further information regarding my rights under this Code that

are not answered by USA Judo.

WAIVER AND RELEASE:

In consideration of my participation during the 2014 International/National Season under the

auspices of USA Judo, I acknowledge, appreciate and agree that:

I risk bodily injury, including paralysis, dismemberment, disability and death, and while

particular rules of the sport, equipment, and discipline may reduce this risk, this risk of

injury does exist, as well as the risk of damage to or loss of property.

I knowingly and freely assume all such risk, both known and unknown, even if arising from

the negligence of the releasees or others.

I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for

participation.

I, for myself, and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin,

hereby release, hold harmless and promise not to sue USA Judo and its directors, officers,

employees, volunteers, agents, or sponsors (all referred to as “releasees”), with respect to

any and all such injury and loss arising from my participation, whether caused by the

negligence of the releasees or otherwise, except that which is the result of gross

negligence or willful misconduct of the releasees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Attachment A

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SIGNATURES:

I have read this Code of Conduct. I fully understand and accept my responsibilities as a

participant in the 2014 International/National Season. I understand that by providing my

electronic signature below, I agree to comply with the rules, guidelines, jurisdiction,

procedures and releases stated above. I further understand and agree that my electronic

signature is my legal and binding signature.

Participant's Signature

Participant's Name (Printed) Date of Signature

PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE

(Participants under the Age of 18 as of Date of Signature)

Parent/Guardian’s Signature Relationship to Participant

Parent/Guardian’s Name (Printed) Date of Signature

PARENT/GUARDIAN CERTIFICATION

(For Participants under the Age of 18 as of Date of Signature)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian of____________________, participating in the sport of

Judo during the 2014 International/National Season, give my consent to USA Judo and its

medical representatives to obtain medical care from a licensed physician, hospital or clinic for the

above mentioned athlete for injury or illness that could arise during activities during the 2014

International/National Season.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature Relationship to Participant

Parent/Guardian’s Name (Printed) Date of Signature

I further authorize the release of any medical information necessary to process a claim for

accident/medical payment insurance for an illness or injury incurred while my son/daughter/ward is

participating in the 2014 International/National Season.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature Relationship to Participant

Parent/Guardian’s Name (Printed) Date of Signature

Attachment A