Section 10: Voluntary Withdrawal from the AAP

This section describes the policy and procedures associated with voluntary withdrawal from the AAP.

10.1 Policy

Athletes may withdraw voluntarily from the AAP. This may involve retiring permanently or temporarily, relinquishing the commitments of carding. 

Those wishing to withdraw voluntarily should express their wish to do so to their NSO.

Athletes who retire permanently in mid-season will be allowed two months of transitional AAP support past the date of their actual retirement to help them adjust to their post-athletic situation. This does not preclude the athlete applying for or receiving special-needs assistance or deferred tuition support (see Section 8.1).

Should an NSO fail to notify Sport Canada in a timely manner of an athlete’s voluntary withdrawal and should this result in overpayment of AAP funds to that athlete, the NSO must facilitate the return of the overpaid funds to Sport Canada.

10.2 Procedures

When the NSO becomes aware or is informed that an athlete wishes to voluntarily withdraw from the AAP, the following must occur:

  • The NSO must advise its Sport Canada Program Officer and the AAP Manager in writing of the effective date of withdrawal.
  • Any allowances previously paid to the athlete beyond the period of transitional support must be refunded by the athlete to Canada’s Receiver General. It is the responsibility of the NSO to facilitate the return of these funds.

Before Sport Canada withdraws an athlete’s AAP support because of an athlete’s decision to voluntarily withdraw from the AAP, the following shall apply:

  • The AAP Manager will request that the NSO provide written confirmation that the athlete concerned has voluntarily withdrawn from the AAP.
  • Once this request is sent from the AAP Manager to the NSO, AAP financial benefits may be withheld pending final confirmation of the athlete’s status.
  • The AAP Manager will notify the athlete by registered mail that AAP support is being withdrawn following written notice from the NSO that the athlete has voluntarily withdrawn from the AAP. This letter gives the athlete 30 days from its receipt to make representations regarding why his or her carded status should not be withdrawn.

After this 30-day period is over and due consideration has been given to any representations made by or on behalf of the athlete, Sport Canada may withdraw the athlete’s carded status or continue AAP support if it is determined that the athlete has not voluntarily withdrawn from the AAP.

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