USRowing, in conjunction with the USOC, has provided a system of athlete support designed to both allocate assistance throughout the year and provide for evaluation of athletes on a scheduled basis. The 2008 AFMS process continues from what we have learned in previous years and is based on the focus of the funding toward performance. Performance incentives for small boats and sculling will continue to be a part of the 2008 athlete support program, as well as support for the athletes in the eights.

Based on athlete input, USRowing, working with the USOC, has adjusted the AFMS for 2008. Specific highlights of the 2008 plan are to provide:

• Monthly support stipend to athletes who demonstrated recent international competitive performance.
• Performance reward for athletes who demonstrate performance at 2008 selection events.
• Use of an extended support periods beyond a monthly evaluation basis to allow more consistent funding expectations for athletes.
• Funding decisions for EAHI allocation are to be determined by a committee comprised of: USRowing Executive Director, the AAC Representative, and head coach for that specific discipline.

The 2008 support continues to allow us to encompass the pool of athletes most likely to impact the 2008 Olympic medal count. All athletes receiving monthly allocation will receive the same amount. The total number of 2008 funding slots has been expanded and is based on the trajectory of athletes reaching a qualification level in 2007 and ultimately the Olympic Games. We expect these changes will address the imbalance in funding we have found between athletes within the same boat during 2005 and 2006.

Below you will find an outline of 2008 USOC Athlete Support

I. DIRECT ATHLETE SUPPORT

MONTHLY STIPENDS:

Amount: $1,200/month from January to August (eight months)

Criteria:

1) Forty-two athletes will have participated in an Olympic event at the 2007 World Championships and placed high enough to meet Olympic qualifying position. (The following events: M8+, W8+, M4-, M2-, W2-, M4x, W4x, M2x, W2x, W1x, LM4-)

Monthly funded athletes must sign a contract with USRowing to remain on funding through the selection to the Olympic Team in their event, or until another athlete takes their position in said event.

If the athlete does not garner a position in one of the Olympic events or refuses to accept their bid to the team, then the monthly funding ceases for the contracted athlete, and the athlete who has accepted their berth to the team from the selection event will be offered a contract from the beginning of the following month through September 30, 2008.

Discretionary slots:

There are discretionary slots up to a max number assigned along with coaches as follows:

Korzeniowski: 3
Teti: 4
Terhaar: 5
Parker: 2

These slots may be used for an athlete based on coaches’ decision based on the below criteria that illustrates that this individual will directly impact the results of the Olympic event. Discretionary slots will be possible only January through July.

Coaches will use the following evaluation criteria should they determine that a discretionary addition is to be made:

• 2008 National Selection Regatta results
• 2007-2008 National Team Testing
• 2008 World Cup results
• Competitive performance during training sessions
• Overall performance at the Selection Camp
• In the case of lightweight events, the athlete’s weight

Additional information:

All athletes must sign a contract to receive monthly funding. The contract will, at the minimum, state that the athlete intends, in good faith, to train towards the 2008 Olympics in one of the stated Olympic events. Athletes also will be required to participate at a minimum level in selection events and testing. In order to receive funding, athletes must follow a training program approved by the USRowing head coach responsible for their event.

NATIONAL SELECTION REGATTA PERFORMANCE FUNDING:

For 2008, athletes will be eligible to win performance funding based on performance at the National Selection Regattas. NSR performance funding will only be provided at the NSR where that event is being selected as stated in the 2008 Selection Procedures.

Dates (tentative and subject to change based on 2008 Selection Procedures):

April 4-6: M1x, W1x at National Selection Regatta I, Mercer Lake, N.J.

April 25-27: M2x, M2-, LM2x, W2x, W2-, LM2-, LW2x at National Selection Regatta II, Mercer Lake, N.J.
 
Only the winner of the W1x, M1x, LW2x, LM2x will receive Performance Funding. Funding will go to the top two finishers of the W2x, M2x, LM2-.

Funding will go to the top three place finishers of the W2- and M2-.

Events: Placement: Funding per athlete:

M1x, W1x, LM2x, LW2x

• First Place: $2,000

M2x, W2x, LM2-

• First Place: $2,000
• Second Place: $1,000

M2-, W2- 

• First Place: $2,000
• Second Place: $1,000
• Third Place: $500

II. ELITE ATHLETE HEALTH INSURANCE (EAHI) 

A.  Number of EAHI slots allocated:  48

B.  Eligibility and Criteria Approved for EAHI:

Up to 48 athletes will be offered EAHI on July 1, 2008, based on the following prioritized order:

1. Athletes named to the 2008 Olympic Team.

Should all 48 slots not be filled using criteria 1, USRowing will fill vacant slots based on the priority below.

2. Competitive development athletes training in Olympic events, dependent on athlete ability.

Factors in allocation under criteria #2 and evaluated by USRowing Executive Director, the designated coach and the USRowing AAC representative or alternate AAC representative (factors listed in no particular order):

• Demonstrated international success in a development event during previous 12 months.
• Demonstrated domestic success through performance in testing, National Selection Regatta (NSR), selection events or camp during the previous 12 months.
• Declared intent to row for a 2012 Olympic boat class.

Should there be any available EAHI slots left after the above athletes have either accepted or declined, those slots will remain unused.

III.   OPERATION GOLD

Athletes that qualify for Operation Gold payments at the 2008 qualifying event are eligible for the following payment amounts:

• 1st Place:  $25,000 
• 2nd Place: $15,000 
• 3rd Place:  $10,000 

The 2008 Operation Gold qualifying event for NGB is the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. In the Olympic year, multiple Operation Gold Awards will be paid to qualifying athletes. In non-Olympic years, Operation Gold Awards are limited to one award per athlete in a program year. In non-Olympic years, athletes who qualify for more than one award automatically receive the higher award.