SPORT RULES

The Organising Committee of the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 wishes to ensure that the Outgames' values of participation and celebration, respect and fairness, innovation, diversity, and empowerment are reflected in all of our events. In order to cater to participants of all levels of ability, all activities in the Outgames sports programme will include both competitive and recreational components. Wherever possible, individuals with specific needs or disabilities will be integrated into sports activities.

Competitions will be held according to international rules. Most sports will be sanctioned to ensure the recognition of records and to provide a more secure and fair event. The Sport Department of the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 has consulted with gay and lesbian sports clubs, and with local, national and international associations or federations to ensure the rules for each sport will be respected as required by the sanctioning body. All participants in the Outgames will have access to detailed information on the rules to be used for each sport and venue well in advance of the competition dates. Our goal is to provide organised, secure, and professionally-run sports activities that will be an enjoyable experience for all participants.

EXPERTISE

Building partnerships with provincial sport federations, Sport Québec, Équipe Montréal, gay and lesbian sports clubs and with individuals with relevant expertise is essential to the success of the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 sports programme. Many provincial and national sports federations have already pledged their support, which will include providing the Outgames with access to officials in various sports. We are currently working with representatives of many provincial federations and national sports associations to assist us in the development of competition formats for each sport on the programme.

PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING SUBSTANCES

The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 endorses drug-free participation in sport. We will have a drug testing program for Physique and Powerlifting in 2006, using the guidelines provided by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). Drug testing for other sports may also be done as requested by the CCES.

The Organising Committee will work in concert with sports federations and the CCES to formulate an appropriate drug testing program. Information on the drug testing programme for Physique and Powerlifting will be available on the 1st World Outgames website and on registration forms at least 18 months prior to the games. Included will be a list of banned substances, the general procedures for testing, as well as information for those registrants who are receiving medical treatments for specific health conditions, including people living with HIV/AIDS.

COMMUNICATION

Regular communication with Outgames participants is a high priority for the Organising Committee of the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006. Before participants arrive for the Outgames, they will have received clear and detailed information on the rules that will be used for each sporting activity and on the venue for the competition. With communication strategies including regular website updates and monthly email newsletters, the Organising Committee will be able to ensure that participants and interested visitors have the latest, accurate information. As well, the Outgames sports coordinators are available to answer questions by telephone or by email regarding specific sports. Representatives from the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 will also visit regional, national and international gay and lesbian sports teams and events in Europe, the Asia/Pacific region and North America to meet with athletes and provide information in person.

OFFICIAL SPORT SELECTION

Over the last 3 years, the Organising Committee of the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 went through an exhaustive process to select the sporting disciplines for the official programme in 2006. We consulted with athletes and teams, examined previous international gay and lesbian sports events, and developed a selection criterion that was applied to all sports.

Decisions on the final list of 33 official sports were made to create a varied and exciting programme that would respond to the interests and needs of gay and lesbian athletes around the world.