Athletics Canada strips U of G, SRTFC of designation as high performance centres of excellence (UPDATED)

Athletics Canada says it has received no recent complaints about coach Dave Scott-Thomas, who was fired by the U of G on Tuesday

Olympian Genevieve Lalonde competes at the Speed River Inferno at Alumni Stadium in 2017. She announced Tuesday she has left the Speed River Track and Field Club. Rob Massey for GuelphToday file photo

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UPDATE: At 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 the Speed River Track and Field Club posted the following statement on its web site:

Dear SRTFC Member:

Today the University of Guelph released a statement (quoted below) that it has terminated its relationship with its Head Track and Field coach, Dave Scott-Thomas.

“The University of Guelph has terminated its relationship with Dave Scott-Thomas, the head coach of its track and field program. Recently, the University received information from former and current track and field athletes regarding their experiences on the team. During the course of reviewing this information and in the last 24 hours, the University became privy to new information regarding past unprofessional conduct. The well-being of our student-athletes is a priority; the University does not tolerate conduct from its coaches that is inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of the University of Guelph and our University’s Coaches Code of Conduct.”

You should also be aware that Athletics Canada has made a statement that can be found here - https://athletics.ca/dave-scott-thomas-statement/

The University has not shared information from the University’s review, or other investigative findings with The Speed River Track and Field Club or its member representatives. Speed River Track and Field Club has not received any complaints, formal or otherwise, that involve our club members or any other athlete. We take the conduct of our coaches seriously, and will fully cooperate with Athletics Canada’s review of this file, and comply with any consequences established by the Office of the Commissioner.

This period ahead will be a difficult time for many. I want to assure you that SRTFC is committed to providing you with an athletics training environment that is respectful, caring and inclusive.

We appreciate your patience as we work to get more information to you as soon as practical, regarding operations and programs of the Club.

Please refer any information you would like to share, or any questions or concerns, to the email below: [email protected].

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In the wake of a University of Guelph investigation into the head coach of its track and cross-country programs, Dave Scott-Thomas, Athletics Canada has stripped the U of G of its designation as a High Performance Centre of Excellence.

The same designation has been stripped from the local Speed River Track and Field Club.

Athletics Canada said neither it or its independent commissioner's office have received any complaints about Scott-Thomas, the SRTFC or the University of Guelph since the commissioner's office was established in 2015, but is reviewing records to see if any were received prior to that date.

The designation was given the two programs in July of 2018, based on the level of coaching, facilities, sports science and medicine availability and level of success.

Speed River general manager Scott MacDonald said it is aware of the U of G decision and would be releasing its own statement later Tuesday.

On Tuesday one of the Speed River club's top athletes, Olympian Genevieve Lalonde, announced she was leaving Guelph to relocate and train in British Columbia.

"Today, Athletics Canada has provided notice of termination to both SRTFC and the University of Guelph in regards to their recognition as a High Performance Centre of Excellence," a news release posted on the Athletics Canada web site said.

"Athletics Canada acknowledges and fully accepts the University of Guelph’s decision. The University of Guelph’s decision, as well as any other relevant information uncovered, will be forwarded to the independent Athletics Canada Office of the Commissioner for review and to establish any applicable consequences.

"Athletics Canada views ethical conduct as a cornerstone in the fair administration of the sport of athletics. Everyone participating in athletics as an athlete, coach, integrated support team member, administrator, volunteer or staff member is entitled to participate in an environment that is free of harassment or discrimination. Athletics Canada does not tolerate conduct from its members that is not in line with the organization’s code of conduct, core values and/or beliefs."

Over the years Scott-Thomas served as a volunteer coach on the following national teams: