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MISSION
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games mission is to promote physical
fitness and camaraderie among and between law enforcement and
fire service personnel and agencies.
We fulfill our mission by promoting participation in athletic
competition by all members of the law enforcement and fire service
communities across North America.
ABOUT THE GAMES
Since 1977, the Can-Am Police-Fire Games have been a showcase
for law enforcement and fire service personnel from across North
America to share in the camaraderie of testing their skills in
athletic competition among their peers. Since its beginning as
the Washington State Police & Firefighter Olympics, the Games
have grown in size, popularity and prestige. Today the
weeklong event attracts first-class competitors from the United
States, Canada and from countries throughout the world. Cities
across North America vie for the opportunity to host the Can-Am
Police-Fire Games which have become one of the biggest, most colorful
and high-profile of its kind anywhere.
Previous Can-Am Police-Fire Games have been held in Seattle,
Washington; Portland, Oregon; Calgary, Alberta; and Tri-Cities,
Washington.
In 1998, Regina, Saskatchewan hosted the Can-Am Police-Fire Games,
in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police. For the first time participants representing seven
counties competed in over fifty athletic events.
In July 2000, the Games were in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during
their annual "Summer Fest" which is one of the largest
music festivals in the American Midwest.
In 2002, the Games were hosted by Spokane, Washington where it
all began in 1977. The Spokane Regional Sports Commission in conjunction
with the Greater Spokane police and fire agencies were the hosts
of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Games.
The 2004 Games were awarded to London, Ontario, who has a strong
history of hosting successful sporting events and recently hosted
the Canada Summer Games.
Saskatoon, Sask has been awarded the 2008 Games. The city has
strong ties to sporting events.
Unlike other state, national and international police and fire
games the Can-Am Police-Fire Games are a family oriented event
which allows spouses of eligible law enforcement and fire service
personnel to compete.
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games is the only North American event
that allows volunteer firefighters to participate (it has been
estimated that 85% of fire service personnel are volunteer).
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games have been designed to encourage
participation from all levels of expertise. With multiple age
classifications and divisions, participants compete against other
athletes of similar skills.
With over fifty sporting events, the Can-Am Police-Fire Games
offers traditional athletic competitions in such sports as swimming,
softball, cycling and profession specific events such as SWAT,
police service dog, fire attack, muster, pistol, and toughest
competitor alive.
ECONOMIC/COMMUNITY BENEFITS
What's the attraction to your community in hosting a Can-Am
Police-Fire Games? Plenty! In fact, using accepted Tourist Bureau
formulas, we estimate the Games could result in economic spin-offs
of $5 to $10 million to your community! Here's how:
- The Games attract competitors from most of the states in America,
and the provinces of Canada as well as countries from around
the world. A Host has the potential of attracting thousands
of participants, each of whom is often accompanied by a spouse
and other family members.
- The further a participant travels, the longer they stay, meaning
more money is being spent on entertainment, accommodation, meals,
souvenirs and other activities. Experience with previous Games
indicates that a drive-in participant stays an average of three
days, while a fly-in participant may stay from five to seven
days.
In addition to the immediate economic benefits there are a number
of promotional benefits that offer lasting value for your community:
- Recognition as the site of a world-class athletic competition.
- The opportunity to connect your community with future Games.
- The creation of a legacy to your community through Games revenues.
- Increased tourism and repeat visits from Games participants.
- The chance to bring individuals and businesses in your community
together in the
spirit of volunteerism and economic development.
- Having the experience of hosting an event of this magnitude
places your
community in the enviable position of confidently applying for
other large scale
sporting and social events
Games hosts will be able to generate and disseminate revenues
from the Games to important charities, of their choice, in their
community.
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games is a registered non-profit organization
501(3) © in the United States and is registered under the
Alberta Society Act as a non-profit organization.kcc
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation is governed by a Board
of Directors. The Board consists of police officers, firefighters,
and professionals, the majority of which have hosted a prior Can-Am
Police-Fire Games.
The Board of Directors receives no compensation for their services
and strives to ensure the highest quality of games is hosted at
the least financial impact to the participants. The Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Federation derives its funding from a sharing of proceeds
with a Host. Therefore, if a Host is financially successful then
the Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation is successful.

ASSISTANCE FROM THE CAN-AM ORGANIZATION
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation assists the host city
with a variety of issues which includes but is not limited to:
Orientation Session:
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation Board of Directors will
avail themselves to prospective Host Cities to answer questions
and explain the process of hosting such an event. We encourage
representatives from all prospective host communities to attend
a Can-Am Games to experience first-hand the event and see how
it is managed.
Volunteer Manual:
A volunteer manual will be provided to the host organization.
This manual details suggestions for finding qualified volunteers
and tracking their assignments.
Rules Manual:
A rules manual is provided for all sporting events that include
both compulsory and optional events. The addition or deletion
of sporting events may be made by the Host Organization with prior
approval of the Board of Directors of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games
Federation.
Medals:
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation will provide medals for
1st (Gold),
2nd (Silver) and 3rd (Bronze) place winners to the Host Organization
at cost.
Mailing List:
The Federation maintains a current electronic mailing list of
past participants as well as law enforcement and fire services
agencies across the US and Canada.
Registration Software:
The Federation will supply the Host with a complete registration
software program including, if necessary, hardware to operate
the program. Games registration software has the following capabilities:
- Ability to sort registered participants by agency, age category
and sport.
- Relational database with unique participant identifier to
eliminate duplication.
- Networking capability.
- Final report of winners in each sport within minutes to facilitate
quick results posting.
- Windows application: Windows 95, 98, or 2000 capable.
- Training and onsite installation of hardware and software.
Board Experience:
The Board is comprised of a cross-section of law enforcement officers
and firefighters from Canada and the United States. Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Directors either have hosted Games in their community or
have been involved with the Games in an administrative capacity
for several years. Each Director is assigned sports in which they
have expertise. That Director will offer their assistance to the
Host's assigned sports coordinators as needed.
Time Flow Chart:
The Federation will provide the hosting organization with a time
flow chart to help with the planning of the Games. The chart underscores
the requirements necessary for a successful Games event.
HOST COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS
The job of host community is not for everyone. Because of the
hard work, commitment and quality of resources necessary to hosting
an event of this size and caliber, you should ask yourself if
your community is up to the challenge. Here are some guidelines
that the Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation will take into consideration
when determining a suitable host community. Remember, in some
cases these are ideal characteristics only, so your community
can receive the most economic and marketing impact from hosting
the Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
Organization:
- An established or a plan to establish a Board which shall
include members of local law enforcement and fire service capable
of performing requirements of senior Games management.
- A Games Director who has the administrative ability to run
the Games and who can make the time commitment (approximately
2,000 hours minimum commitment during the year preceding the
Games, and two months after).
- Ability to attract representatives from business, government
and the volunteer community to act as senior advisors.
- Proven ability to secure sponsorships, funding and other critical
resources from corporate/business/government agencies.
- Proven ability to attract, motivate and manage a large volunteer
network to serve as event coordinators, timers, judges, medical
personnel, venue hosts, etc.
Civic/Governmental Support:
Prior to submitting your bid, request a letter of support from
your police/fire service, civic officials and various government
and civic agencies to document their cooperation and commitment
to the Games.
Financial Considerations:
The Can-Am Games requires a $25,000 financial commitment for
the right to host the Games. This amount is due on acceptance
of the bid and subsequent signing of the host contract. A preliminary
budget is required as part of the bid process.
Lodging Facilities and Host Hotel:
Lodging facilities must be available for up to 1,000 people
on any given day of the Games. Lodging is not limited to hotel
or motel accommodations, and can include nearby campgrounds,
university or college campus dormitories or volunteer families
willing to billet visitors. A host hotel must be selected.
Transportation:
A well-developed, sophisticated transportation infrastructure
is desirable. Ideal requirements are a municipal transit system,
access to an international airport, car rental or bus charter
facilities. Airport shuttle service to the host hotel is desirable.
The majority of your participants will be within driving distance
of your city and will have their own transportation
Venue Sites:
- Minimum requirements include a 25-yard swimming pool, three
softball fields, two gymnasiums, two golf courses, four racquetball
courts, tennis facilities, track and field facilities, archery,
pistol, trap and skeet ranges. An ice hockey facility is desirable.
- Use of city, college/university and high school facilities
are all suitable.
Host Contract:
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games requires the host to sign a "Host
Contract", that outlines the duties and responsibilities
of both the host and the Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
Organizational Chart:
At the time of the bid, the host is required to provide an
organizational chart outlining host committee positions, lines
of authority and responsibilities.
Funding:
Registration fees will cover only a portion of the costs, financial
support for the Can-Am Games must be obtained by the host community.
Some legacy sponsors may be available through the Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Federation.
Games Marketing:
It is the Host's responsibility to market the Games to police
and firefighter athletes and agencies. The prospective host
must demonstrate a thorough marketing program to attract athletes
to their Games. All costs for marketing the Games will be incurred
by the host. Such activities as fund-raising, sales of advertising
or promotional materials or sales of sponsorships can offset
these costs.
Rule #1: If you place the needs
of the athletes first all other considerations will fall into
place.
BID PROCEDURES
Read this section very carefully. It outlines the Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Federation requirements for an acceptable host bid.
Planning
Prior to submitting your bid, you should form a preliminary
host organization. Tentative dates for holding the Games should
be established, and commitments received from appropriate venue
sites, host facilities, officials and government organizations.
A suitable host hotel should be identified and a commitment
obtained for availability, tentative rates for hotel rooms and
other facilities.
Marketing
We strongly suggest that you attend or participate in trade
shows, sporting events, business conferences or conventions
at which law enforcement or fire service personnel are represented.
By face-to-face promotion of your community and its services
to this audience of potential decision-makers, you are demonstrating
your commitment to and enthusiasm for becoming a Games host.
The mailing lists provided by the Can-Am Games will give you
access to over 5,000 prior participants and all police and fire
agencies.
Letter of Committment
Once your community or organization has decided to submit a
bid to host the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, you must prepare a
letter of commitment addressed to:
Mr. Gary Gibson
SUITE # 357 BAY 14
312 5 AVENUE
COCHRANE, ALBERTA
T4C 2E3
The letter should outline your intention to appear at the Can-Am
Police-Fire Games Board of Directors meeting to submit a bid.
The Bidding Process
A prospective host community representative is required to
present the following when submitting a bid:
- Letters of Support: Letters from area law enforcement
and fire service agency department heads detailing support and/or
duty time towards this project. Letters from officials from
various levels of government detailing commitment of support
in the form of community recreational areas and facilities.
Letters of support from local tourism organizations and/or chamber
of commerce.
- Host Facility: The host facility (hotel) should be
selected and highlights of the facility should be detailed.
Also, include preliminary commitments on rates with additional
and alternate hotel, motel, accommodation locations and rates.
- Venue Sites: Provide photos, slides or a video of the
venue sites. Point out highlights of the facilities, surrounding
areas and tourist facilities. Where possible, accompany the
visual presentation with handouts containing detailed information.
- Organizational Structure: An organizational chart outlining
duties is required. The chart does not need to contain names.
- Budget: Your proposed budget should detail projected
revenues and expenses.
- Events: All proposed sports and social functions should
be outlined. Any unique or operational events should also be
submitted for consideration.
Each prospective host is responsible for hosting a Can-Am
Police-Fire Games delegation to their city for site inspections
and meetings with their potential Host board members or dignitaries
to demonstrate their community support.
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation will determine the
bid process depending upon the number of cities that have
expressed an interest. The process may include all prospective
bidders making a presentation at a central site or the above
mentioned delegation may make a recommendation to the Federation
Board.
A potential host needs to supply 10 written copies of their
bid presentations (excluding video/slide presentations) at
the time of their presentation.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse any and
all bids. The Board of Directors further reserves the right
to accept more than one bid, allowing a bid to be assigned
to the next successive Games date available, providing the
bidding organization mutually agrees to this arrangement.
CAN-AM POLICE-FIRE GAMES EVENTS
COMPULSORY EVENTS:
- Basketball 3 on 3
- Basketball 5 on 5
- Basketball (3 Point & Free Throw)
- Bench Press
- Biathlon
- Bowling (10 Pin)
- Cross Country (5K, 10K)
- Cycling (Road Race, Time Trials)
- Golf
- Mountain Bike (Trail)
- Narcotics Dog
- Pistol (Duty)
- Pistol (Police Action)
- Pistol (PPC)
- Police Service Dog
- Power lifting
- Racquetball
- Rifle (Small bore)
- Running (5K, 10K, 21K)
- Skeet
- Slow Pitch Softball
- Sporting Clays
- Swimming:
- Backstroke 50 meters
- Breaststroke 50 meters
- Butterfly 50 meters
- Butterfly 100 meters
- Freestyle 50 meters
- Freestyle 100 meters
- Freestyle 200 meters
- Freestyle 500 meters
- Individual Medley 200 meters
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- T.C.A. (Toughest Competitor Alive)
- T.F.A. (Toughest Firefighter Alive)
- Tennis
- Track and Field:
Track:
- 100 meters dash
- 200 meters dash
- 400 meter dash
- 800 meter run
- 1500 meter run
- 110 meter high hurdles
- 400 meter intermediate hurdles
- 4 X 100-meter relay
Field:
- High Jump
- Long Jump
- Triple Jump
- Shot Put
- Discus
- Trap Shooting
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OPTIONAL EVENTS:
- Adventure Race
- Archery (Target, Field, 3D)
- Arm Wrestling
- Auto Extrication
- Badminton
- Body Building
- Bowling (5 Pin)
- Boxing
- Canoe
- Cook Off
- Curling
- Cycling (Criterion)
- Darts
- Decathlon
- Fire Attack
- Flag Football
- Handball
- Honor Guard
- Horseshoes
- Ice Hockey (Open)
- Ice Hockey (Over 35)
- Judo
- Karate
- Kayak
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- Mountain Bike (Obstacle Course)
- Muster
- Open Water Swim
- Orienteering
- Paintball
- Pocket Billiards
- Rifle (Large bore, Sniper)
- Rowing (Indoor)
- Slowpitch Softball (Over 35)
- Soccer
- Submission Grappling
- SWAT
- Table Tennis
- Tae Kwon Do
- Texas Hold 'em
- Track and Field:
- 4X400 Meter Relay
- Pole-vault
- Triathlon
- Tug of War
- Volleyball (Indoor/Beach all classes)
- Water Skiing
- Wrestling
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BRACKETING:
AGE DIVISIONS For certain sports/events, 5
year increments have been established.
| Age Divisions: |
10 year increments |
| Open |
Under 30 years of age |
| Senior |
32 to 39 years of age |
| Master |
40 to 49 years of age |
| Grand Master |
50 years and older |
| Women's |
Open class |
| Women |
(35 yrs & Over) |
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| Age Divisions: |
5 year increments |
| Open |
18-29yrs |
| Senior (A) |
30-34yrs |
| Senior (B) |
35-39yrs |
| Master (A) |
40-44yrs |
| Master (B) |
45-49yrs |
| Grandmaster (A) |
50-54yrs |
| Grandmaster (B) |
55yrs & over |
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Some sports/events may have a Women 35 years & over or a Men
40yrs & Over Division; Unisex Open; or Unisex 35yrs & Over
Division.
Some sports/events may have Light, Medium, and Heavy as weight classes.
The Host may adjust the weight classes depending upon the number
of participants in each division.
GENERAL RULES:
AGE RULES: A competitor may enter only one age division
in an event.
- Age is determined as of the first day of competition in the
sport entered.
- A competitor may elect to compete in a younger division as long
as it is indicated on the original application.
- If indicated on the original application, a senior may compete
in the Open Division. A Master may compete in Open or Senior Division.
- A competitor who qualifies as a Senior may compete in a Senior
Doubles event and an Open Single event, but may not compete in
a Senior and Open Singles event.
DOUBLES/PARTNERS
Competitors may enter only one sport/event classification. Competitors
entering sports/events that offer doubles competition may only enter
the Open Classification or the Classification of the youngest member
of the doubles team. For example: Two competitors, one age 31 and
the other 57 want to enter Racquetball Doubles. They may enter the
Open Classification or the Senior Classification because of the
age of the youngest team member.
TEAM RULE:
- National, State or Provincial law enforcement, fire service
or e.m.s. agencies may combine with members of the same agency
from throughout the Country, State, or Province to form a team.
- Any Department/Detachment/Service with less than 100 eligible
members may team up with another local Department/Detachment/Service
of less than 100 eligible members within the same State or Province,
as long as there is no emphasis on selecting an "all-star"
team. Games' coordinators shall approve all team entries.
- Coaches: Non-playing coaches or managers who are not team members
are not eligible to receive Games medals. Non-playing coaches
are eligible to receive medals provided they meet the same requirements
as all other entrants and register in the same manner, including
entry fee.
- A Team must enter the classification of the youngest member
of the team or the Open Classification. For example, a 3-Player
Basketball Team has two members age 47 and one age 35. The team
may enter either the Open Classification or the 35 Years &
Over Classification but not both.
HOST FAQS:
A variety of supporting documentation is available
to potential Host organizations by request from the Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Federation. Please submit requests to the Federation CEO.
Associated information may be found on this webpage.
- Are there set dates for the events, or is that flexible?
The Can-Am Police-Fire Games are held every two years during even
numbered years and may be conducted from June through September
to accommodate vacation schedules and families with school aged
children.
- Is having ice rinks a requirement? Ice Hockey is an optional
event therefore a Host should consider the potential expense verses
the ability to attract competitors. Prior Can-Am Police-Fire Games
in London in 2004 offered Ice Hockey as an event and was very
successful. Saskatoon plans to offer Ice Hockey in 2008 as an
event. Saskatoon is also offering curling. Combining Games events
with other initiatives such as training camps or schools can serve
to enhance the feasibility of reinstalling or retaining ice surfaces
for the Games and reduce the cost to the Host Committee.
- How many hotel rooms are needed for lodging per night?
Approximately 600 room nights per day for the week of the Games.
- Typically, how much money is spent by the host community
on marketing? A marketing spreadsheet is available from the
Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation that should answer many of
these questions however; it does not necessarily require the amounts
previously spent by past Hosts. Should you contemplate submitting
a Host Bid, consider starting a grass roots campaign to establish
awareness and support for your bid for the Games. Promoting awareness
of the Games to eligible agencies in your city and surrounding
areas and encouraging their participation or perhaps facilitating
sponsorship of competitors to attend upcoming Games will enhance
future marketing efforts to these groups. Past experience has
shown that marketing dollars generate more return investment when
concentrated on the eligible agencies within a day's drive of
the Host city. Through use of a website dedicated to the Games,
a very broad outreach to past and potential competitors can be
made. Electronic, downloadable and printable versions of registration
information packages, schedules, posters, etc. greatly reduce
the cost of printing and mailing paper-based material. Tourism
and accommodation information is readily available and easily
searchable on a website. Requesting links to websites of target
markets such as professional associations, trade magazines and
previous hosts is an effective, low cost way of marketing the
Games.
- Do the event entry fees go to the host community, and if
so, how much is the entry fee for the games/events? The Entry
Fees are negotiable; however, they remain near the US $100 mark.
The Host and the Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation traditionally
fee share starting at a 50/50 split. The fee-sharing ratio is
also negotiable.
- Does the host city own all rights to sell sponsorship?
Up to a specific time period as agreed to by the Host and the
Can-Am Police-Fire Games Federation, however, the Federation always
reserves the right to approve any sponsorship.
- What are the numbers of participants? Typically between
800 to 1,000 competitors plus spouses and/or families.
- Can you supply me with the budget for the upcoming games?
No, that is proprietary information until after the Games have
been held. Upon request the Board can send out a budget from past
games.
- Do you have specific market research and economic impact
research you can provide me? No more than is listed on the
web site. This information was generated using standard economic
impact formulae.
- How many events do we have to run? There are 33 compulsory
events that form the basis of the Games. Some of these are multi-part
events, such as Track and Field, and Swimming. Hosts are encouraged
to offer as many optional events as they believe can be run successfully
and offer new events that are unique or popular in their area.
New events require approval of the Games Federation. For example,
in 2008, Orienteering, Adventure Racing and Texas Hold Em
are being offered for the first time. Please refer to the CAN-AM
POLICE-FIRE GAMES EVENTS section above for a list of compulsory
and optional events.
- Can we sell naming rights for the event? These are limited
and negotiable.
- Is there a recommended price range for hotels? As competitors
will be traveling singly, in teams and with families from varying
distances and staying for different time periods, a variety of
accommodation types and price points will be required. This will
include everything from camping and trailer park facilities to
deluxe accommodations at downtown hotels. As part of the bid process
the Host must select a Host Hotel, usually selected based upon
cost to competitors and the availability of other amenities used
by the Host. Much of the action surrounding the Games is located
at this facility such as competitor registration; sports results;
and social events; therefore many competitors choose to stay in
or near this locale. Reasonably priced accommodation for families
can be found at community colleges or universities who are looking
to fill off-season student accommodation facilities.
- Do we manage each individual event, such as archery, or do
you supply management for those events? It is the responsibility
of the host to run each sport or event. Due to the multi-sport
nature of the Games, (Saskatoon has 66 on their schedule currently),
a suitably sized and staffed organizational group is needed to
ensure that all aspects of the Games are identified and provided
for. (Prior Organizational Structures are available upon request)
No single operation format is better than any other. It is the
responsibility of the Host to organize their games in the most
effective and efficient manner as possible. Each event will have
individual requirements for venue selection, officiating, medical/safety
needs, communications (some of the venues can be at a distance
from the host hotel), environmental factors (high winds, heat,
humidity) requiring shelter, potable water, ice and possibly portable
washroom facilities.
Some suggestions include: Select venues that can provide
officials and equipment on site, as many can, due to the nature
of their business. Many businesses run tournaments on a regular
basis as part of their operation so this does not impact greatly
on emergency services for either supervisory or volunteer requirements.
Partnering with local clubs for shooting, archery, cycling etc.
is another great way to acquire expertise, manpower and equipment
without undue impact on service delivery. Encouraging participation
from emergency services agencies from the surrounding area will
add buy-in from that community and reduce the impact on service
delivery for the local emergency services. There are quite a few
agencies eligible to compete in our games and each could be tapped
for volunteers at any point in the organizational structure of
the Games committees.
Volunteers are the backbone of successful Games. Opening opportunities
to the community to volunteer will provide you with a great number
of people willing and able to assist in hosting the Games.
It is very important to obtain the commitment from your Police
and Fire Chiefs prior to commencing with a bid to host the Games
as these are the two emergency services most impacted by hosting
the Games. The rewards of hosting the Games far exceed the effort
through community involvement and awareness/appreciation of emergency
service providers; the economic impact and tourism opportunities
for your community and the surrounding area; and especially through
the development and strengthening of inter-agency bonds as an
outcome of planning, organizing and presenting the Games. The
Federation Board can provide assistance to a Bid City by speaking
directly to the Police and Fire Chiefs to provide practical and
realistic information as to the impact on their organization.
- How much do the medals cost and how many are awarded? Currently,
the medals are under US $5 each and are purchased from the Can-Am
Police-Fire Games Federation. Surplus medals can be returned.
A Host may also use medals in presentation sets to individuals
for their efforts in making the Games such a success.
- Are the entry fees split 50/50 after some expenses taken?
The split is negotiated between the Host and the Can-Am Police-Fire
Games Federation well before any expenses are incurred.
- What other cost might we incur? Previous Games' budgets
are available for a clear picture of "other" expenses.
There are several areas where expenditures may occur. The choice
to offer certain additional features and scale of each depends
upon the host. The first area is the "Showcase Events"
that are designed to highlight the flavor and amenities of the
Host City and surrounding area. These might include: Closing Ceremonies;
Banquet; Casino Nights; Beach Parties, for example and may be
offered with the option of cost recovery and/or profit making
via gate sales, concessions, souvenirs, etc. Opening Ceremonies
are a traditional part of the Games and provide a great way to
include members of the public in the uniqueness of our Games as
well as expose all of your guests to the history, spirit and local
talents your city enjoys. Utilizing a "main attraction"
can be an effective way of getting a sellout crowd for the Opening
Ceremonies. Canadian Hosts have had great success providing, the
RCMP Musical Ride. They are a perennial family favorite and generations
of family members have enjoyed their rides. The members of the
ride are more than generous in talking to the audience and having
photos taken with them after the ceremonies are over. This is
an excellent platform for local dignitaries, special guests and
the Host Committee to welcome the audience members and competitors
to the city and the Games. It is also an appropriate venue for
recognizing Sponsors, donors and volunteers for their contributions
in presenting the Games.
The focus of a Host budget should be directed towards running
each of the events. Of these, venue site rental is one of the
primary costs associated with hosting the Games. Officials (certified
or otherwise); equipment acquisition (fabrication, purchase or
rental); specialized timing devices; communications devices; provision
of medical services or equipment; potable water and ice are items
or services that many events have in common.
The next area where expenditures are expected is for ancillary
and support functions. It is recommended that full-time staff
be dedicated to operating a Games office. From the time the registration
package is available online and in print, competitor queries will
escalate dramatically and much of the requested information is
time sensitive requiring a timely response. Games office personnel
can also play a major role in executing the marketing plan. Personnel
for data entry, transportation services, accounting, special events,
and equipment acquisition and storage are examples of these types
of requirements. The use of volunteers and the ability of city
departments to absorb some if not all of the costs may significantly
reduce the financial impact of providing these services. A volunteer
recognition event of some type should be a consideration for inclusion
in the overall Games budget. Thousands of hours of service are
donated by your community and should be recognized. A barbeque
or outdoor party is a good way of accomplishing this. The tribute
need not be elaborate or expensive but will be greatly appreciated
by all of your volunteers.
For each challenge presented by hosting the Games there are strategies
which may be employed to reduce or eliminate them. Many opportunities
exist to create partnerships within City departments, agencies
and throughout your local community. The Can-Am Police-Fire Games
Federation, through a wealth of experience in presenting the Games,
can provide guidance in seeking out these partnering opportunities.
- What does the bid fee go towards? The Host bid fee allows
the Federation to assist other Hosts, seek bids, and have operating
funds for the years between Games.
- Are there spectator fees? Spectator fees are not permitted
for attendance at any Can-Am Police-Fire Games sport or event
competition. Admission fees may be applicable at specific venues
as a normal part of the venue's business operation, for example
parks or sports complexes. It may be possible to negotiate to
have admission fees waived or discounted for these events. Special
Events such as Opening Ceremonies may have a spectator fee which
is at the discretion of the Host. All proceeds from Special Events
spectator fees and/or revenue are the sole property of the Host.
- Are participants tax exempt from hotel taxes? No.
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