Core vs Utility Athlete

Core Athlete vs Utility Athlete

Core athletes are those that makeup the majority of the CTFL. Each team will have 58 core athletes that are required to partake in at least one preliminary event in addition to the championship of they qualify. We urge that if athletes can meet this requirement, that they register as "Core" athletes as they will be the featured CTFL athletes and will be eligible for the greatest amount of cash prizes.

Utility athletes will have 10 spots per team and the ability to compete in any track and field event. These spots are meant for athletes that are unable to meet the requirements set out for the "Core" athletes. Reasons for registering as a utility athlete would be due to the inability to make it to the required meets due to logistical constraints or if you plan on making a national team that would cause you to miss the required meets. As there are only 10 spots available per team, we expect that these positions will be more competitive to enter into.

Core Athlete's Season Requirements

Core Athletes are required to participate in at least one of the three designated preliminary meets as well as the championship meet to be held in Ottawa on August 5th. In addition, the athlete must compete in at least three meets throughout their season (1 CTFL prelim, a free meet and the CTFL championship if they are within the top 8) in their chosen event up to an including the championship meet on August 5th. An example of the minimum requirement is; an athlete competes in one designated CTFL preliminary meet and then competes in one other meets recognized by their provincial athletics organization, and then participates the championship if they qualify. If an athlete is unable to meet these requirements, we ask that they do not enter the CTFL's prospect pool as a core athlete.

Should an athlete be drafted to a CTFL team and fails to meet the requirements as listed above, they will be prohibited from competing with the league indefinitely. However, there are some exceptions if the athlete must drop out of the CTFL due to extenuating circumstances such as injury, partaking in a national team event coinciding with the championship date, etc. Non-valid excuses include scheduling conflicts, lack of funds or need to travel. If the athlete has decided to compete in the CTFL as a core athlete and fails to meet the required meets, they are taking someone's spot as well as hurting the leagues ability to put on meaningful meets.

In the case of an athlete needing to drop out during the season for whatever reason, the CTFL will keep a pool of 4 reserve athletes for each event. The reserve athletes will be formed from those who go undrafted once the entry draft is complete. If replaced, reserve athletes will earn points just as those who they are replacing would, with their points being counted towards their assigned teams total.

Core Athlete Benefits

The Core athletes will be the face of the league once the season starts. This will enable Core athletes to create a brand for themselves and use the CTFL as a platform. These athletes will be eligible to win part of the $15,000 allocated for Core athletes with an additional $825 allocated for the Utility athletes. As they will be competing in CTFL meets, they will be recorded by a team of videographers who will be present at all CTFL meets. In addition, core athletes will have the opportunity to stay within the CTFL for the 2024 season without needing to be drafted next season pending they finish within the top 8 athletes or their team general managers elect to keep them if they finish between 9-12 in their respective events (See athlete info for more information).

Prize Funding

The total prize fund will be $15,825. These funds will be distributed in two ways for core athletes:

Top 3 individiual core athletes per event and gender

1st = $400
2nd = $200
3rd = $100

The championship team will win $1,000 to be distributed equally amongst its member

For core athletes, in order to be eligible for your full prize winnings, you must fulfill all the requirements (compete at one prelim and the championship at minimum). Any failure to do so will result in your individual prize funding being reduced by 50%. For example, if you are a core CTFL athlete and finish 2nd but you only make it to the championship (therefore not attending any prelim meet), your individual prize winnings will be reduced from $200 to $100. Additionally only core athletes that complete all season requirements are eligible for the team prize fund.

Utility Athlete's Season Requirements

There will be 40 Utility athletes during the 2023 CTFL season. Each team will have 10 utility athletes that count towards the teams total points. Utility athletes may register in any track and field event, even if it is not any of the 10 official CTFL events. The Utility athlete position are meant for athletes that are unable to meet the requirements set out for the "Core" athletes. Reasons for registering as a utility athlete would be due to the inability to make it to the required meets due to logistical constraints, if your event is not offered for core athletes, or if you plan on making a national team that would cause you to miss the required meets. As there are only 14 spots available per team, we expect that these positions will be more competitive come the draft.

Utility athletes must compete in a minimum of three meets before the August 5th championship in their primary event. These athletes top four marks will be included in their total points. Utility athletes are not required to attend any CTFL meets, however if they do, they are still eligible to receive bonus points towards their total. Just as with Core athletes, if a Utility athlete is injured, a reserve athlete will take their place for the remainder of the season.

Utility Athletes will register the same way Core athletes will and will be drafted from the prospect pool.

Utility Athlete Benefits

Drafted Utility athletes will have the option to continue with the league next year either as Utility athletes or upon expansion will be asked to join as a Core athlete. These athletes will still contribute to their teams overall standings and will be eligible for both the team prize fund and the individual prize fund depending on their finishing position amongst other utility athletes.

For athletes specifically from the West and East coasts of Canada, the Utility athlete position enables you to join the CTFL early and be a part of the evolution of the sport.

Additionally, the top 6 utility athletes will receive a portion of the prize fund based on the individual's finishing position regardless of event or gender. See below: