About
What is RBC Training Ground?
RBC Training Ground is a talent identification and athlete funding program designed to find young athletes with Olympic potential, and provide them with the resources they need to achieve their podium dreams.
With the belief that high performance sports should be accessible to all athletes that are talented, qualified and have the will to compete, this program travels the country searching for athletes between the ages of 14 and 25 that will fuel the Canadian Olympic pipeline.
Future Olympians with Podium Potential
See why RBC Training Ground grads are making headlines.
Testing
Athletes are assessed using basic tests that indicate speed, strength, power and endurance capabilities.
National Sport Organizations (NSO’s) use combinations of these test results to identify skills that may translate to strong potential in their respective sport. Each sport requires different physical abilities and skills, and therefore performance benchmarks vary by NSO. Field based assessment results must be viewed within the context of the requirements of the sport, the characteristics of the athlete, and the stage of their development.
Open call to all aspiring athletes aged 14 to 25. Sign up for free.
SPEED
Running Sprint
This test is designed to measure your speed and velocity over 20m.
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A metric tape measure at least 5m long.
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A camera to record the 20m sprint in 240fps slow motion. Can be a phone.
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A friend to help film.
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A firm and level surface at least 30m long. Access to a track is best, if not any firm and level surface (i.e. road, gymnasium, or parking lot) will do..
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3 cones or markers to show the beginning and end of a 20m section.
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Masking or painters tape.
- Set up the cones with one at the start (0m) and two at the finish line (20m). Make these clear by making a line on the ground with the tape.
- Have the camera person stand at the finish line, between 5-10m back.
- Ensure the camera person starts filming 2-3 seconds before beginning to sprint, that they film the entire test in slow motion, and finish filming 2-3 seconds after crossing the finish line.
- Athletes are allowed 3 attempts to post their best time.
- Start in a ‘two point’ stance, with front foot behind the line.
- Take 2-3 minutes between efforts to recover.
- Wear track spikes.
- ’Rock’ or ‘Hop’ off the line.
POWER
Vertical Jump
The Vertical Jump Test is designed to measure your lower body explosive power; the higher you can jump, the more power you have in your legs.
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A firm and level surface at least 3m x 3m.
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A friend to help film.
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A camera that can record in 240 fps slow motion. Can be a phone.
- Ensure your 3m x 3m testing area is clear of obstruction.
- Place your video camera approximately 5m away. You should be able to see your feet, body and arms up to your shoulders for the entire
duration from take off to landing. - Be sure to perform one practice jump prior to recording to ensure you are familiar with the below guidelines and the camera is positioned correctly.
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart in your testing area. Stand tall then bend your knees for maximum explosive power.
- When you’re ready to jump, hit record. Ensure you include take off and landing in your recording. Ensure the camera person starts filming 2-3 seconds before beginning the jump, that they film the entire test in slow motion, and finish filming 2-3 seconds after finishing the jump.
- When jumping, keep your legs as straight as possible (no tucking knees or piking) until landing with slightly bent knees on your toes. Do not land on your heels.
- You have three attempts to get what you feel is your best attempt, and submit your best effort – we will measure how long you are in the air (time between take off and landing) in order to generate a metric for analysis.
- Give yourself at least 30 seconds recovery between each attempt.
- Swing your arms from back to front prior to launching to achieve maximum jump height.
- Extend your arms above your head when jumping.
- Windmilling or helicoptering.
- Land on your toes.
ENDURANCE
Shuttle Run
It is also commonly referred to as the Beep Test or Multi Stage Fitness.
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A metric tape measure at least 5m long.
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A camera that can record in 60 fps. Can be a phone.
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A friend to help film.
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25m long x 2m wide level surface. Use the same space you used for the 20m sprint if you can.
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Speaker or Bluetooth headphones to connect to your playback device.
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2-4 cones or markers to show the beginning and end of a 20m section.
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Masking or painters tape.
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The Leger 20m shuttle run test audio file.
Download here. Test result will not be valid if using other shuttle run version audio file.
- Set up one or two cones at the start (0m) and repeat at the finish line (20m). Make a line on the ground with the tape for clarity.
- Camera person should stand in the middle, 10-15m away from the line to capture the whole scene from cone to cone.
- This is a progressive test that starts easy and increases in difficulty. It is vital to give 100% effort from the start. However stay in sync with the beeps. Do not run ahead.
- The goal is to reach the cones in time with the audio recording beep. Turn and do the same back and forth until the test is complete.
- Pay particular attention to your turns. Either foot must touch the line and pivot to change direction back the opposite way.
- As each cone is reached, have a friend cross off the ‘shuttle number’ on the scorecard.
- The test is complete when you are unable to reach the line in two steps when the beep sounds,twice in a row.
- Touch the line for each shuttle, even if you are late for the beep.
- Sit or lie down after the test. Recover by walking for 3 min.
- Speed ahead and wait at the line for the beep.
ENDURANCE
20m Multi-stage Shuttle Run (Beep Test)
The 20m multi-stage shuttle run, commonly referred to as the beep test, is a tool to measure an athlete’s aerobic capacity. Athletes run 20m from line to line before or at the 'beep' on the CD track. As the athlete advances in the test the 'beeps' get closer and closer together. The test is over when the athlete can no longer get to the line before the 'beep' sounds twice in a row. Athletes must pivot at the line, rather than in looping turns.
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A metric tape measure at least 5m long.
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A camera that can record in 60 fps. Can be a phone.
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A friend to help film.
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A level surface over 50m long. If you have access to a track then perfect, if not any hard level surface will do.
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3 cones or markers to show the beginning and end of a 20m section.
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Masking or painters tape.
- Set up the cones with one at the start (0m) and two at the finish line (20m) make these clear by making a line on the ground with the tape.
- Have your camera person stand level with the finish line (5-10m away).
- Ensure your camera person starts filming 2-3 seconds before beginning to sprint, and finishes 2-3 seconds after crossing the finish line.
- Athletes are allowed 3 attempts to post their best time.
- Start in a ‘two point’ stance, with front foot behind the line.
- Take 2-3 minutes between efforts to recover.
- Wear track spikes.
- ’Rock’ or ‘Hop’ off the line.
The top 100 from across Canada will be invited to compete. Sign up for free.
SPEED
40/30m Sprint
SPEED
6 Second Bike Sprint
Athletes pedal flat out for six seconds on a stationary bike while remaining seated. An ergometer measures the peak wattage achieved and a second calculation factors in the athlete’s weight to determine watts per kg. The 6 second bike sprint is a key test for speed skating, and the sprint disciplines in track cycling.
STRENGTH
Concept Dyno
The concept dyno is an exercise/piece of equipment used to test an athlete’s push/pull strength. On a seated machine resembling an indoor rower, athletes pull a bar to their chest as hard as they can. Athletes also perform a push movement to ascertain strength of both muscle groups. Athletes also perform a seated leg press to measure lower body strength. The concept dyno test employs the same muscle groups used in rowing and paddling sports.
POWER
Single Broad Jump
From a standstill, the athlete jumps as far forward as possible landing with two feet. This movement is an important power test for all running-based sports, like rugby and athletics.
POWER
Standing Triple Jump
With both feet placed parallel, the athlete jumps consecutively forward three times. Like the single broad jump, it is a general test of power and indicator for acceleration.
ENDURANCE
Arm Leg Bike
This is an endurance test to measure aerobic capacity and an athlete’s ability to maintain power. On a stationary bike with moving arms, athletes must hit set revolutions per minute (RPM) targets. The test is over when the athlete is too exhausted to hit the set targets. Women start cycling at 50 RPM and men start at 60 RPM. This is a predictive endurance test for rowing and paddling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the age range 14 to 25 years?
The age range of 14 to 25 years aligns with long-term athlete development stages and the Canadian Sport for Life program. This age range allows us to capture those with early and late-stage Olympic potential athletes. The probability of identifying an athlete below or above these age ranges, within our current RBC Training Ground partner sports, is very small.
How do I/does my child compare against the performance benchmarks?
Each sport requires different skills and physical abilities with performance benchmarks that are dictated by our NSO partners, taking age and gender into account. Benchmarks can be viewed under the ‘Testing’ section of the website. Athletes that participate in RBC Training Ground virtual qualifying will receive a custom scorecard after they participate, which will help them compare their physical performance against our benchmarks.
How many athletes are tested?
Thousands of Canadians across the country participate in RBC Training Ground each year. We have tested over 8,000 athletes in the first five years of the program.
How do I/does my child participate virtually?
Athletes from anywhere across the country can participate virtually by following the instructions provided under the ‘Sign-up’ tab of our website. Participants must first register with their basic information online, will then complete a more detailed Athlete Bio, and input the results of their at-home testing (includes Sprint, Vertical Jump, and Shuttle Run, along with Height, Body Weight, and Arm Span). As proof of completion, athletes will also be asked to record these exercises and upload their videos to YouTube, providing the associated public or private YouTube link as part of their virtual submission
Which sports are recruiting new athletes through RBC Training Ground?
- Boxing Canada
- Canoe Kayak Canada
- Cycling Canada
- Freestyle Canada
- Nordic Combined Ski Canada
- Rowing Canada
- Rugby Canada
- Ski Jumping Canada
- Speed Skating Canada
Does RBC Training Ground visit all provinces and major cities across the country?
RBC Training Ground is committed to giving athletes all across Canada the opportunity to participate, knowing there may be undiscovered and talented athletes around the country. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year RBC Training Ground launched new virtual testing that gives athletes all across Canada the opportunity to participate in the program, in a safe and accessible format.
We look forward to returning to a wide range of Canadian communities for in-person events when it is safe and responsible to do so.
What happens after I submit my virtual qualifying results online?
After submitting your virtual qualifying results, athletes may be contacted by one of our NSO partners and invited to attend a sport-specific testing session. All sport-specific testing sessions will follow the recommended public health guidelines in each province/territory, prioritizing the health and safety of athletes and staff. Based on performances from virtual and sport-specific testing, the top 100 athletes will be selected to compete in the RBC Training Ground National Final and potentially earn funding support as an RBC Future Olympian. The National Final will take place in a time and format that places the utmost priority on the health and safety of participants. More information about the National Final will be provided after the virtual testing period concludes.
How are athletes selected to attend the RBC Training Ground National Final?
Coaches and talent identification representatives from the participating NSOs will select athletes based on a combination of athlete performances within virtual and sport-specific testing sessions. NSOs are looking for athletes who met or exceeded the predetermined benchmarks set by each of the sports.
What happens after the National Final?
The RBC Training Ground team will reach out to all athletes who attend the National Final with more information after the event. Up to 30 athletes from across the country will be selected as RBC Future Olympians. The applicable NSO will receive funding assistance that will be used towards each RBC Future Olympian’s travel, competition and training camp expenses, coaching, nutrition, etc., at the sole discretion of the applicable NSO. These funds will be administered by the Canadian Olympic Foundation to the select NSO directly.
Is RBC Training Ground open to Para athletes?
At this time, we are focused on finding the next generation of athletes with Olympic potential. Para sport has different requirements for their athletes based on the different classifications and ability categories within each discipline. For more information on opportunities within Canadian Paralympic Sport please visit paralympic.ca/paralympian-search.
How has RBC committed to fueling the Olympic movement in Canada?
The Olympic Games represent excellence, teamwork, diversity and commitment - the same values that hold true for RBC, its employees, clients and communities. That connection is a major reason why RBC has been Team Canada’s longest-standing corporate partner since 1947. This commitment to the Olympic movement can be seen through the RBC Olympians program, as well as through its support for the next generation of Olympic hopefuls.
2021 Partnering National Sport Organizations
Providing second phase sport-specific testing to the selected athletes.
Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute / Sport Centre Network
Serving as the official testing facilitation partner for RBC Training Ground across Canada.
