OTSO Sanctioning Policy

Old Time Strongman Organization Inc.

Date: November 11, 2025

1. Purpose and Scope

This Sanctioning Policy (the “Policy”) is established by the Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. (“OTSO”) to ensure the quality, safety, integrity, and consistent operation of all competitive fitness events (each, a “Member Event”) sanctioned by OTSO.

All Member Event Hosts (“Event Host”) must comply with the terms and conditions set forth in this Policy, the OTSO Sanctioning Agreement, and all other applicable OTSO organizational policies. Failure to comply with any requirement outlined herein constitutes a breach of the Sanctioning Agreement and may result in disciplinary action, including the revocation of the sanction.

2. Mandatory Application and Documentation Requirements

The Event Host must complete the OTSO Meet Sanction Application and adhere to the following mandatory documentation and deadlines to be considered for and maintain an active sanction:

2.1 Pre-Sanction Submission Requirements

The following documents and fees must be submitted with the application:

  • A fully completed and signed OTSO Meet Sanctioning Application.
  • A fully completed and signed Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. Sanctioning Agreement.
  • Payment of the specified Sanction Fee ($50.00 CAD).

2.2 Post-Approval Submission Requirements

The following documentation must be submitted upon sanction approval, but no less than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled event date:

  • Confirmation that the Event Host will provide and have all lifters competing sign and date a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks, and Indemnity Agreement (Lifter Release Forms).
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) (Optional): Event liability insurance is an available option and is recommended. The Meet Director must assess the need for event insurance based on the requirements and risk environment of the host country or region.

3. Mandatory Compliance with OTSO Policies

By accepting the sanction, the Event Host agrees to ensure that the Member Event, its staff, volunteers, officials, and all participants and spectators operate in full compliance with the following OTSO organizational policies, which are incorporated by reference into this Sanctioning Policy:

3.1 OTSO Code of Conduct Policy

The Event Host is responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct, which includes:

  • Respectful Conduct: Ensuring a supportive and empowering environment and upholding the zero-tolerance policy for disrespect, verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment towards any individual.
  • Event Integrity: Preventing any attempts to delay, interfere with, or stop the competition.
  • No Impairment: Strictly enforcing the zero-tolerance policy for being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics while conducting or participating in the event.
  • Dispute Resolution: Utilizing and abiding by the Improvement Opportunity Report (IOR) process for all complaints and issues related to rule application or behavior, as detailed in the Code of Conduct.

3.2 OTSO Drug Policy

The Event Host acknowledges and agrees to support the organization’s commitment to drug-free competition:

  • The Event Host understands that OTSO leadership reserves the right to implement drug testing at the Member Event without prior notice.
  • The Event Host will cooperate fully with any drug-testing protocols initiated by OTSO leadership or its certified agents, ensuring the process is conducted safely and efficiently.

3.3 OTSO Public Content and Media Policy

The Event Host must adhere to the Public Content and Media Policy which provides directions on the use of photos and videos for all OTSO promotional purposes, which includes, but is not limited to, print materials and use on the OTSO website.

  • Media Consent: The Event Host must respect all participants’ rights to withdraw consent for the use of personal information or media and must secure signed, written consent from a parent or legal guardian for media use of any participant under the age of 18.

3.4 OTSO Privacy Policy

The Event Host must adhere to the Privacy Policy regarding data collection, storage, and usage:

  • Privacy: The Event Host must ensure all personal information (contact, identification, health, etc.) collected for the Member Event is managed in accordance with the OTSO Privacy Policy, including collection, use, and disclosure limitations.

3.5 Membership Eligibility Compliance
The Event Host must ensure that all participants registering for or competing in a Member Event are eligible members of OTSO. Eligibility is determined by the OTSO MEMBER FORM, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, which explicitly excludes residents of the Province of Quebec from membership. The Event Host is strictly prohibited from knowingly accepting registration, fees, or participation from any individual residing in the Province of Quebec. Any breach of this eligibility requirement may result in the immediate revocation of the sanction.

4. Operational and Reporting Responsibilities

The Event Host must fulfill the following operational responsibilities:

  • Safety and Standards: Ensure the Member Event is conducted according to all applicable OTSO technical standards and rules, prioritizing the safety of all participants and spectators.
  • Results Submission: Provide all final official results of the Member Event to OTSO immediately following the event’s conclusion.
  • Documentation Retention: The Event Host is responsible for collecting, providing, and maintaining digital copies of all signed Lifter Release Forms for a minimum period of five years after the event has finished.
  • Venue Security: Ensure adequate measures are in place to prevent property damage to the venue.

5. Non-Compliance and Enforcement

Any finding of non-compliance with the terms of the Sanctioning Agreement, this Sanctioning Policy, the Meet Sanction Application requirements, or any incorporated OTSO Policy (Code of Conduct, Drug, Public Content and Media, or Privacy Policy) shall be considered a material breach.

5.1 Penalties

OTSO leadership reserves the right to determine and impose penalties on the Event Host, including, but not limited to:

  • Issuance of a formal warning.
  • Suspension of the Event Host’s ability to sanction future OTSO events.
  • Immediate removal and revocation of OTSO’s sanction for the Member Event, effective immediately upon notification.
  • Termination of the Event Host’s membership in the organization.

5.2 Disciplinary Process

All complaints and reports of non-compliance will be initiated through the formal Improvement Opportunity Report (IOR) process outlined in the OTSO Code of Conduct, followed by review and final determination by the OTSO leadership. All decisions regarding disciplinary action are final.

© 2025 Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. All rights reserved. This document and its contents are for the exclusive use of OTSO members and are not to be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of the OTSO leadership.