November 28/12 18:24 pm - B.C. Provincial Coach Sues Association

Posted by Editor on 11/28/12
 

Cycling BC has been sued by its former provincial coach, Richard Wooles, in Civil Court for wrongful dismissal.  In his Statement of Claim (filed November 14th), Wooles alleges that Cycling BC, and specifically the Executive Director, Keith Ryan, misdirected funds that had been raised by Wooles for High Performance programs and had been allocated to those programs under approved budgets, leaving a shortfall for planned programs.  Wooles argues that he was constructively dismissed as a result of the misdirection of funds, verbal arguments and abuse, and a suspension (later rescinded).

Wooles is seeking damages for loss of earnings, mental distress, loss of reputation, aggravated and punitive damages, and costs.

None of these allegations have been proven in court.

These actions do not affect the Track Coach position that Richard Wooles still holds with the national association, Cycling Canada, which runs until March 31, 2013.

Neither side is commenting on the issue, since it is now before the courts, however, it will certainly be a topic of discussion at the Cycling BC AGM, to be held this Sunday (December 2nd) at 1:00 pm in the Abbotsford Exhibition Park.