How is an athlete's ancestry, age or residency challenged during the Games?

During the Games, any protest against a participant on ancestry, age or residency must be submitted through the Chef de Mission (the team's lead). These issues are handled at the Chefs de Mission table, as quickly as possible to limit disruption to the competition schedule.

• The athlete in question keeps competing in their sport until the final decision is made.
• The Chef de Mission must be ready to submit personal identification and the relevant documents (such as the Declaration of Indigenous Ancestry Form or letters) on the athlete's behalf.
• The decision made by the Chefs de Mission on eligibility is final.
• A protest application must be accompanied by a $250 cash or cheque fee, in the Host Society's currency, which is refunded only if the protest or appeal is won.

Questions about a participant's Indigenous ancestry during the Games can only be raised through this formal protest process.