Selection policies are documents that state the criteria and requirements for programme and competition selection. Every sport is different, but most will have these documents for selection to World Class programmes, and all other major competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is your responsibility to make sure you are clear about the designated selection events and performance standards you are aiming to achieve.
Having a comprehensive understanding of the selection policy and criteria will provide you with an understanding of performance expectations and targets.
• The aims/objectives of the policy; and composition of selection panel
• The performance/selection criteria and the relevant data that is being looked at
• Differing ‘rounds’ of selection and how they will be governed
• Illness/injury exemptions, considerations and how they will be managed (disclosure is key)
• The number of individuals being selected per event/programme
• How and when the information will be communicated
• Unique elements to the sport
• Sports often engage with us on an advisory capacity while writing their selection policies
• We can deliver workshops which break down selection policies for athletes
• Athletes can engage with us if they want our help clarifying, or raising concerns over elements of a selection policy (in advance of the selection date)
• We often sit as independent observers within selection panels
• Within this role, it is our responsibility to ensure that the selection policy is followed, and that conversations do not deviate away from the selection policy criteria
Programme selection usually happens once a year, the timing of this can vary between sports. Being selected onto the WCP usually means you will receive financial support from UK Sport in the form of an Athlete Performance Award and have access to UKSI services – this again can vary between sports.
De-selection from programme can be due to many factors including; injury, conduct, performance related and funding. The de-selection process varies from sport to sport and is outlined in your selection policy.
Competition selection can happen at various points in the year depending on each sports’ competition calendar. Competition selection policies are unique to each sport and may change year on year.
An appeals process is a mechanism to challenge the outcome of a selection meeting in which you believe there has been a departure from the process in the selection policy.
An appeals process is not an opportunity to raise concerns around the contents of a selection policy or challenge a decision simply because you do not agree with the outcome. Nor is it an opportunity to raise concerns that should have been shared throughout the season.
An athlete can sometimes request redacted notes/minutes from the selection meeting. If available, this is advisable as it may inform the decision. NGBs are not legally required to comply.
The grounds to appeal a deselection or non-selection can be found in your NGB selection policy. They usually fall under four statements:
• There had been a failure to follow process outlined un the selection policy
• The selection panel, or any member of it involved in making the selection decision, has shown actual bias or may have a conflict of interest when making the decision.
• The selection panel reached a decision based on an error of fact.
• The decision is unreasonable and one that no reasonable decision maker could have reached.
Procedure - Appeals procedures should either be laid out within a selection document, or in a separate appeals document. All of these documents should be readily available to all athletes.
Timelines – timelines for appeals vary between sports. It is a critical that an athlete knows the timeline prior to communication of decision.
Cost – it is up to NGBs whether they charge a fee for the submission of an appeal. The cost is typically refunded if the appeal is successful.
• We will provide a safe space for an athlete to discuss their selection decision
• Where time permits, we can facilitate a meeting between the athlete and their sport to support their understanding of the decision
• To the best of our knowledge, we will provide advice on their grounds of appeal – NB, we are completely transparent with athletes, and if we do not believe they have grounds for appeal, we make this clear.
• The allocated athlete support manager will support them through the appeals process should they choose to submit an appeal.
• If appropriate, the BEAA can refer the athlete to its partner ‘Sports Resolutions UK’ for pro bono legal support on their behalf.
Outcomes of an appeals process
Winning an appeal does not mean overturning decision. The selection panel will consider the findings of the appeals panel, but selection cannot be guaranteed. Once the appeals process has been made once it cannot be made again. If you need further advice on selections & appeals, the BEAA offers a workshop to athletes.
It can get a little tricky keeping up with all the acronyms in high-performance sport. Keep track of them all below.
AMS – Athlete Medical Scheme
Medical insurance scheme which covers the costs of healthcare for funded athletes who are members of Olympic and Paralympic sports’ World Class Programmes.
APA – Athlete Performance Award
National Lottery-funded grant aimed to enable athletes to pursue medal success in the Olympic or Paralympic Games and in other major championship events.
BEAA – British Elite Athlete Association
The independent athlete representative body, providing support, representation, and community. Responsible for giving you confidential guidance and ensuring you’re represented in high-performance system decisions.
BOA – British Olympic Association
National Olympic Committee for the United Kingdom.
BPA – British Paralympic Association
National Paralympic Committee for the United Kingdom.
CMO – Chief Medical Officer
Medical professional to deal with all medical sporting needs.
HPS – High Performance System
All the organisations and funding systems in place to support Olympic and Paralympics sport in the UK.
IF – International Federation
IFs establish the rules that govern their sport and ensure they are applied. They are responsible for the technical aspects of their sport at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IOC – International Olympic Committee
Serves as the overarching governing body of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement.
NGB – National Governing Body
An organisation that governs and administers a sport on a national basis.
NOC – National Olympic Committee
Is the British Olympic and Paralympic decision and policy making body.
PAA – Performance Athlete Agreement
Sets out requirements, expectations, and obligations of athletes and their National Governing Body on all matters relating to participation in the World Class Performance Programme.
PD – Performance Director
Closely monitor core aspects of the programme such as training and competition activity, delivery of athlete support, and development of team culture and the daily training environment.
PDA – Personal Development Award
Financial award to support WCP athletes, continue to develop as a person as well as a performer while on the WCP.
PL – Performance Lifestyle
Every funded current and transitioning athlete on the WCP is entitled to receive Performance Lifestyle support – a practitioner that provides holistic support to athletes.
PSP – Performance Support Personal
All practitioners that work within the WCP or high-performance system.
S&C – Strength and Conditioning
Coach who plans, delivers, and reviews the physical and physiological preparation of athletes aligned to specific sports performance outcomes.
SRUK – Sport Resolutions UK
Independent, not-for-profit, dispute resolution service for sport. It operates globally and offers arbitration, mediation, tribunal, investigation services among others.
TMA – Team Membership Agreement or Athlete Agreement
Sets out requirements, expectations, and obligations of athletes and their National Governing Body.
UKSI– UK Sports Institute
The largest single provider of science, medicine, technology, data, and engineering services within the sport sector to Olympic and Paralympic sports in the UK.
WCP – World Class Programme
Multi-agency and multi-disciplinary support for athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
The Athlete Medical Scheme (AMS) is a medical insurance scheme which covers the costs of healthcare for funded athletes who are members of Olympic and Paralympic sports’ World Class Programmes.
National Governing Bodies – funded or unfunded – may also purchase places on the AMS at a cost agreed by UK Sport to provide medical cover to athletes not on a World Class Programme.
The aim of the AMS is to drive an efficient and effective medical scheme to develop athlete health and wellbeing. UK Sport pays an annual premium to cover the costs of claims and, subject to approval and conditions of cover, the athlete receives healthcare. It is a free service to athletes and no costs are recharged to their governing bodies.
When your funding comes to an end you are covered for three months for existing concerns as part of your transition support.
FAQs below or you can contact the BEAA's support team for more information.
Cover is usually provided by Bupa.
Athletes should have access to cover through their team doctor or physio. Any communication that BUPA have will go directly to you, so ensure your medical staff at your sport are up to date with the latest information.
You will be given a booklet in your welcome pack that is your Bupa membership guide. The typical cover is for muscles, bones and joints as well as mental health. Your programme medical staff will be able to provide further details.
Cover for pre-existing conditions lasts for three months after you have left the World Class Programme. No new injuries can be covered in this time.
Non-sporting medical issues can be covered if they have an effect directly on your sporting training or performance.