ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA SELECTION POLICY 2017 WORLD PARA ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM JULY 2017

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1 ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA SELECTION POLICY 2017 WORLD PARA ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM JULY 2017 This document sets out the basis on which Athletics Australia will select its Team for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships in London, United Kingdom, July As announced by the IPC there will not be an World Para Athletics World Marathon Championships in Aims The aim of Athletics Australia s Selection Policy for the World Para Athletics World Championships is to nominate a quality team to represent Australia. The policy is aligned with the Athletics Australia Strategic Plan ( ) and with the Australian Institute of Sport Winning Edge Program. Specifically the policy aims to facilitate the following outcomes: Selecting athletes that are realistic medal contenders in London, and Selecting athletes that are realistic medal contenders at 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. 2 Standards, criteria and athlete numbers Consistent with this strategy, and in accordance with previous Athletics Australia selection strategies for Para-athletics teams, Athletics Australia has developed Athletics Australia A ( AA A ) and Athletics Australia B ( AA B") Selection Standards for this policy. The World Para Athletics Qualification Standards are the minimum qualification entry standards for all events, however selection will be in accordance with this selection policy. P a g e 1 Version /2/17

2 2.1 Only athletes who have obtained two (or more) performances that achieve either the AA A Selection Standard, or the AA B Selection Standard may be considered for selection ( AA A and AA B Selection Standards are available in Appendix 1 of this document). For clarity, to be eligible for consideration by the Selectors for selection, an athlete must achieve any of the following: - Two (or more) AA A Selection Standard performances - One AA A Selection Standard performance and One AA B Selection Standard performance - Two (or more) AA B Selection Standard performances 2.2 If an individual medallist from the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games is injured or ill and only achieves one AA Standard during the Selection Period due to significant injury or illness, they may be considered for discretionary selection by the Selectors. In this instance the Selectors should receive a medical report from the AA Chief Medical Officer and advice from the Paralympic Program Manager and/or High Performance Director. This discretion is absolute and need not be exercised. 2.3 There are a number of events on the World Para Athletics World Championships event list that were not contested in previous Paralympic Games or World Para Athletics World Championships. Every effort has been made to set accurate AA A and AA B Selection Standards for these events. If necessary, due to increased depth or performance internationally, these Standards may be adjusted during the Selection period in line with Section 11 of this policy. Should this be required the policy will be amended accordingly and communicated through the Athletics Australia website ( 2.4 An eligible athlete may compete in an unlimited number of medal events as long as they have achieved the IPC Qualification Standard for that event. The achievement of an IPC Qualification Standard(s) has no bearing on selection, as per item 2.1. IPC Qualification Standards may be found through the World Para Athletics website ( 2.5 Athletics Australia may select up to three athletes per individual class event. In the event that two or more classes have to compete as a combined event in the Field Events after the final entry by name and event viability review (e.g. Shot Put F53/54/55) countries may enter a total maximum of five (5) eligible athletes in a combined medal event. However, within each sport class, a maximum of three (3) eligible athletes may be entered. 2.6 Athletics Australia may enter one team in each relay event comprising of up to six eligible athletes. 2.7 To be selected athletes must meet the Athlete Eligibility Criteria (see Section 4). 2.8 All Selection Performances must be achieved within the Selection Period (see Section 5) and must meet the Performance Eligibility Criteria (see Section 6). 2.9 A minimum of five (5) athlete entries from three (3) National Paralympic Committees (NPC) is necessary to sustain an individual medal event on the programme. A minimum of five (5) entries from five (5) NPCs is necessary to sustain a relay medal event on the programme. P a g e 2 Version /2/17

3 World Para Athletics shall review the viability of all events following the close of the final entries (8 June 2017). In the case an event does not meet the above viability criteria by the final entry based on the Classification Hierarchy Table (World Para Athletics Rule 9), World Para Athletics reserve the right to combine such event with other event(s) where appropriate and applicable. In such combined field events the RAZA point system may be used to determine the results. World Para Athletics also reserve the right to cancel such events or run them as non-medal events. In the instance that the entry number of an event dropped below the aforementioned event viability criteria due to withdrawals after 8 June 2017, the event shall be run as a Medal Event and the medals will be allocated under the minus one rule (i.e. if there are 3 entrants, 2 medals shall be awarded). 3 Selection 3.1 There will not be a Selection Trial for any event for the 2017 World Para Athletics World Championships. 3.2 Automatic Selection An athlete finishing with a Gold medal in an individual Track & Field event at the 2015 World Para Athletics World Championships or 2016 Rio Paralympic Games will be automatically selected in the 2017 World Para Athletics World Championships Team, subject to attaining two or more AA A and/or AA B Selection Performances in that specific event, during the Selection Period. For absolute clarity, to be eligible for discretionary selection, an athlete must achieve any of the following: - Two (or more) AA A Selection Standards - One AA A Selection Standard and One AA B Selection Standard - Two (or more) AA B Selection Standards Automatic selection is subject to the athlete meeting all Eligibility Requirements and satisfying the Domestic Competition Obligations. Automatic selections will be confirmed by the Selectors at the Australian Championships Selector s Meeting, held immediately after the Australian Championships. 3.3 Selection at the Discretion of the Selectors Any remaining selections to the Team will be made at the discretion of the Selectors. This discretion is absolute and need not be exercised In order to be eligible for discretionary selection athletes must have achieved two (or more) performances that achieve either the AA A Selection Standard, or the AA B Selection Standard. For absolute clarity, to be eligible for discretionary selection, an athlete must achieve any of the following: - Two (or more) AA A Selection Standards - One AA A Selection Standard and One AA B Selection Standard P a g e 3 Version /2/17

4 - Two (or more) AA B Selection Standards As outlined in item 2.2, if an individual medallist from the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games is injured or ill and only achieves one AA Standard during the Selection Period due to significant injury or illness, they may be considered for discretionary selection by the Selectors. In this instance the Selectors should receive a medical report from the AA Chief Medical Officer and advice from the Paralympic Program Manager and/or High Performance Director. This discretion is absolute and need not be exercised. 3.4 Relay Selection If, in the discretion of the Selectors, the relay event is considered a strong medal chance, athletes may be selected to the Team as a member of that relay squad ahead of other athletes, as long as that individual has achieved a relevant individual event IPC Qualification Standard in accordance with the IPC rules For the avoidance of doubt, this may mean an athlete who has a single IPC Qualification performance but is a member of the relay squad that is considered a medal chance may be selected ahead of another athlete that is not a member of any relay squad. This consideration is at the discretion of the Selectors, however the Selectors may seek advice on relative medal chances from the AA Paralympic Program Manager and/or the AA High Performance Director If a relay team is not considered a medal chance by the Selectors, the selection of any members of that team will be on the basis of their individual performances only. In this circumstance, should Australia not be able to select members for that relay squad on individual merits, the relay qualification may be forfeited If an athlete is selected in a relay squad, the relay will form an integral part of that athlete s competition. Should this not be accepted the individual athlete may be withdrawn from the team. If an athlete is selected under and/or they may be entered in their individual event at the discretion of the Team Leader, only if it is in the interest of the final relay team (in the Team Leader s sole opinion). 4 Athlete Eligibility Criteria Only those athletes who qualify according to this clause will be eligible for selection in the Team: 4.1 Satisfy all World Para Athletics Nationality and World Para Athletics World Championship Participation Rules; 4.2 Be a citizen of Australia; 4.3 Be a registered member of Athletics Australia through their Member Association; P a g e 4 Version /2/17

5 4.4 Hold an World Para Athletics Classification (Review or Confirmed) as per the World Para Athletics Classification Masterlist; 4.5 Hold an World Para Athletics Athlete Licence for 2017; 4.6 Meet the minimum age of eligibility as determined by the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations ( 4.7 Compete in the event in which they seek selection at the 2017 Australian Athletics Championships with the exception of those athletes whose event is not being conducted. To meet this criterion any athlete wishing to compete in an alternate event, or able body event, at these Championships, or seeking injury exemption from these Championships must provide this request in writing for approval by the Chairman of Selectors in consultation with the Paralympic Program Manager and/or High Performance Director; 4.8 Complete and submit the online Application for Consideration for Selection form (which may be found at for each event in which the athlete is seeking selection. The form must be submitted no later 5pm Friday 24 th March The date for submission of the Application for Selection may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman of Selectors on the recommendation of the Paralympic Program Manager and/or the High Performance Director. 4.9 Be and remain in good standing with Athletics Australia and at all times comply with Athletics Australia s Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a way that does not bring themselves, their sport or the National Team into disrepute. Athletics Australia may consider past and present behavioural conduct in determining whether an athlete is in good standing. If Athletics Australia determines that an athlete is not in good standing, Athletics Australia may in its absolute discretion choose not to select that athlete Commit to signing a Team Agreement and Code of Conduct Agree to undertake all reasonably expected education courses, including but not limited to ASADA e-learning modules level 1 & Agree to comply with a pre-championships preparation policy that will be published by Athletics Australia s Paralympic Program Manager. This policy may include the requirement to prove form and fitness to compete in the 2017 World Para Athletics World Championships. Failure by a previously selected athlete to comply with the pre- Championships preparation policy will, at the discretion of the Paralympic Program Manager and/or High Performance Director, result in an athlete who has been named by Athletics Australia at an earlier date not being selected in the final team for the World Para Athletics World Championships. 5 Qualification Period 5.1 All Selection Standard performances must be achieved between the following dates: Events Qualifying Start Qualifying End P a g e 5 Version /2/17

6 All Track & Field Events 7 September :59 (Central European Time) on Monday 5 th June Eligible Selection Standard Performance Criteria 6.1 All Selection Standard performances (referred to below as performances) must be achieved during World Para Athletics sanctioned competitions. Athletics Australia will confirm the list of World Para Athletics sanctioned meets throughout Australia through the Athletics Australia website. 6.2 Performances must be achieved during an official competition organised in conformity with IAAF/World Para Athletics Rules. 6.3 For the purposes of this Selection Policy, performances in a single event in any single competition, if there are rounds either on the same day or multiple days, will only be counted as a single Selection Standard performance e.g. only one performance from the heat or final, qualifying round or final, or a field event series. For clarity the best performance from that specific event will be the single and only Selection Standard for consideration by the Selectors from that event. 6.4 Performances achieved in mixed events, will only be accepted under the following circumstances: For all field events held completely in the stadium the results will be automatically accepted if achieved at World Para Athletics Sanctioned events, and the two events (Men s and Women s) were conducted concurrently with separate results Never accepted for track events. 6.5 Wind assisted performances shall not be accepted. Outdoor performances in 100m, 200m, and Long Jump must be accompanied by wind gauge readings For 100m, 200m and Long Jump the wind reading must not be above 2.0m/s (see World Para Athletics rules Chpt 5, 3(e)). 6.6 Hand-timed performances for events up to and including 800m will not be accepted. 6.7 Indoor performances for all field events and for races of 400m and longer, will be accepted. 6.8 For the running events of 200m and over, performances achieved on over-sized tracks will not be accepted. 6.9 Performances must be achieved in a competition where a minimum of three athletes are competing For throwing events, all three athletes must be competing with the same implement specifications For events held as part of a Member Association s existing competition structure, in an IPC Sanctioned event, this criterion does not need to be achieved. P a g e 6 Version /2/17

7 7 Selection Meetings There will be two selection meetings to determine the athletes who will be selected in the 2017 World Para Athletics World Championships Team. 7.1 For Automatic Selection the selection meeting will be held the week after the Australian Athletics Championships (the Nationals ) which is the week commencing 3 rd April 2017; 7.2 For all Discretionary Selections the selection meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 th June 2017; 8 Prioritising athletes Without limiting the discretion of the Selectors, the Selectors in consultation with the Paralympic Program Manager, may consider any factor, or combination of factors that in their opinion is relevant for consideration when selecting athletes for the team, including but necessarily limited to: 8.1 Potential to win a medal at the, 8.2 Potential to win a medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games, 8.3 The number of AA A Standard Performances (i.e. multiple AA A Standard Performances are better than a single AA A Standard Performance, a single AA A Standard Performance is better than multiple AA B Standard Performances), 8.4 Any history of performances at either Paralympic Games or World Para Athletics World Championships with particular reference to the final position achieved by Athletes in individual events and their performances compared to the standards on which they were selected for those events, 8.5 Any history of performance or equivalent at other international competitions or IPC domestic or internationally sanctioned events against the relevant Qualifying Standards, 8.6 The quality and consistency of performance throughout the Selection Period, 8.7 Recent form and fitness. For the avoidance of doubt only athletes who have met the Eligibility Requirements may be nominated subject to the application of Sections 2 and 4. Furthermore the nomination of any athlete is at the absolute discretion of Athletics Australia. 9 Further Obligations after Selection Athletes selected in the Team for the in London, United Kingdom according to the process and criteria set out in this Policy will be required to prove their fitness to compete in the World Para Athletics World Championships by the achievement of pre-australia departure standards to be set by the Paralympic Program Manager in consultation with relevant Athletics Australia Coaches. P a g e 7 Version /2/17

8 Failure by a selected athlete to meet the pre-australia departure standard will, at the discretion of the High Performance Director in consultation with the Paralympic Program Manager, result in an athlete who has been selected in the Team being withdrawn from the World Para Athletics World Championship Team. 10 Appeal Process The appeal process is attached hereto as Appendix Amendment to Policy This Policy may be amended at any time by Athletics Australia if it is of the opinion that such an amendment is necessary as a result of any change to the Participation Rules, to give effect to the Policy following discovery of a drafting error or oversight, or for any other reason determined to be in the best interests of Athletics Australia. Athletics Australia shall not be responsible or liable in any way to any one as a result of any such amendment. P a g e 8 Version /2/17

9 Appendix 1 - Athletics Australia A & B Selection Standards MEN - AA SELECTION 16 December 2016 Eligible Class(es) 2017 AA AQS 2017 AA BQS 100m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T33 T m T34 T m T35 T m T36 T m T37 T m T38 T m T42 T m T44 T43/ m T47 T45/46/ m T51 T m T52 T m T53 T m T54 T m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T34 T33/ m T35 T m T36 T m T37 T m T38 T m T42 T m T43 T m T44 T m T47 T45/46/ m T53 T m T54 T m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T20 T m T34 T33/ m T36 T m T37 T m T38 T m T43 T P a g e 9 Version /2/17

10 400m T44 T m T47 T45/46/ m T51 T51 1: : m T52 T52 1: : m T53 T m T54 T m T13 T13 1: : m T20 T20 1: : m T34 T33/34 1: : m T36 T36 2: : m T38 T37/38 2: : m T53 T52/53 1: : m T54 T54 1: : m T11 T11 4: : m T13 T12*/13 3: : m T20 T20 3: : m T37 T37 4: : m T38 T38 4: : m T46 T45/46 3: : m T52 T51/52 3: : m T54 T53/54 2: : m T11 T11 15: : m T13 T12*/13 14: : m T20 T20 15: : m T54 T53/54 10: :24.00 Club F32 F31/ Club F51 F Discus F11 F Discus F12 F Discus F34 F33/ Discus F37 F Discus F42 F Discus F44 F43/ Discus F46 F Discus F52 F51/ Discus F56 F54/55/ Discus F57 F Javelin F11 F Javelin F13 F12*/ Javelin F34 F Javelin F37 F Javelin F38 F Javelin F41 F40/ Javelin F44 F42/43/ Javelin F46 F Javelin F54 F53/ P a g e 10 Version /2/17

11 Javelin F55 F Javelin F57 F56/ Shot Put F12 F11*/ Shot Put F20 F Shot Put F32 F Shot Put F33 F Shot Put F34 F Shot Put F35 F Shot Put F36 F Shot Put F37 F Shot Put F38 F Shot Put F40 F Shot Put F41 F Shot Put F42 F Shot Put F44 F43/ Shot Put F46 F Shot Put F53 F Shot Put F55 F54/ Shot Put F57 F56/ High Jump T13 T12/ High Jump T42 T High Jump T44 T High Jump T47 T45/46/ Long Jump T11 T Long Jump T12 T Long Jump T13 T Long Jump T20 T Long Jump T36 T Long Jump T37 T Long Jump T38 T Long Jump T42 T Long Jump T44 T43/ Long Jump T47 T45/46/ Triple Jump T20 T Triple Jump T47 T45/46/ WOMEN - AA SELECTION 16 December 2016 Eligible Class(es) 2017 AA AQS 2017 AA BQS 100m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T34 T33/ P a g e 11 Version /2/17

12 100m T35 T m T36 T m T37 T m T38 T m T42 T m T44 T43/ m T47 T45/46/ m T52 T51/ m T53 T m T54 T m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T35 T m T36 T m T37 T m T38 T m T44 T43/ m T47 T45/46/ m T53 T m T54 T m T11 T m T12 T m T13 T m T20 T m T34 T33/34 1: : m T37 T37 1: : m T38 T38 1: : m T44 T43/44 1: : m T47 T45/46/ : m T52 T51/52 1: : m T53 T m T54 T m T11 T11 2: : m T20 T20 2: : m T34 T33/34 2: : m T53 T52/53 1: : m T54 T54 1: : m T11 T11 4: : m T13 T12*/13 4: : m T20 T20 4: : m T54 T53/54 3: : m T54 T53/54 11: :50.00 Club F32 F31/ Club F51 F Discus F11 F P a g e 12 Version /2/17

13 Discus F12 F Discus F38 F37/ Discus F41 F40/ Discus F44 F43/ Discus F52 F51/ Discus F55 F54/ Discus F57 F56/ Javelin F11 F Javelin F13 F12*/ Javelin F34 F Javelin F37 F Javelin F46 F45/ Javelin F54 F53/ Javelin F56 F55/ Shot Put F12 F11*/ Shot Put F20 F Shot Put F32 F Shot Put F33 F Shot Put F34 F Shot Put F35 F Shot Put F36 F Shot Put F37 F Shot Put F40 F Shot Put F41 F Shot Put F44 F43/ Shot Put F53 F Shot Put F54 F Shot Put F55 F Shot Put F57 F56/ Long Jump T11 T Long Jump T12 T Long Jump T20 T Long Jump T37 T Long Jump T38 T Long Jump T42 T Long Jump T44 T43/ Long Jump T47 T45/46/ P a g e 13 Version /2/17

14 Appendix 2 Appeal Process ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2017 WORLD PARA ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SELECTION APPEALS PROCEDURE REGULATION As the IPC deadline for entries is 8 June 2017 and there are only limited options for changing athletes within the IPC entry system after that date, the default Athletics Australia Selection Appeal provisions (By Law 8) will not be appropriate in the circumstances. In lieu thereof, the following Fast Track procedure will apply in accordance with these Regulations. 1. The Selection Appeals Tribunal will consist of one person only who shall preferably be knowledgeable both of the sport of athletics and the law, but at least one of those areas; 2. An athlete not selected in the, may appeal his/her non-selection to the Selection Appeals Tribunal in accordance with this process. 3. The appeal must be made in writing and reach the CEO of Athletics Australia by hand delivery, facsimile or electronic transmission by no later than five (5) hours after the posting of the final team selections (or subsequent alterations thereto) on the Athletics Australia website, which unless otherwise advised shall be 12 noon (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on Wednesday 7 June An athlete may not appeal unless he/she has achieved the relevant AA Selection Standard for the event in respect of which the appeal is made. 5. The appeal must be accompanied by a cash or electronic funds transfer payment of $AUD500. If the fee is not paid, the athlete will be deemed to have withdrawn the appeal. 6. The sole grounds of appeal are that: (a) (b) (c) a selected athlete whom the Appellant seeks to replace does not meet the Athlete Eligibility Criteria; the Appellant s omission from the Team was otherwise a result of a failure by the Selectors to properly apply the Selection Criteria set out in the Policy; there were no grounds on which the selection decision could reasonably be based. 7. The Appellant can withdraw an appeal at any time. 8. The Tribunal will hear the appeal either in person or by telephone as soon as practicable after its lodgement and always bearing in mind the advice of the CEO as to the practicalities of being able to make any necessary changes within the World Para Athletics entry system. P a g e 14 Version /2/17

15 9. If the appeal has no impact on any other athlete (ie there is a vacancy available within the World Para Athletics entry rules), the Tribunal will consider submissions, either orally or in writing, from or on behalf of the Appellant and the Selectors only. The Tribunal may consult any officer of Athletics Australia or other person it deems necessary to reach a fair and correct decision 10. If the appeal impacts on an athlete already selected (i.e. the appeal if successful would involve the substitution of that athlete with the Appellant), the Tribunal will also consider submissions by or on behalf of that athlete. 11. If more than one appeal affects selection in the same event, the appeals will be held concurrently and submissions considered from all relevant parties according to regulations 9 and The Tribunal has no power of selection or re-selection. The Tribunal may review the matter(s) set out in the appeal and may (as appropriate) refer the matter back to The Selectors for consideration. 13. The decision of the Tribunal will be binding on the parties and no further appeal, including to CAS, shall be allowed. 14. Hearing of the Appeal (a) The Tribunal shall, as soon as practical after receiving the appeal documents, investigate and consider the matter and determine whether: (1) the matter should be dismissed because, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there is no credible evidence, submission or argument upon which the Tribunal could be satisfied that a ground of the appeal can be made out; or (2) the appeal should be the subject of a hearing as set below. (b) (c) (d) If the Tribunal determines the matter should be dismissed under Regulation 14(a)(1) above that decision is final and the appeal has failed. If the Tribunal determines that the appeal should be dismissed without a hearing, the Appellant's appeal fee of $500 is forfeited to Athletics Australia as the costs of the appeal. If the Tribunal determines the matter warrants a hearing, the Tribunal will advise the Appellant and set the date for such a hearing as soon as practicable and necessary having regard to the timing of selection and the proximity of relevant events, in accordance with Regulation 8. The Tribunal must conduct any appeal hearing as follows: (1) it must observe the principles of natural justice; (2) it is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself as to any matter in such manner as it thinks fit; (3) it will conduct its hearings with as little formality and technicality and with as much expedition as the proper consideration of the matter permits; (4) hearings may occur in such manner as the Tribunal decides; P a g e 15 Version /2/17

16 (5) the Appellant must establish one or more grounds of appeal to the reasonable satisfaction of the Tribunal with full regard to the importance and gravity of the issue; (6) all persons appearing before the Tribunal have the right, at his, her or its expense, to legal representation; (e) Following consideration of all information that the Tribunal considers relevant the Tribunal shall arrive at a finding; (1) the Tribunal shall notify the CEO of its findings as soon as practicable; (2) if the Tribunal considers the ground(s) alleged by the Appellant to be made out, it shall recommend that The Selectors reconsider the relevant selection or nomination decision; (3) where the Tribunal considers that a ground of appeal has been made out, it may stipulate that all or part of the appeal fee be refunded to the Appellant; (4) The Selectors shall comply with any direction of the Tribunal to reconsider the relevant selection or nomination decision; (5) any further nomination or selection decision of The Selectors under the direction of the Tribunal shall be final and binding, and no further appeal shall be available to the Appellant in respect of that selection. P a g e 16 Version /2/17