Feedback from Part 1 of the consultation on the 23-24 GBR Selection Policy which focussed on the eligibility and qualification standards for EFC/FIE events.
Part 1 of the consultation period opened on 23rd June 2023, and the form for responses remained open until 6th August 2023.
8 members responded to the Consultation.
1. Clarification on eligibility to fence for GBR
6.1 1. The Athlete must hold a valid British passport or proof of British citizenship, stored and approved on Sport80. For FIE competitions, a full British Passport is required.
No Feedback
2. World & European Qualification Standards – Percentage Finish and European Games inclusion (7.2 e)
The qualification percentages will be adjusted in line with the variation in performance standards achieved in the age groups. Seniors will remain at 40%, whilst marginally higher percentages are being introduced for Juniors and Cadets.
e) from their best three (of a minimum of three) Nominated International Competitions in the same competitive age category, their final individual placing percentages average less than or equal to:
· Seniors and U23s Only: 40%*
· Juniors Only: 38%*
· Cadets Only: 35%*
* Nominated International Competitions in the same competitive age category from competitions held during the current season plus the previous season’s European Championships, European Games (Senior’s only) and World Championships. Percentages are calculated based on the actual number of athletes who started the competition, not on athletes who entered or failed to appear at the start.
Feedback – We received 3 pieces of feedback from three representatives of the same club commenting that ability to count prior season European, and World Championships should not be introduced. For clarity, these results were included last year – this wasn’t a new change – see last year’s policy 58.e.
3. World & European Qualification Standards – Additional Qualification Standard for Senior Major Events
To qualify through the percentage finish performance route (as described above), athletes must have won one Direct Elimination match or made two L64s (where a complete L128 exists) during that competitive season in the relevant competitive age category in Nominated International Competitions.
No Feedback
4. World & European Qualification Standards – Additional Qualification Standard, Junior
Notwithstanding the qualifying standard for individual events, any weapon placed in the Top 16 of the Senior/Junior FIE World Cup team rankings as of the selection date may send a whole team of four athletes to the respective Senior/Junior European or World Championships.
Feedback – a query was raised as to the meaning. For clarity, this means if a Junior Women’s Epee Team is ranked in the top 16 in the Junior World Rankings at the selection point for Junior World Championships, then a team of four Junior Women’s Epeeists would be selected for the Women’s Epee Team event at the Junior World Championships. These athletes could then also fence in the individual Women’s Epee event in accordance with the existing Selection Policy, which sets out the circumstances under which an athlete selected for the team can fence in the individual (e.g. cannot displace an individually qualified athlete).
5. FIE Satellite Standards – Increase the number of eligible seniors (top 30 to top 50):
Be in the:
a) Top fifty(50) ranked athletes in the British Senior Ranking at the time of entry opening
Feedback – there was only support expressed for this change
6. No obligation to fill discretionary places for FIE World Cups
Where most athletes qualify for selection based on BF rankings (top 8), selectors are not required to fill all discretionary places or list reserves.
Feedback – 6 of the 8 respondents felt that BF should fill all 12 World Cup places at the selection point. There was, however, recognition of the additional administrative resources to manage reserves, particularly in Senior selections where reserves are not automatically invited should an athlete fail to confirm the selection by date. Respondents also raised concerns over delays in Selection Panel decisions on some weapons.
The team will discuss this feedback further, as BF intends to fill all places where possible. Still, we have been experiencing administrative and welfare challenges that need to be addressed before we can guarantee all places are filled for every World Cup at the Junior and Senior levels on time.
On a related note, some respondents felt that senior athletes ranked 9-12 would be permanently excluded from the top 8 if they could not fence FIE World Cups. As a reminder, there is an opportunity for all senior athletes in the top 50 to gain international points through performances at FIE Satellites. In all weapons, these would provide the opportunity to move into the top 8. In the majority of weapons, strong domestic performances will also allow athletes to make the top 8. Athletes and coaches who are concerned or unfamiliar with the system are strongly encouraged to attend upcoming ADP sessions on the ranking and selection rules.
The next step of the consultation will be the updated Policy document to include clarifications and updates on the Discretionary elements. Part 3 is expected to include a review of the Para Fencing elements of the policy.
If you have any questions about this post, please submit them to us via the form here, and an ADP team member will return to you.
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