Following a selection process review in late 2024, updates are being proposed to the GBR selection process to, where possible, reduce the time between selection point and publication.
The GBR selection process typically starts after the selection points (published in GBR Calendars). Published selection points are the cut-off date competitions stop counting towards a selection. There is still a series of steps to go through before selections are published as laid out here:
GBR SELECTION TIMELINE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
The introduction of the new FFE, U23 and U14 events, on top of a very busy GBR calendar, has put an additional burden on the executive team and the volunteers that support them in the selection process (e.g. ranking coordinators and independent selectors).
Volunteers often have other (typically full-time) jobs and cannot meet the continual requirement to engage in the current ranking and selection activity volume in the required timescales.
We recognise the previously expressed desire of the community (fencers, parents, and coaches) to ensure that multiple layers of the executive team and independent panels appropriately review selections. However, the amount of additional resources required to deliver this for every selection is not sustainable and would require significant additional staff or volunteer time for us even to meet the current 7 working day target between selection point and publication.
Following significant delays affecting some selections, the executive team has been discussing with coaches and selectors to identify potential improvements. As a result of the review, the proposals are as follows:
1 . Nominated EFC Circuit and FIE Satellites
(EFC U17 (Cadet) Circuit events, EFC U23 Circuit events, EFC U23 FFE events, FIE Satellites)
Rationale: Most EFC Circuit events have such a large enough entry that, in most cases, discretionary isn’t used, and selectors have found themselves ratifying the rankings were used correctly rather than adding value to the selection itself.
Additional Notes: Should a discretionary selection be used, a conversation with one of the selectors in advance will allow the case to be made on behalf of those athletes and reviewed promptly.
2. FIE Junior World Cups and FIE Senior World Cups and Grand Prix events
Rationale: These events have a restricted number of individual and team (only one team) places available where non-selection can significantly impact athlete development goals, e.g. to make qualification standards, fence as part of the single team, or get the opportunity to transition to the higher age groups at the appropriate time.
Additional notes: To make the selector review process more efficient, the executive team will ensure that the selectors are engaged in early conversations about the intended use of discretionary places. In this way, when discretionary places are proposed, they should reflect those discussions and require less time to review.
3. Major Championships
The selection process for Major Championships (all European and World Championships) will remain the same. We intend to continue selecting qualified athletes as early as possible (after the 1st selection point).
If anyone is aware of selections not published 7 working days after the selection point, please email [email protected] with Selection Delay in the subject line.
If you have any comments about these proposals, please feedback here.
The GBR Selection Policy will be reviewed to check whether implementing these operational proposals requires any policy change. If so, implementation may be delayed as an updated document will be presented to the Board for approval.
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