Whilst it has not yet been finalised in detail yet, I thought it would be appropriate at this time , with just over  two years  to go, to outline the likely selection policy, and timescales involved, in athlete selection for the London Olympic team.

Please note that this not the final selection policy.  That will be published after further consultation, along the proposed time schedule listed, in quarter four 2010.  Nothing in this document is binding on either British Shooting, or the British Olympic Association.

As you may be aware, the team for the Olympics is a nomination from British Shooting to the British Olympic Association, and it is the BOA who will have the final say on team membership. As we have a home Olympics for the first time since quota places have been introduced to the Olympics, we are in the unique position of having ‘host country’ quota places in certain events. The BOA, in conjunction with British Shooting, will therefore set a minimum qualifying standard to be achieved before selection can be considered.  This qualifying standard (OQS) will be published in the time schedule at the end of this note, but is likely to based on a score that would have achieved the top half of the field in the Beijing Olympics (see schedule below for these scores by event). In addition, this OQS should be achieved at a major international match in 2011. A major International match is defined as a European/World Championships, or World Cup. Scores achieved at the 2010 ISSF World Championships in Munich may also be considered.

The British Shooting provisional long list selection will then be made in October 2011 by the British Shooting Olympic Performance Group (OPG) in conjunction with the discipline coaches, based on results achieved in the major matches, and subject to athletes having achieved the OQS. This selection will be then proposed to the BOA for ratification.

Although the primary focus for selection will be London 2012, in exceptional circumstances consideration may be given to athletes more likely to medal in Rio 2016

Additional quota places won by individuals for Great Britain will also be filled using the same selection procedure.

Events with host quota places, where there is the possibility of an athlete with an OQS in another event ‘crossing over’, or there is no ‘clear’ candidate, may be subject to a final trial for selection, if needed. Venue and date for the trial to be decided , but probably early March 2012.

The OPG will confirm the final Olympic Team selection (March 2012) in time for the team, plus nominated reserves, to be entered for, and compete in the London 2012 World Cup (Olympic test event) planned for April 2012 on the new Woolwich range.

The full selection policy complete with OQS by event, once ratified, will be published on the British Shooting web site in Q4 2010.

I would welcome comments from prospective team members regarding these proposals, any feedback will be looked at and considered by the OPG prior to publication of the final selection policy

For any further information, please contact me at the either through the British Shooting Office, or at the email address listed below

Phil Scanlan, Team Leader

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Scores from Beijing Olympics required to achieve top half of field

Likely Timescale

2010

Q1 Discussions between NGB’s (British Shooting) and BOA re OQS commence

Q2 IOC/IF OQS Documents released

Q3 BOA/NGB  OQS Agreement and schedules

Q4 Present findings to October BOA and NOC board meetings for final decision and sign off. Once OQS agreed between BOA and NGB, this wil be a legally binding agreement

Q4 Publication of final Olympic selection procedure

2011

Q1 – Q3 Athletes competing in major international events for GB

Q3 OPG meet to review all athletes with OQS achieved, and select long list of team to fill quota places available. Events where GB has a quota place with no athlete qualified, may be returned to ISSF, or exchanged for another event if allowable.

Q3 Long list of athletes submitted to BOA

2012

Q2 Any final trial, if needed, will take place

Q2 OPG will select final team for Olympics, plus nominated reserves, for submission to BOA

Q2 Team selected for Olympic Games only, including nominated reserves,  will compete in London 2012 World Cup (19 – 28 April)

27th July  Opening Ceremony London Olympic Games

28th July Shooting Events commence