Update On BSS U16 Squad Selection Procedures
On February 3rd BSS published a document relating to the overall structure of U16 and U14 squads and race allocation. This notice provides an update specifically related to selection processes for the BSS U16 squad.
Invitation to Trial
As in previous years the selection process for the BSS U16 squad will be a two stage selection process. The first of these stages involves qualifying for an invitation to trial.
- Invitations will be based on race results across the year. The panel will take into account performance in the following races: BARSC, Anglo-Scottish, Welsh, English, British and Scottish. The panel will make a judgement as to the weight that should be given to each set of races relating to the size and quality of fields.
- BSS is currently hoping that the selection meeting will take place in the week beginning Monday April 14th.
- On that basis BSS is hoping to inform its list of invited athletes by Friday April 18th.
- There will as normal be a five day period for appeals. The process for this is as outlined in the document published on February 3rd and it will be attached to the list of invited athletes.
- In addition there will be a five day window over the same period for the lodgement of coaches’ recommendations. As previously outlined these will be limited to one per coaching organisation per gender from each of the two relevant years of birth. However BSS has taken the view that it will not now be in a position to process any video evidence in a timely fashion and BSS will accept up to 600 words of written evidence in support of such recommendations.
- BSS remains interested in advice on athletes who are potentially GBR qualified but who have been racing under other jurisdictions. BSS will use its judgement on whether to accept such individuals for trials.
Conduct of Trials
These trials will be conducted as part of the wider Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport England trials. These are both currently expected to take place on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th, though precise arrangements have not yet been published. The following points need to be borne in mind:
- While BSS and the Home Nations have had a great deal of dialogue, the process of that dialogue has started too late this season to have all parties conducting trials on precisely the same basis.
- BSS is hoping that comparable Athletic Capacity Evaluations (ACE) take place at both weekends. The details of the ACE should now be available on the BSS website using the following link: Athletic Capacity Evaluations. Within that document there should be the capacity to click through for a video of each of the exercises.
- BSS may use this evaluation in two ways. It may exclude athletes with very weak performance from the squad. It may also use absolute levels of performance and any progress measured over the year as a supplementary guide to international race allocation where appropriate.
- It is not now likely that BSS will use multiple choice questionnaires to help assess sports nutrition and performance sports psychology knowledge.
- Both SSE and SSS are currently envisaging a small fee to cover the cost of arranging these days and we anticipate that fee will also apply to athletes present by virtue of a BSS invitation.
- BSS may accept video evidence for the ACE from athletes who have good reason for not being able to attend the trials.
Final Selection to Squads
- BSS does not currently have a specific date set for the selection meetings due to take place following the trial weekends. However it expects this process to be complete within ten days, after which BSS will publish its proposed lists of BSS U16 squad members.
- There will be then a period of five days for any further appeals and if that process results in any changes these will then be announced.
Further Comments
- As previously announced, being a member of the BSS U16 squad will be a pre-requisite for early season international race allocation, currently due to be announced in September.
- However being a member of the BSS U16 squad will not guarantee an international race allocation either in the early season or New Year allocations.
- BSS is re- examining its proposed program of introduction to support services for the U16 squad. Further updates can be expected and will certainly be communicated to squad members during May.
- BSS expects to host an open meeting during the British Children’s Championships in Meribel where it will present on the BSS U16 squad and hopefully generate a useful discussion on a series of matters surrounding U16, U14 and possibly U12 ski racing. It is currently hoped that this might take place after the Team Captain’s meeting during the early evening of either Monday April 7th or Tuesday April 8th.
