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Singapore Disability Sports Council

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International Competitions

Athlete Selection Criteria for Overseas Competition

We have hereby provided information regarding:


These are useful information for reference if an athlete is interested in participating in selection trials for overseas competitions.

We encourage all VWOs and other organisations to send their athletes, who fulfill the requirements, for selection trials, as international competitions offer invaluable experiences and opportunities to learn from athletes from other countries.

Athlete Selection Criteria for Overseas Competitions

Selection trials, conducted by coaches, are open to anyone who is credible and interested in taking part. The participant must show commitment to take part in the competition and sign a letter of undertaking that he will take part in the competition if selected.

For sports that are measurable in terms of timings, distance achieved and variable readings (highest, shortest, heaviest, etc), the following objective criteria will be used (not in any order of importance): -

  • Minimum qualifying results/ timings/ distance/ readings to be eligible for the level of competition;

  • Best results/ timings/ distance/ readings for those events achieved during the last official competition (local and/or overseas) within the past six months;

  • Best results/ timings/ distance/ readings achieved during the arranged time trials (local and/or overseas);

  • Attendances during training / preparatory sessions;

  • Passing of any necessary medical examinations as prescribed by SDSC; and

  • No history of misconduct as an athlete (within the past 2 years)

Certain sports are not measured or timed events.  In the selection of athletes who will compete together as a team, it is difficult to make selection decisions based solely upon objective criteria.  All components of the selection criteria, both objective and subjective, have to be considered in order to select the best athletes who will perform as the best possible team.

Therefore, in addition to the objective criteria mentioned above, the following subjective criteria will be used for team sports (eg, WC Tennis doubles, relay teams, team sports, 3-man sailing crew, etc) (not in any order of importance):-

  • Coach’s report (eg, potential, medal prospects, etc);

  • Sports Development Officer’s report;

  • Sports Development Manager’s report;

  • Disciplinary records (within the past two years);

  • Attendances during training / preparatory sessions;

  • Other extenuating reports / compelling reasons. (eg, behaviour, commitment and attitude during training, potential, etc)

The applicant who is selected during the selection trials and who chooses to accept the letter of selection thereafter must abide by all rules and conditions laid by the Council, similar to any athlete from the training squad.

Removal of Selected Athlete

The Council reserves the right to remove the applicant from the selection at any point in time and is not at liberty to justify the removal of the applicant. The athlete will be notified in writing of the decision within 7 days.

Withdrawal from Selection

The responsibility is on the athlete to give serious thought to his or her acceptance of the letter of selection. The athlete must be transparent and honest in communicating, to the Council, any impending issues that may adversely affect participation in the competition that he or she is selected for.

An athlete who has accepted the letter of selection may only withdraw from the selection for the following reasons: -

  • Injury sustained during training/accident (certified by a medical doctor);

  • Sudden illness (certified by a medical doctor);

  • Compassionate grounds (e.g. bereavement of a relative, spouse/child is hospitalized, etc);

  • Examinations/work attachments (verified by school /employer); or

  • Other unexpected life events that may affect the focus and morale of the athlete.

Should an athlete withdraw from the team without a valid and acceptable reason, he is liable to SDSC for the reimbursement of any costs incurred during the preparations for the competition.

Should an athlete choose not to participate in the competition at the last minute, he or she will be barred from taking part in trials for all future competitions in the next three years.

Appeal of Athlete for Selection

An athlete who is not selected may appeal against a decision of the Council, within five days after receiving notice of the decision, by lodging a notice of appeal with the Secretary. The appeal must fulfill the following:-

  • The appeal must reach the Council within five working days upon the release of the selection list by the coaches to the athletes in their respective sports; and

  • the appeal is only valid if the athlete fulfills the objective criteria for selection trials; and

  • that there are other substantial factors to support his appeal for inclusion in the selection (eg, strong coach’s recommendation, etc)

Upon notification of any appeal, the Selection Committee will make a recommendation to the Council with 14 working days.

The Council reserves the right not to entertain any appeals if the selection criteria are not fulfilled.

Should the Council accept the appeal, the athlete will be offered the letter of selection.

Should the Council reject the appeal, the athlete will be notified in writing of the decision within 7 days. The Council’s decision is final.