ITU Open Elite Triathlon Long Distance World Championships
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain 29th July 2012
4km Swim/ 120km Bike / 30km Run
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Strategic direction of Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ), with regard to the selection policy, is to retain and develop talent. Athletes will only be selected in representative teams if the athlete has demonstrated they have the ability to perform with distinction on the World stage.
1.2 This Policy details the process and criteria by which Tri NZ determines the TEAM members for the Elite Triathlon Long Distance New Zealand Team for the ITU Triathlon World Championships (TWC).
1.3 Tri NZ reserves the right, at any time, to amend alter or withdraw any clause in its Elite Tri NZ Selection Policy for any legitimate purpose in the best interest of Tri NZ and the sport. Tri NZ shall not be responsible or liable in anyway to any person as a result of such amendment.
1.4 Tri NZ will circulate the Elite Tri NZ Selection Policy to its members and will list the Policy on the Tri NZ web site. Athlete members will be responsible for ensuring they are fully aware and understand the Policy and its contents and any such changes to the Policy should they occur.
1.5 The above Policy is contingent on the International Triathlon Union making no change to the current Race Competition Rules on Elite team size or other eligibility specifications for nations competing at the TWC.
1.6 The terms of this Policy do not require Tri NZ to select the maximum number of males and females to the Elite TEAM. Final TEAM numbers are at the discretion of the HP Elite Selectors as set out in this Policy.
2. ELIGIBILITY
2.1 There are specific rules laid down by the ITU regarding eligibility when competing for a National Federation (NF). Rules regarding nationality and citizenship are based on the conditions laid down in the charter of the International Olympic Committee. The requirements for team members are:
a) Competitors must hold a valid license in their NF.
b) Competitors under suspension by ITU or any other NF will not be eligible to compete in ITU competitions.
c) Citizens of a country may represent that country (NF) in ITU competitions. A competitor who has represented one country (NF) in the ITU World Championships may not represent another country (NF) in the World Championships during the same and the next calendar year without the agreement of both NF's concerned.
d) A competitor who possesses dual nationality may only represent one country during the same calendar year. If the competitor chooses to represent the other country in question, he/she must inform both NF's in writing, and during the same and following calendar year he/she shall not be able to represent either of the two countries in the ITU World Championships without the approval of both NF's concerned.
e) A competitor may represent the country of his/her birth and of which he/she is a citizen unless he/she opts to take the nationality of his/her father or mother.
f) A naturalized competitor may not participate in an ITU World Championship to represent his/her new country during the same and the next calendar year without the approval of both NF's concerned. The period following naturalization may be reduced or canceled with the agreement of the NF's concerned and approval of the ITU Executive Board.
g) If a new country recognized by the IOC and ITU is created, a competitor may continue to represent the country to which he/she belongs or belonged. However, he/she may choose to represent his/her new NF if one exists. This choice may only be made once.
h) Athletes residing in a country for at least three years since the date when they last represented another NF in any ITU sanctioned event may compete for their country of residence if the two NF's concerned and the ITU Executive Board agree. This period of residence may be reduced to one year, if the two NF's concerned and the ITU Executive Board agree
An athlete may represent his/her new federation in International Competitions after completing a period of three years continuous residence in his/her new country
3. ITU COMPETITION RULES
3.1 Maximum of six (6) male and six (6) female athletes per country, (exact numbers to be confirmed by the ITU) selected by their National Federation (NF) will be eligible to compete at the ITU Elite Long Distance Triathlon World Championships
4. Tri NZ SELECTION CRITERIA
4.1 Tri NZ selectors may select any athlete who is eligible as per ITU rules, and who has made themselves available for selection. An athlete must be eligible as per the ITU rules to be considered for selection.
4.2 Any athlete who finishes in the top 3 in the previous year's Elite Long Distance World Championship will be automatically selected for the following year's 2012 World Championships.
4. 3 Any athlete who wins the selection race; 2012 Port of Tauranga half Ironman (7th January 2012) will gain automatic selection.
4.4 After allocation of automatic selection positions as per 4.2 and 4.3 above athletes finishing within 8% of the winner at the selection race will be considered for selection. If any athlete has already qualified in point 4.2 or 4.3 the spot may roll down as long as they are within 8% of the winner and the team numbers has not reached more than 5
4.5 The 6th spot if chosen will be awarded at the absolute discretion of the Tri NZ Elite Selectors.
4.6 Tri NZ may consider special circumstances applications from athletes who have been unable to race in the selection race. Applications for special circumstance will be considered at selectors' discretion. Athletes must submit an application for special circumstance to the Tri NZ office no later than 30 days prior to the selection race.
4.7 Elite athletes with consistent and proven world-class international results may apply for a discretionary selection if there are any remaining spots available after the National Selection Race. This however must be preceded by a Dispensation form.
4.8 Athletes selected for the NZ elite team must compete and travel at their own expense.
5. Injury, Illness and Fitness
5.1 Selectors have the right to require an athlete to submit to a fitness test and/or medical examination solely to determine an athlete's readiness to perform at any ITU World Series Race.
5.2 If a selected TEAM member is found to be injured or ill subsequent to selection, their continued status as a TEAM member will be re-assessed by Tri NZ in consultation with the Tri NZ Medical Personal or nominated representative
6. GENERAL SELECTION
6.1. The nominated provisional team will be submitted to the HP Advisory Group of Triathlon New Zealand for ratification.
6.2. Athletes agree to their medical records being released to the relevant medical committee
7. Tri NZ FUNDING
7.1 Unless Tri NZ obtains funding to send a TEAM to the World Championships TEAM members will be required to fund their own travel and accommodation expenses.
7.2 If self funded Tri NZ recommends its official Travel Agency (House of Travel, Christchurch), who are specialised in travel and accommodation issues for triathletes.
7.3 If funded by Tri NZ, it is required to book through the official Tri NZ Travel Agency.
8. ATHLETE AGREEMENT
8.1 All members of the TEAM will be required to sign an Athlete Agreement and abide by Tri NZ rules which incorporate World Anti Doping Agency Rules distributed by Tri NZ within 14 days of the announcement of the TEAM.
8.2 Any selected member of the TEAM not willing to sign the agreement, which meets the minimum requirements laid down by Tri NZ, will be removed from the team.
9. APPEAL AGAINST NON SELECTION
9.1 Any elite member who has satisfied the above Eligibility Criteria and who has lodged a Nomination Form as per the requirements of this Policy and considered for selection by the Tri NZ Selection Panel may appeal against their non-selection.
9.2 Any appeal against non-selection must be in writing and clearly outline the basis for the appeal. Appeal against non-selection must be accompanied by a Bank Cheque for $50.00 and forwarded to the Tri NZ Office within seven (7) days of the announcement of the provisional TEAM.
Contact for race entry and further information:
Claire Attwood if you are an age group athlete or an athlete not currently in the High Performance Programme Claire.attwood@triathlon.org.nz
