GB Youth Team Selection Policy
2024 FIBA U16, U18 and U20 European Championships
Selection Policy
Version 1 – 1st January 2024
Contents
- Introduction and Summary
- Aim of Selection
- Eligibility
- Process
- Selection Panel
- Selection Criteria
- Reserves and De-selection
- Appeals
- Data Protection
- Review and Access
- Definitions, Interpretation and Additional Information
- Introduction and Summary
1.1. The purpose of this document is to outline a clear, transparent and inclusive process for the selection of the Great Britain (GB) Basketball teams for the 2024 FIBA U16, U18 and U20 European Championships.
1.2. British Basketball Federation (a company limited by guarantee with registered number 06144448) (“BBF”) is a Member Federation of the Federation Internationale de Basketball (“FIBA”), the international governing body of Basketball and is the national governing body responsible for
regulating within its jurisdiction the participation of persons as competitors in all disciplines of the sport of basketball (“Basketball”) representing Great Britain (“GB”). BBF is responsible for determining the selection framework for all Players representing GB.
1.3. The 2024 FIBA U16, U18 and U20 European Championships (Division B) are to be held in the
below locations on the following dates;
Age Group | Location | Date | Division |
Under 16 Men | Skopje, MKD | 8-17th August | B |
Under 16 Women | Konya, TUR | 15-24th August | B |
Under 18 Men | Skopje, MKD | 26th July-4th August | B |
Under 18 Women | Ploiesti, ROU | 2-11th August | B |
Under 20 Men | Pitesti, ROU | 12-21st July | B |
Under 20 Women | Sofia, BUL | 06-14th July | B |
1.4. The BBF will select teams final teams no less than 10 days before the start of the Event. There will be a squad selection process which takes place prior to this final team selection which is outlined fully later in this document.
1.5. The Selection Panel will consider Eligible players against the relevant Selection Criteria in order to select the players they feel make up the team most effectively able to meet the Aim.
1.6. The Head Coaches and Selection Panel will not take account of any verbal or written agreements with any individual player, meaning that no player or players should have any ‘legitimate expectation to be selected’ other than through following the process as set out in this document.
1.7. The final number of players selected for GB Basketball teams will be dependent on the overall team size as determined by FIBA.
1.8. The BBF remains committed to ensuring that players and teams have a positive experience when representing Great Britain. This principle will be applied throughout the selection process.
- Aim of Selection
2.1. The selection panel will select players to make up the team that they feel is most able to achieve the following Aim;
2.1.1. GB U16, U18 and U20 teams at the 2024 European Championships
2.1.1.1. Aim – to provide opportunities for players to gain international game experience who have potential to represent GB Basketball at senior level in future EuroBasket, World Cups or Olympic Games.
2.2. The desired performance outcome for the GB U16, U18 and U20’s teams is to gain promotion to division A, but this will be done so whilst being guided by the above Aim
- Eligibility
3.1. To be eligible to compete at the 2024 FIBA U16, U18 and U20 European Championships as part of the team, each player shall:
3.1.1. fully comply with this policy;
3.1.2. provide accurate and complete information and evidence as required by the BBF to confirm eligibility;
3.1.3. hold a valid British passport and be eligible to represent Great Britain;
3.1.3.1. in line with EU requirements, players must ensure their passport was issued within the 10 years before day of travel to competition and is valid for at least 3 months on return to the UK. Please see UK government advice for full information
3.1.3.2. players are responsible for ensuring they are eligible to travel to the Schengen area of Europe in line with the 90/180 rule. Please see UK government advice for full information
3.1.4. satisfy the BBF, FIBA, UK Sport and BOA (where relevant) rules and Eligibility criteria on playing at the Event;
3.1.5. hold a valid international player licence issued by The BBF and FIBA;
3.1.6. not to be subject to any live sanction issued by The BBF, UK Anti-Doping, FIBA or one of the three Basketball HCA’s;
3.1.7. have signed, and remain compliant with, the BBF Player Agreement
3.1.8. agree to comply with any BBF and/or HCA Regulations, Code of Conduct and Policies in force from time to time, which may be published on The BBF or HCA websites, or available on request from The BBF, which agreement shall be assumed by the acceptance of the offer selection for the team and any of the 3 stages of the Selection Process;
3.1.9. agree to comply with the FIBA and UK Anti-Doping rules and anti-doping testing policies. Those notified players on the National and/or International testing pools agree to comply with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standard for Testing with
regard to ADAMS and whereabouts information. Agreement shall be assumed by the acceptance of the offer selection for the team and any of the 3 stages of the Selection Process;
3.1.10.complete all elements of player education as outlined by the BBF and/or HCA representatives. Including but not limited to UKAD clean sport education;
3.1.11.not be serving a ban from participation in the sport for any reason (including but not limited to, as a result of being found guilty of a doping offence or being found guilty of an offence relating to betting, manipulation of results, corrupt conduct, inside information) at the time of
selection and/or at the time of the Event;
3.1.12.provide proof of having undergone cardiac screening resulting in a cardiac fitness to participate report to The BBF or have provided a signed disclaimer which has been certified on medical or religious grounds, before the Selection Panel takes place or within such reasonable time as provided for by the Selection Panel;
3.1.13.hold a valid Global Health Insurance Certificate;
3.1.14.submit to all standard health, medical and performance screening and testing required by The BBF. All such screening and/or testing will be conducted consistently for all players, with health and medical testing done in the interests of player health and safety only.
3.1.15.meet the Age Eligibility of the Championship Squad with which they seek to be part of. The Age Eligibility for each of the Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 categories is contained within the table below:
Age Group | Age Eligibility |
Under 16 Men | Born on 1st January 2008 or after this date |
Under 16 Women | |
Under 18 Men | Born on 1st January 2006 or after this date |
Under 18 Women | |
Under 20 Men | Born on 1st January 2004 or after this date |
Under 20 Women |
3.2. Failure to provide the information as required by The BBF prior to any stipulated deadline may result in the Selection Panel rescinding the player’s selection, in which case the player shall be notified in writing.
3.3. Any issues relating to the eligibility of a Player under this Policy will be determined by BBF;
3.3.1. In any circumstances where the eligibility of a player is questioned or disputed by a third party, the BBF will work with the Player to undertake a sensitive and confidential review of their circumstances. The BBF shall have the authority to take all appropriate measures for the determination of the eligibility of the Player, if it considers that there are grounds to do so. BBF will only consider reasonable third-party requests which are submitted in writing, and which the BBF considers clearly sets out the grounds upon which the Player’s eligibility is questioned and/or disputed.
3.3.2. In such cases, if they wish to retain their eligibility to compete as part of a Team the Player must cooperate fully and in good faith with that investigation. Where necessary to safeguard the fairness and/or integrity of competition and/or the safety of the competitors, BBF may provisionally suspend the Player from a team pending resolution of the matter, provided that in such cases all reasonable efforts will be used to complete the investigation as quickly as possible.
4. Process
4.1. The selection process will take place in three stages to ensure optimal composition of team and the ability for the team to adequately prepare for the Event.
4.2. It is acknowledged that Basketball is a team sport and whilst players can do a great deal to develop/perform as an individual, ultimately that player has to be able to realise their potential and perform within a team. Acknowledgement is made that in selecting for a team sport, factors such as the combination of players, positions and the balance of a team shall be taken into account by the Selection Panel at all times in determining Selection to the applicable team.
4.3. Player eligibility will be determined by the BBF in accordance with the eligibility criteria outlined in this policy.
4.4. Stage 1 – Long list
4.4.1. a ‘long list’ will be identified by the Head Coach of each team no less than 30 days before the first activity taking place;
4.4.2. In some cases, the long list may be invited to a selection camp, try-out or combine in order to aid identification of players for squad selection (stage 2). This process may be to allow coaches to see players on court, or for performance and medical testing and screening to occur.
4.4.3. the long list of players will be asked to declare their availability, commitment and health and fitness status; 4.4.4. this long list will be proposed by the Head Coach and ratified by the BBF Performance Lead;
4.4.5. the Head Coach may consult with other performance staff in the team, HCA Performance Leads, and the Selection Panel;
4.4.6. this will be done on an informal basis (i.e. without a formal selection meeting) but will be guided by the Aim and Selection Criteria where relevant as outlined in sections 2 and 6 of this document;
4.4.7. For the avoidance of doubt, due to the number of players involved at this stage of the process, there will be no right to appeal long-list decisions. 4.5. Stage 2 – Squad Selection
4.5.1. a short list of up to 18 players from the ‘long list’ selected at stage 1 will be invited to the initial training camp, making up the ‘Squad’. This number may increase at the discretion of the BBF Performance Lead;
4.5.2. players will be informed of their selection no less than 14 days before the first training camp;
4.5.3. the Squad list will be proposed by the Head Coach and ratified by the BBF Performance Lead;
4.5.4. the Head Coach may consult with other performance staff in the team, BBF staff, HCA Performance Leads, and the Selection Panel;
4.5.5. throughout camp or camps, the Head Coach may make the decision to remove a player or players from the Squad, or indeed bring other players into the squad. The Head Coach will be guided by the Selection Criteria when making such decisions, and will do so with the guiding intention of meeting the Aim in the most effective way possible;
4.5.5.1. any changes to the Squad will be proposed by the Head Coach and ratified by the BBF Performance Lead;
4.5.5.2. All Players will be informed of any intention to reduce squad size at any point throughout the process when reductions are made for performance reasons. Players will be notified of any associated timelines at least 7 days prior to decision making.
4.5.6. this will be done on an informal basis (i.e. without a formal selection meeting) but will be guided by the Aim and Selection Criteria where relevant as outlined in sections 2 and 6 of this document;
4.5.7. For the avoidance of doubt, due to the number of players involved at this stage of the process, there will be no right to appeal squad selection decisions. 4.6. Stage 3 – Final Team Selection
4.6.1. the Selection Panel will hold a formal meeting with the relevant Head Coach in attendance and will select the final team to play at the Event; 4.6.2. players selected in Stage 2 Camp Selection only will be considered for Selection;
4.6.3. the Head Coach will be asked to share and articulate their recommendations as outlined in Selection Criteria point 6.2.2 with the Selection Panel having the opportunity to understand and constructively challenge the coach recommendations, using them to come to their final decision;
4.6.4. the Selection Panel will consider eligible players (section 3) against the relevant Selection Criteria (section 6) in order to select the players they feel make up the team most able to meet the Aim expressed in section 2.
4.6.5. Players will be informed of their selection no less than 10 days before the first day of the Event.
4.6.6. players will have the right to appeal the decision of the Selection Panel in line with section 8 of this policy;
4.6.7. Once at the Event, the decision on which players start each game and which players start on the bench rests solely with the Head Coach and will take place at the Event. Players will not be permitted any right of appeal at this stage.
4.7. The Selection Panel will consider whether any player ‘plays up’ an age group. Any such decision will be made with the developmental and welfare interests of the player in question as a priority. Head Coaches will be consulted in this decision making, but the Selection Panel will make the final decision.
4.8. The Head Coaches and Selection Panel will not take account of any verbal or written agreements with any individual Player, meaning that no Player or Players shall have any ‘legitimate expectation to be selected’ other than through following the processes contained within this Policy.
4.9. The number of Players selected to represent GB at the Event shall be determined by FIBA.
5. Selection Panel
5.1. Final team selections (stage 3) are made by a Selection Panel appointed by the Chair of the BBF;
5.2. The Selection Panel shall be chaired by the BBF Performance Lead or another individual appointed by the BBF Performance Lead, who will not be a voting member;
5.3. Due to the number of players involved and the timing of the decision making being before camps have taken place, stages 1 and 2 will not take place during a formal selection panel meeting and will instead be undertaken as part of an informal process. This process will be guided, where possible, by the Aim, Selection Criteria and Eligibility outlined in this policy.
5.4. This process will be guided by the Aim, Selection Criteria and Eligibility Criteria outlined in this policy.
5.5. There will be a minimum of 3 voting members on the Panel, which may consist of representation from the following;
5.5.1. Executive or Board members of the BBF;
5.5.2. GB Senior Team Performance staff members;
5.5.3. British Basketball Home Country Association’s (HCA’s) (Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales);
5.5.4. Other external specialists.
5.6. Head Coaches will be present in order to share and articulate their recommended team, but will not be voting members
5.7. In addition to voting members, there will be one or more additional individuals as appointed by the Chair of the BBF (“Independent Observer”). The Independent Observer will not have voting rights but will be present to supervise procedures and to ensure that both due process is followed and that Selection Criteria are appropriately applied.
5.8. There may also be other personnel present in order to ensure smooth running of the process and meeting (e.g. minute taking and administration) and those who require information to be able to perform their roles (e.g. Communications, other Performance Staff members). Any such people will not be voting members.
5.9. The Selection Panel will exercise its discretion fairly and without bias in making its decision.
5.10. The Selection Panel’s decision will be final and binding on all parties. It may only be challenged by way of appeal in accordance with Section 8 of this document.
5.11. The number of Selection Panel voting members must be uneven and decisions will be made by majority vote.
5.12. Any conflicts of interest outside of Home Country Association or club affiliation shall be declared. Where a member of the Selection Panel declares a conflict, the remaining Selection Panel members and the Independent Observer shall determine whether such conflict requires the Selection Panel member to stand down from the Selection Panel. In those circumstances, the Selection Panel shall decide whether a further panel member should be appointed in their place.
6. Selection Criteria
6.1. The multi-faceted nature of team sport makes objective criteria very difficult to define, and thus it is acknowledged there will always be a component of subjective decision making (expert opinion) in regard to final selection of Teams.
6.2. When making its selection decisions, the Selection Panel will consider various factors set out below, in any order and weighting that the Selection Panel reasonably sees fit in order to achieve the Aim set out section 2 of this policy. Such weighting shall be consistently applied to all players within a team and recorded in the selection panel minutes;
6.2.1. whether a player is eligible to play for the GB Basketball Team in line with FIBA regulations and the Eligibility criteria set out in section 6;
6.2.2. the relevant GB Basketball Team Head Coaches’ recommendations;
6.2.2.1. individual player ability;
6.2.2.2. which players make up the team most effectively able to meet the Primary Aim; and
6.2.2.3. individual player future potential for senior level success, as outlined in the Secondary Aim;
6.2.3. the health and fitness status of a player as outlined by the relevant GB team physio or medical personnel, and how this may or may not impact their ability to play at the level required;
6.2.4. whether a player demonstrates the appropriate commitment to the team;
6.2.5. the profile of players selected to ensure optimal team composition, including playing position, adaptability and off-court contribution to the team. The Selection Panel will take account of different combinations of players, and may not necessarily select a player with the best skillset for a specific position, but who may contribute more to team performance than others, in order to achieve the Aim
6.2.6. players’ compliance with the BBF Regulations, any applicable Code of Conduct and any British Basketball Player Agreement entered into with the BBF; and
6.2.7. any other reasonable points the Selection Panel deems necessary.
6.3. In relation to selection based on the secondary aim, the Selection Panel will consider whether the secondary aim can be met in an alternative manner.
7. Reserves and De-selection
7.1. Following selection of players that will make up the team, the Selection Panel will also consider reserve places.
7.1.1. The number of reserve places offered will be at the discretion of the Selection Panel. Reserves may not necessarily be identified for every team and will be selected in line with the Aim and using the same Selection Criteria listed above;
7.1.2. Any reserves identified will not be in priority or number order. Any selection of reserves players will be decided in line with which reserve player can impact the Aim most effectively;
7.1.3. If the requirement to use a reserve player does arise, the panel will agree the inclusion of any such reserve player to the selected team via email, and not reconvene formally, with players only contacted if they are being brought onto the selected team.
7.1.4. There will be no subsequent right of appeal for any unused reserves.
7.2. Where the BBF Performance Lead reasonably feels that any selection no longer meets the Aim, they may reconvene the Selection Panel, who may elect to void the original selection and redo its original selection with all of the rights of appeal.
7.3. There may be circumstances, after the teams or squads have been announced, where selected players and/or reserves are unable to compete in a competition due to illness, injury or for some other reason. Where the number of withdrawals means that there are more places than selected and reserve players, then the selection panel may reconvene to select additional and/or replacement players, in accordance with this policy.
7.4. Selected players must agree to participate fully in the bespoke and generic elements of the GB team preparation for the event. Failure to participate fully without the written and express permission of the BBF Performance Lead or Head Coach may result in a player forfeiting their place in the team. The Selection Panel may (if appropriate) select a replacement player in accordance with this policy.
7.5. Selected players may be required to undergo an assessment (performance, physiological, medical etc.) in the period between the selection date and the Event if the BBF Performance Lead and Head Coach have reason to believe they are not fit to compete or no longer meet the Aim of the process. All assessments will be conducted by an appropriate GB team staff member. Where the assessment results reasonably lead the BBF Performance Lead to conclude that a player is not fit to compete then at the discretion of the BBF Performance Lead such players may be de-selected. There shall be a right of appeal against any de-selection decision.
8. Appeals
8.1. The BBF operates a formal appeals procedure for challenging selection decisions. The Appeals Procedure must be instigated within 48 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays) of email notification being sent to players.
8.2. Appeals will only be accepted for decisions made in Stage 3 ‘Final Team Selections’ as outlined in clause 4.7 of this document 8.3. Any appeal shall be managed in accordance with the Appeals Policy available on the BBF website
9. Data Protection
9.1. Personal data collected as part of this process will be managed in line with our Data Protection and Privacy Policy, and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 9.2. The BBF is committed to protecting the confidentiality, privacy and security of Players’ personal information.
10.Review and Access
10.1. This document will be subject to periodic review and may be amended post publication to ensure it takes into account any external rule or policy amendments, and to ensure it includes any relevant feedback. This policy and any amended policy will be published on the British Basketball website.
10.2. Any changes to this Policy will be done so in a manner that protects and promotes the objectives identified in this Policy.
10.3. BBF will make available (on request) electronic copies of this Policy to Players and where applicable their parents. Electronic copies of this Policy are available on the BBF website (“the Website”). In the event that any person is unable to download this Policy, they are invited to contact office@gb.basketball
11.Definitions, Interpretation and Additional Information
11.1. The following words or expressions shall have the following meanings:
Aim | the outcome that The BBF are seeking to achieve by entering the Event; |
BBF | British Basketball Federation; |
Eligibility | the standards set by The BBF, FIBA and other sporting bodies, used to determine whether a player may represent Great Britain or not; |
Event | the Basketball tournament or competition being selected, as outlined in the title of this document; |
HCA’s | Home Country Associations (Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales); |
Selection Criteria | the factors that the Selection Panel will take into consideration when deciding which team of players most effectively meets the Aim; |
Selection Date | the date the Selection Panel selects a team for the Event; |
Selection Panel or Panel | the panel appointed in accordance with this document to select a team for the Event; |
The Selection Policy or Process | everything included in this document that relates to the selection of the players that The BBF will select for the Event. |
Squad | the short list of players chosen for camp as part of the process outlined in 4.6 of this document |
Team | the Team selected to attend the event |
11.2. References to “include” and “including” in this Policy are to be construed without limitation.
11.3. Where this policy refers to the BBF Performance Lead, The BBF chair may, where necessary, appoint a replacement to carry out some or all of their duties.
11.4. This Policy shall not apply to events, tournaments or competitions outside of that outlined in the title of this document, including any other FIBA and/or BBF and/or HCA competitions or events.
11.5. This Selection Policy operates without prejudice to all other rules and regulations that are applicable to all Players including Applicable Laws, Basketball Rules and the FIBA Regulations which must also be satisfied at all relevant times.
11.6. The decision of the Selection Panel shall be communicated to all appropriate third parties (for example, FIBA) for the purpose of enforcement. So far as is practicable, confidentiality will be maintained at all times in respect of all those involved unless there is an overriding obligation for such information to be shared with other interested parties. Any such information shared shall be on a need-to-know basis only.
11.7. In no circumstances will BBF, the Selection Panel or any of BBF’s employees, officers, agents, representatives, or other persons involved in the administration of this Policy be liable in any way for any acts done (or omitted to be done) in good faith in connection with the administration of this
Policy.
11.8. The Laws of England and Wales shall apply to this policy.
11.9. Any individual seeking information or clarification on this policy should contact office@gb.basketball.