Sports Ministry Issues Guidelines to Ensure Fairness in Selection Process

In light of the increasing number of athletes approaching the courts over selection-related disputes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued an office order outlining guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.

The Ministry’s directions are summarised below:

• Selection policy: The selection policy or criteria must be formulated in advance. In the case of mega sports events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, etc., the policy has to be well-publicised and uploaded on the NSF’s website at least two years in advance. It should also be emailed to member units and to SAI.
• Video recording of trials: It is mandatory to videograph selection trials or domestic competitions, which may form the basis of selection for international events.
• Independent observer: If observers are appointed by the Ministry or the Sports Authority of India (SAI), they will not be a part of the selection committee.
• Medical evaluation: NSFs must ensure that athletes selected to represent the country in international sports events undergo the necessary medical evaluations to confirm their physical fitness for competition.
• Coaches: In case of international events, only coaches/supporting personnel associated with the team continuously during the coaching camp will be selected. The names of personal coaches and support staff will be considered based on merit.
• Long list: The details of the long list will be submitted to the Ministry and SAI at least 30 days prior to the final date for making entries in the long list.
• Grievance redressal: NSFs are required to have a grievance redressal mechanism in place. Athletes will be able to file selection-related grievances, which have to be resolved within seven days. A second appeal would lie before the NSF’s Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC).