After announcing that the British pool roster for the 2013 World Championship would be limited to just 30 athletes due to funding constraints, British Swimming has also revealed an appeals procedure on exactly how these 30 would be chosen in the likely event that more than 30 swimmers hit the qualifying times.
The organization feels as though it’s vital to fast-track the process, given that their trials this year come at the end of June, like the United States’ do, and bump right up against the FINA deadline. That timing won’t allow for a lengthy appeals process to the selection committee. The team will be announced on June 31st at 1:30 PM (London Time) on the British Swimming website.
Any athlete who wants to appeal a lack of selection will need to do so in writing (or their coach/parent if the athlete is under the age of 18.)
The Notice of Appeal shall, in particular, specify the provision(s) of the relevant Selection Policy which it is alleged have not been adhered to. The Appeal must be made within 48 hours of the date that the selections for the Team are announced.
The selection policy General Conditions lays out the guidelines by which British Swimming will select from the top two athletes who meet the lofty qualifying standards (which can be seen here.) When announcing the new roster limit of 30 athletes, British Swimming also emphasized that those meeting qualifying standards in Olympic events would receive preference in those who hit the standards in non-Olympic events (50 meter stroke events, women’s 1500 free, men’s 800 free.)
That could be slightly perilous for someone like defending 50m backstroke World Champion Liam Tancock. He hasn’t had a great year in 2013 so far, and there’s somewhat of a chance that he’d miss the 100 meter backstroke standard of 53.98, which would leave the selection committee with a bit of a predicament.
The full appeals document can be seen here.
