19 December 2008

UK Athletics have revealed their selection policies for next year’s IAAF World Championships and European Indoor Championships. These are the first such policies made under the direction of new Head Coach Charles van Commenee, who will officially take up his role in February.

The 2009 policies have been simplified for greater clarity. Athletes who achieve the standard at least once and win the trials will be given automatic selection. Aside from marathon and walks, UK Athletics will also employ a single selection date, rather than issuing two separate drafts.

The key points for selection for the IAAF World Championships, which take place in Berlin on 15-23 August are:

• Priority will go to individuals and relay squads deemed capable of either winning a medal or finishing in the top eight in Berlin
• Athletes who achieve at least one current “A” standard during the qualification period (1 April until 26 July) and win their event at the AVIVA World Trials and UK Championships in Birmingham on 10-12 July will be automatically selected
• One selection meeting will take place and will be held after the AVIVA London Grand Prix on 27 July
• The selection standards (times/distances/heights) are in line with IAAF standards, bar the walks and marathon, in which UKA employs tougher standards to bring them in line with other disciplines
• UKA will only enter teams for the Marathon World Cup (incorporated into IAAF World Championships) if enough athletes qualify for the IAAF World Championships by right as individuals
   

The key points for selection for the European Indoor Championships, which take place in Turin on 6-8 March are:

• Priority will go to individuals and relay squads deemed capable of either winning a medal or finishing in the top six in Turin

• Athletes who achieve the guideline at least once during the qualification period (1 December until 22 February) and win their event at the AVIVA European Trials and UK Indoor Championships in Sheffield on 14/15 February will be automatically selected

• One selection meeting will take place and will be held after the AVIVA Grand Prix in Birmingham on 23 February

• The EAA (European Athletics Association) sets no selection standards, so UKA has created its own set of guidelines

• Participation in the combined events and 4x400m relay is by invitation. Kelly Sotherton has accepted her invite to take part in the women’s pentathlon and UK Athletics has also accepted invitations on behalf of the GB & NI men’s and women’s 4x400m teams.

The full selection policies can be viewed on the UK Athletics website, by clicking here