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Eligibility and Team Selection
Who sets the rules?
- International Federations (IFs) are responsible for establishing global qualification and eligibility criteria for their respective sports. These criteria may include ranking pathways, entry standards and nationality regulations, among others.
- National Olympic Committee (NOCs) / National Paralympic Committee (NPC) are responsible for the final team selections of the athletes recommended by their respective National Sport Organisation (NSO). The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) are responsible for approving or setting Major Games-specific team selection policies and confirming the names of those selected to represent Canada on Team Canada, following the nomination process conducted by the NSOs.
- National Sport Organisation (NSOs) is responsible for publishing the selection policy for each event or season, to ensure fair and consistent application.
Eligibility = “Can you compete?”
Being selected for a team isn’t just about performance. You also have to meet the eligibility criteria set out in several different rules.
Eligibility is determined by the baseline requirements set by your National Sport Organisation (NSOs). If you do not meet all the applicable eligibility criteria of your NSO, you cannot be on the team, regardless of your results.
The typical eligibility checklist may include:
- Citizenship and passport details.
- Anti-doping compliance (e.g. whereabouts, no period of ineligibility, testing requirements).
- For para sports only: valid status and compliance with all classification rules for the sport category.
- Member in good standing and adherence to codes of conduct or athlete agreements.
- Age/residency rules for certain events
Make sure that you are eligible under your NSO’s eligibility criteria so your performances can actually count.
For many major games, eligibility typically requires compliance with the Olympic Charter/International Federation (IF) rules, or the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code for para sport.
Team selection = “Will you be chosen?”
Once you are eligible, your NSO will apply its selection criteria to determine which athletes will fill the limited available spots. These criteria can be objective, trial-based, discretionary, or a combination of these.
For many Major Games, your NSO will nominate you, after which a National Multisport Service Organizations (MSOs) will make the final selection for the Canadian team.
Selection policies vary by sport, but must include the following;
- Common Criteria for Awarding Spots:
- Objective: rankings/points, time standards, final standings at named events.
- Trials‑based: results at a specific trials event (sometimes with tie‑breakers).
- Discretionary factors: clearly listed considerations including performance trends, health/fitness, role fit, team balance (when used, good policies define the discretionary factors and how they’ll be weighed.)
- Dates & deliverables: qualifying window, declaration deadlines, selection meeting date, and when/where the team list will be announced.
- Alternates & replacements: who may travel as reserve, when a replacement can be activated, and what happens if an athlete is injured/ill after nomination.
In order to understand the team selection requirements for each event, it is important for each team member to review the team selection policies of their NSO’s at the start of each season and prior to each competition.
To avoid any surprises through the qualification process;
- Read the policy from start to finish and list your key dates (qualifying window, declaration and selection meeting). Ensure you are reading the most current version of the policy.
- Track your own proof of eligibility: results, rankings, standards achieved and medical clearances, if relevant.
- Keep your eligibility current by ensuring your passport is valid, your membership is renewed and you comply with anti-doping requirements and para classification status, if applicable.
- Declare your availability and any required event entries on time.
- Ask for clarification in writing on anything you do not understand before the window closes.
- Plan for potential contingencies, such as illness or injury procedures, and be aware of the possibility of using alternates.
For Major Games, the eligibility and selection criteria are assessed cumulatively. You must satisfy the International Federation (IF), the event and/or Games organiser, your National Sports Organisation (NSOs) and, where applicable, the National Multisport Service Organizations (MSOs). Failure to satisfy any of these layers can prevent you from participating.
To file an appeal related to the eligibility or a team selection, click here.
