Australia’s premier National Teams trophy, the Ede Clendinnen, was decided yesterday between to two top seeded teams. The three-day tournament Began on the 23^rd of February, at the Elphin Sports Centre in Launceston.

Day 1

The Queensland team took on NSW Thunder where Queensland were up to the task, needing only 7 matches to take the tie with strong showings from Olympic hopefuls Wendy Chen, Simon Leung and Mitchell Wheller. Queensland were also able to use Angela and Jack Yu to great effect, combating efforts by fellow National Junior Squad players Majan Almazan and Rio Agustino. Ultimately Queensland won the tie 7-3 with NSW taking wins in the MS2, WD1 and XD2.

On the other courts were the defending champions Victoria who took on the hosts for 2020 Tasmania. The Tasmanian team was a mix of stalwart players like Badminton Tasmania president Brent Munday and Rowan Henderson, both notching up their 19^th Ede Clendinnen championship, and young players. Unfortunately for the hosts, the Victorian Rebels were able to hold steady and win 8 of the 10 matches available in the tie. Notable performances from the Tasmanian team included Abigail Rothery taking the WS2 over Grace Hanratty and a thrilling battle in the WD1 where Meg Graham and Leesa Grundy were able to hold steady in a three-game thriller against Kaitlyn Ea and Lee-Yen Khoo.

Day 2

Queensland continued to show why their seeding as number two in the tournament was well justified taking a dominant win over third seeds Tasmania 10 matches to 0, and perhaps sending some waves of uncertainty to the defending champions Victoria.

At the same time the NSW Thunder chalked up their first tie victory defeating the WA Wasps 6 matches to 4. In what was a tie that went right down to the last match both teams traded wins across the first six matches before NSW were able to post back to back wins in the WD2, MD2 and WD1. Across all 10 matches, five went to three games with the MS 1 between Seng Low (NSW) and Yinxiang Lin running just shy of an hour (57 minutes). It was no doubt a fiery match up and maybe signs of a rivalry to come?

After their well fought victory against the WA Wasps, the NSW Thunder came up against defending champions and number 1 seeds the Victorian Rebels. The Thunder held their own trading wins with the Rebels for the first 6 matches and upset victories to Majan Almazan (NSW) over Olympic hopeful Louisa Ma (VIC), Tiffany Ho (NSW) over Yingzi Jiang (VIC). However, the Rebels held firm and steadied to take the final four matches convincingly.

Queensland’s second venture onto the court on day two saw them match up against the WA Wasps and take the tie 8 matches to 2 with a dominant 17-minute performance from Angela Yu against Alicia Xu, the equal fastest singles match of the entire tournament. The Wasps put up brave fights in the MS2, MD2, WD 2 and XD1, all of these going to three games. The win put Queensland in prime position to snatch the Ede Clendinnen Shield and prevent the Victorian Rebels from back to back victories.

Day 3

The final day of competition with NSW, Tas, Vic and WA all playing their final ties before play offs.

Taking on the locals, NSW Thunder put together an overpowering performance against Tasmania, taking the tie 9 matches to 1, the fastest match of the tournament went down in the WD2 with the pairing of Tiffany Ho and Jennifer Tam powering through Amelia Needer and Annalea Reid in 14 minutes 21-3, 21-4. Brent Munday and Meg Graham were able to salvage a win in the final match, taking down Michael Lim and Victoria He in a three-game epic 22-20, 21-23, 21-15. With the win over Tasmania NSW Thunder locked in their third-place finish at the 2020 Clendinnen Trophy.

Similar to Queensland’s performance against WA on day two, the Rebels were able to secure their play off for the Ede Clendinnen Trophy with an 8 to 2 win over the Wasps. The Wasps were able to take victories in the MS 1 and WD 1 in an otherwise dominant Victorian performance.

Finals

The battle for fourth place was on between the host team Tasmania and the WA Wasps and in what began as a great contest looking to go down to the wire, the Wasps were able to pull away. Six of the 10 matches went through to three games and the majority ending in a final game with 3 points or less between winner and loser. The Wasps were able to take the tie in the ninth match between XD 2 pair Crystal Diep and Jason Lee defeating William Ponsonby and Leesa Grundy after a shaky start 10-21, 22-20, 21-19.

With the bottom three placings all tied up this left the two undefeated teams to take on each other for the Ede Clendinnen Shield. The defending champions Victoria had hit bumps on their journey and appeared fallible when compared to Queensland impressive run into finals day, the contest was shaping up to be one that would go down to the wire and it did not disappoint. The Victorian Rebels were able to take the first three matches, putting themselves in a strong position to have the trophy returned to Victoria, however Queensland were led strongly by consecutive six-time Oceania WS Champion and Olympic hopeful Wendy Chen. Wendy was able to take a gritty three game win against Yingzi Jiang in the WS1 (21-18, 18-21, 21-15) and pair up with Angela Yu to take the WD 2 and putting Queensland right behind Victoria 3 matches to 2. It was Victoria’s men, Nathan Tang and Peter Yan, Ming Chuen Lim alongside Captain Coach Ashwant Gobinathan, who hit back with both MD pairs taking their wins respectively over their Queensland challengers. The match in the balance for Queensland to keep their hopes alive was the WD 1, Deyanire Angulo and Jessica Lim from Queensland had a task on their hands taking on Kaitlyn Ea and Gronya Somerville from Victoria. Unfortunately for the Queensland pair they were unable to take the win, and this meant that Victoria had won the Clendinnen trophy for 2020. Queensland however would not go down without a fight and the remaining two mixed doubles matches went their way leaving the overall tie scorecard at Victoria 6 – Queensland 4.

A big congratulations to all the teams involved, another fantastic tournament with plenty on the line for all teams. The tournament could not have gone ahead without the time dedication and efforts of all the volunteers, technical officials, coaches and team managers. On behalf of the players Badminton Australia would like to extend its gratitude for the tireless efforts from all of the parties involved.

Photo Credit: Paul Scrambler, The Examiner

Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

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Australia’s rivalry with New Zealand at the Oceania Championships has continued in emphatic style and no doubt the chance for TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup qualification on the minds of both nations’ players before the start of play on Saturday. What ensued for both the Men’s and Women’s matches was nothing short of electric!

Men’s

The matches to decide the gold medal in the Men’s draw were filled with drama from the word go. Australia’s Anthony Joe (AJ) took on reigning men’s singles champion Abhinav Manota from NZ. AJ took a commanding lead up 10 – 4 through the midpoint of the first game, but Abhinav fought back to 16 all before the pair traded blows point for point through to 26-28 going the way of the Kiwi. Unfortunately, AJ was unable to keep the onslaught going in the second with Abhinav taking it 21-16.

No doubt spurred on by AJ’s valiant effort, both Jacob Schuler and Ying Xiang Lin were able to take wins against past and present Oceania Individual singles specialists Oscar Guo (2019 Champion) and Edward Lau (2020 runner-up). Wins in these two games put Australia ahead in the race for the gold medal and qualification rights to the Thomas Cup in May this year.

What came next was a tactical masterstroke by Coach Stuart Brehaut splitting 2016 Olympic pair Matt Chau and Sawan Serasinghe and stalwart pair Simon Leung and Mitchell Wheller. What resulted was a comprehensive victory for Matt Chau and Mitchell Wheller against Maia Phillips and Dylan Soedjasa, and in doing so securing the gold medal for Australia! Simon and Sawan had a similar victory and further cemented Australia bragging rights for another year in four of the five matches.

An outstanding result for our Men’s team who were able to show grit and determination to take the championships for a second year running and secure themselves a place at the TOTAL BWF Thomas Cup in Denmark in May this year.

Women’s

After seeing the Men’s team overcome the Kiwi’s for the gold medal the Australian’s Women’s team were out to do exactly the same and continue their amazing record of four consecutive trophies.

Women’s singles champion Wendy Chen was first up against long time rival Sally Fu, the two have faced off five times at these championships and this match was to prove their tightest yet! Both games went through to extension, Wendy took the first 26-24, the second 28-26 and extending her unbeaten record to put Australia in a good position to begin.

Next up was Lousia Ma, the Individual Championships runner-up, who was able to show composure and class in the second under the pressure of 3 match points from her opponent Shuanna Li. Lousia held steadied herself from 20-17 down to take the second game 22-20 and went on to take the third 21-15.

With the gold medal on the line the Kiwi’s needed a lift which came from Catelyn Rozario who was able to take the match from Tiffany Ho 21-18, 21-19. The result here left the gold medal hopes alive for NZ and with two matches to come it was shaping up to go either way. However, maybe inspired by the Men’s success in the morning Stuart Brehaut made the same call to split the dominant pair of Gronya Somerville and Setyana Mapasa, and BA Junior squad members Sylvina Kurniawan and Angela Yu. Again with shades of the events from the morning Mapasa and Kurniawan were able to comprehensively win their match against Erena Calder-Hawkins and Anona Pak, 21-11, 21-14.

The final match for bragging rights went the way of our Aussie’s with Gronya Somerville and Angela Yu dispatching of Sally Fu and Alyssa Tagle 21-15, 21-17. With this win the Women have booked their tickets to go along to the Uber Cup in Denmark in May and continue their amazing run of victories at the Oceania championships with their fifth consecutive win, well done ladies!!

Photo Credit: Badminton Oceania & Ballarat Badminton 

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Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

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For the first time ever the Para Badminton Championships were run alongside the Teams events and it proved a winning formula for event organisers. Although mixed results for our Aussie players, all were in agreeance that the tournament was a great success and a great way to showcase the rapid development of the Oceanic region’s Para Badminton skill!

An all Aussie affair in the WH1 with young gun Lochan Cowper taking on Richard John Davis who upset the number one seed Duke Trench-Thiedeman earlier in the semi-finals. The match was Lochan’s with a comprehensive win 21-14, 21-10.

In the WH2 a second all Australian final saw Grant Manzoney maintain his title from 2019 defeating Qambar Ali Akhteyari, affectionately known as ‘Ali’, 21-10, 21-7.

Luke Missen was able to defend his title in the SH6 classification, defeating newcomer David Joe Kaniku. Luke and 15-year-old playing partner Anjelina Melki were able to dispatch of the PNG pair in the double’s exhibition match, leaving Missen with two gold medals to his name for the 2020 Championships.

Other performances from our Australia Para Badminton payers included Para Badminton royalty Rod Rantall pairing up with up and coming star Celine Vinot. Unfortunately, the NZ pair of Corrie Robinson and Carrie Wilson were too strong taking the final 21-10, 21-19.

A great two days of competition for Oceania’s Para players and no doubt a great experience for everyone involved.

You can see the full results on Tournament Software here!

Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

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THOMAS & UBER CUP FINALS 2020

In addition to the Badminton Australia Selection Policy (September 2017) and the Criteria in the Policy under clause (3c) the following specific matters will also apply for the athletes seeking consideration for selection to compete in the:

• Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 16 – 24 May 2020 in Aarhus, Denmark.

The athletes who will be considered for selection are those who complete the online nomination form on the BA website and return to BA by Friday 21 February 2020. https://form.jotform.co/92787477256879

BWF from 1 January 2018 changed the regulation for representation in the Oceania Team Championship to also include players that do not hold an Australian passport. For those players, it is a requirement to have held an Australian registered BWF number for minimum 3 years.

ELIGIBILITY

• Have submitted an online nomination form
• Must be in good standing of a BA affiliated club / association
• Meets the BWF requirement of international representation. Please note that the BWF from 1
  January 2018 changed the regulation to include players that do not hold an Australian passport. For those players, it is a requirement to have held an Australian registered BWF number for minimum 3 years.
• 6. International Representation 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.6 https://extranet.bwfbadminton.com/docs/document- system/81/1466/1471/Section%205.1%20_%20General%20Competitions%20Regulations.pdf

THE OBJECTIVE

• To pick teams with the best chances to perform within the Thomas and Uber format.
• To pick teams that include development player(s) with a 2022 Commonwealth Games and
  2024 Olympic Games target.

SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA

In conjunction with the non-performance criteria, the specific selection criteria will be:

• International tournament performances – both wins and losses. (Within the last 6 months)
• National tournament performances – both wins and losses. (Within the last 6 months)
• Players must have demonstrated a consistent approach to training and competing at National
  and International level within the last 6 months.
• Players must have nominated to compete in the Oceania qualifying Thomas/Uber tournament
  in Ballarat in 10th to 11th February 2020.
• Participation in 2020 Australian National Championships and Ede Clendinnen Shield is
  mandatory.
• Players must make themselves available for their State/Territory for Clendinnen Shield. o Partnership considerations for doubles disciplines.

Development players can be selected after the following points:

• Potential and commitment for future success.
• International performances within the last six months.
• Performances at the National Individual Championship held in Launceston, Tasmania from 23
  – 29 February 2020.

KEY DATES

21 February 2020 – Deadline for nomination
13 March 2020 – Team announcement
17 May 2020 – Depart to Aarhus, Denmark
24 May 2020 – Return to Australia

COSTS

A player contribution may be required. Costs to be advised.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note that official notification of selection is through written correspondence only. Final team selection will be posted on the Badminton Australia website.

*Photo Credit Badminton Oceania*

With the VICTOR Oceania Individual Championships finishing up yesterday and the Team and Para Championships kicking off today (15/02) it’s time we take stock quickly of what’s been a successful campaign for some of our Aussie players!

Women’s Singles

An extremely exciting and impressive all Australian final with Wendy Chen taking on compatriot Lousia Ma. Both are fighting to be Australia’s top placed female leading into the final month of Olympic Qualification and no doubt a high-pressure match. A fierce and fast match in the early parts, both players being pushed to every side of the court and testing each other. It was the defending champion Wendy who took control of the match and at the same time making Oceania history by winning her sixth consecutive title, a feat unmatched across any other discipline in the history of the championships.

Hsuan-Yu Wendy Chen (AUS)[1] vs Louisa MA (AUS)[2] 21-15 21-11

Women’s Double’s

A straightforward match for our top ranked Women’s pair, Gronya Somerville and Setyana Mapasa, who dispatched of NZ rivals Sally Fu and Alyssa Tagle. The Australian pair took the match convincingly in two games, staving off a valiant effort to take their fourth consecutive Oceania WD title. No doubt a boost to their efforts over the past year in qualifying, now ranked 25^th overall on the BWF Road To Tokyo rankings and potentially sitting in a prime position to qualify in their own right for Tokyo. No doubt a great result to settle in to the final month of the Tokyo 2020 qualifying period.

Setyana Mapasa/Gronya Somerville (AUS) vs Sally Fu/Alyssa Tagle (NZL)[2] 21-9 21-10

Men’s Double’s

The pairing of Matt Chau and Sawan Serahinghe started strong taking out the first game, drawing from their previous Olympic experience to push them forward. The NZ pair countered with a measured and steady approach to counter in the second and force errors from our men. Putting up a valiant fight, and putting on arguably the match of the tournament, Matt and Sawan couldn’t overcome the consistent pressure from the NZ pair going down in the third.

Oliver Leydon-Davis/Abhinav Manota (NZL)[2] vs Matthew Chau/Sawan Serasinghe (AUS) 18-21 21-9 21-14

Mixed Double’s

Another all Australian final, with the top seeded pairing of Leung/Somerville taking on the unseeded Pham/Kurniawan, it was a match that could have shown the underdogs character. Unfortunately for Pham/Kurniawan it was not to be with the top seeds putting on a voracious and technical performance, dispatching their opponents in a short 27 minutes. No doubt a victory that will contribute a lot to both confidence and the sometimes elusive points for Leung /Somerville who are chasing qualification for Tokoyo 2020.

Simon Wing Hang Leung/Gronya Somerville (AUS)[1] vs Tran Hoang Pham/Sylvina Kurniawan (AUS) 21-12 21-8

The Men’s Singles match was a play off for two NZ teams with our Australian Men bowing out earlier in the day. The VICTOR Oceania Individual Championships are now complete and Australians taking home three of the five pieces of silverware. Now are eyes are focused on the Para and Teams events which will be taking place across the next three days in Ballarat.

Follow the results on Tournament Software and you can watch all the action LIVE through our partners OVO!

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Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

Today the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has released an update on it’s much anticipated AirBadminton Project. Badminton Australia is excited to gain access to the shuttles as it will no doubt make playing badminton even more accessible for more Australians. See below for the full update on AirBadminton and its prospects for release across 2020!

Dear Members and Continental Confederations

Please find attached a letter from the BWF President, Poul-Erik Høyer and an update on the AirBadminton Project.

 

1.       PROJECT UPDATE

We are happy to announce that BWF has signed an agreement with a manufacturer based in Chinese Taipei for the mass production of the AirShuttle.  The production process has already begun and the first batch of AirShuttles will be available in March 2020.

With the AirShuttle on the market, we look forward to working closely with the Continental Confederations and Member Associations to implement and spread the project globally.

Samples of the AirShuttle will be made available to Member Associations who express interest in organising a pilot AirBadminton activity.

BWF will do its best to accommodate AirShuttle requests according to countries. However, please note that allocation will be confirmed based on availability. Additional AirShuttles will be available for purchase from manufacturers after March.

_________________________________________________

2.       LATEST AIRBADMINTON ACTIVITIES

In 2019, the BWF, in collaboration with Member Associations, ran AirBadminton activities that enabled us to finetune relevant aspects of the game, as well as further test the performance of the AirShuttle.

During the summer, Badminton Nederland ran a number of AirBadminton activities across the country. The rollout was an opportunity to introduce the new outdoor game to different cities, as well as promote the health benefits of badminton to local communities. The initiative was very well received by participants, spectators and local city authorities. Badminton Nederland is already planning to repeat the experience in 2020.

A video from the event can be watched here.

In August, a pilot AirBadminton competition was organised at the Sunsets Kuopio Festival – the largest outdoor sport and entertainment event in Finland. The event was conducted in collaboration with Badminton Finland and Savon Sulka Club. More than 60 players from all over Finland participated in the three-day tournament, which showcased 108 exciting matches in all categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and the new triples format.

A video from the event can be watched here.

Last October, the Dubai Sports Council hosted an AirBadminton competition as part of the Dubai International Challenge 2019. It was an opportunity for the BWF to validate equipment, regulations and competition formats.

A video from the event can be watched here.

Also, in October, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) conducted an AirBadminton exhibition in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Sports Month.

In November, Maldives introduced the AirBadminton project during its first Beach Games. The AirBadminton exhibition aimed at targeting sport and tourism partners to implement the new game in islands resorts. Also, in November, the Singapore Badminton Association ran an AirBadminton event alongside the Singapore Youth International Series 2019.

A video from the event can be watched here.

_________________________________________________

3.       HSBC BWF AIRBADMINTON COMMUNITY PROJECT LAUNCH

BWF and HSBC jointly launched the AirBadminton Community Project at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China in December. This project was facilitated by our local partners Guangzhou Sports Bureau and Guangzhou Badminton Association.

Following the successful launch of AirBadminton in Guangzhou in May, BWF together with its Global Development Partner HSBC and Guangzhou Sports Bureau, announced the delivery of a number of permanent AirBadminton courts on various surfaces for public usage as part of the community outreach programme.

The first of these courts were unveiled at a special exhibition near the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China, in conjunction with the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals.

A video from the launch can be watched here.

_________________________________________________

4.       2020 – 2024 BWF Strategic Plan – AirBadminton

Will include the following elements as priorities:

• Systematic implement AirBadminton globally, focussing on the development of courts in public outdoor spaces to facilitate participation.
• Permanent courts being developed as legacy in conjunction with international events.
• Develop national structures, including competition, to assist in promoting the game as a healthy outdoor activity.
• Build partnerships and networks to assist the growth and implementation of projects.
• Work with brands and retailers to ensure the AirShuttle and associated equipment is available globally at an affordable price.
• CCs to have AirBadminton as an integral part of their development strategy.
• Further research into the specific health benefits of AirBadminton.

_________________________________________________

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Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce our National Junior Squads for 2020.

                                                                       U19

Rio Agustino (NSW)                         Julian Lee (WA)                                 Gavin Ong (SA)

Ryan Venpin (VIC)                           Majan Almazan (NSW)                   Kaitlyn Ea (VIC)

Angie Liu (NSW)                               Bernice Teoh (WA)                          Angela Yu (QLD)

U17

Kayson Goh (VIC)                             Asher Ooi (NSW)                              Timothy Sentosa (WA)

Ricky Tang (NSW)                             Jack Yu (QLD)                                     Otto Zhao (VIC)

Sydney Go (VIC)                                Priska Kustiadi (NSW)                     Dania Nugroho (SA)

Carina Sam (NSW)                           Joanne Zheng (WA)

U15

Shrey Dhand (VIC)                           Jazmine Lam (VIC)                           Yee-Yuan Lim (VIC)

Catrina Tan (SA)                                Sydney Tjonadi (NSW)

Badminton Australia would like to congratulate all junior players who have been selected to be part of the 2020 Junior High-Performance Program (JHP). Our Junior High-Performance Program aims to identify, support and develop the most talented young badminton players in Australia by offering a range of training and competition opportunities. Our JHP players will also have access to high quality coaching and sports science support to aid their physical development.

To read more about the structure of our Junior High Performance Program, its selection criteria and the expectations of our players please refer to the Junior High Performance 2020 Program and Player Contract, as well as the Junior High Performance Strategic Plan 2019-2022.

Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

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Badminton Australia announced on Wednesday 8^th of January that Jamie Parsons (pictured above) would be joining as its new CEO. Below is a copy of the media release.

BADMINTON AUSTRALIA TODAY ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF JAMIE PARSONS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

Badminton Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Jamie Parsons as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing on Thursday 6^th February 2020.

Parsons comes to Badminton Australia with a diverse range of senior leadership experience across the Australian and international sporting landscape. Parsons brings a proven track record of growing participation across sport, and developing and delivering world class programs that support high performance athletes and officials.

Badminton Australia President Andrew Greenway said, “We are delighted to have someone of Jamie’s calibre and experience joining Badminton Australia to continue to work with the Badminton community to drive and develop our sport”.

“Parsons is known for his collaborative leadership style, innovation in building partnerships with stakeholders and developing high performance athletes, coaches and officials” Greenway said.

“His experience in state sporting organisations, national sport organisations and international sport events will be invaluable to develop the badminton community and the development of athletes.

Parsons is currently finishing his role as CEO of Gymnastics Victoria. He is also the former Chief Operating Officer at Netball Australia, General Manager Operations at the World Swimming Championships, and a Senior Manager at the Deaflympic Games. Jamie has also been a Board member of Football Federation Victoria, Little Athletics Victoria and was recently elected as a Board member to Vicsport, the peak body for sport in Victoria.

Jamie has received numerous awards for his work in the sport industry including an organisation award for excellence in creating inclusive communities in 2017, was a finalist for the Victorian sports administrator of the year award in 2016 and received a Commonwealth Community Sports Achievement Award in 2013.

Jamie holds a degree in business and post graduate diploma in law. He is also a sought-after speaker at industry events and conferences.

Jamie said “I am thrilled to have been appointed to the role of CEO with Badminton Australia and I am looking forward to working with the badminton community, partners and sponsors to strengthen the growth of the sport and the delivery of world class results on the international stage”.

“Badminton is an important sport for the Australian community. It is a sport for everyone – almost every Australian has had some involvement with badminton in their lives whether it be participating at a club, at school, or in the backyard – I am looking forward to being part of this ongoing Australian sporting legacy”.

Andrew also thanked Peter Roberts for his assistance as interim CEO. “As Interim CEO and Performance & Development Manager, Peter has provided, and will continue to be part of the leadership of Badminton in Australia. We thank Peter for stepping into the interim CEO role and leading the sport over this time”

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Contact

Badminton Australia

15/8 Techno Park Drive, Williamstown

(03) 9397 4722

Badminton Australia would like to announce that the nomination criteria for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo have been released.

You can view the criteria here

Photo Credit: Badminton Photo

NOMINATION CRITERIA
TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

BADMINTON

1)  DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

Unless otherwise defined below, capitalised terms in this Nomination Criteria have the meaning given to them in the AOC Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law, certain of which have been reproduced below for the sake of convenience.

AOC means the Australian Olympic Committee Inc and any of its officers, employees or agents and any committee it convenes including the AOC Selection Committee.

AOC Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law means the document adopted by the Executive which governs, among other things, the nomination and selection of Athletes to a team for an Olympic Games or Olympic Winter Games.

AOC Selection Committee means the committee established by the AOC to send athletes and appoint officials to the Australian Olympic team for the Games.

AOC Selection Criteria means the criteria adopted by the AOC in respect of the Games which outlines the requirements for an athlete to be selected by the AOC to participate in the Games.

Athlete means a person who:

• (a)  participates in the Sport; and
• (b)  is recognised by the National Federation or the AOC as eligible for nomination to the AOC for selection to the Team pursuant to this Nomination Criteria.

Automatic Qualification means an athlete / pair of athletes obtaining a quota place under the Qualification System due to their ranking in the BWF Ranking List as at 30 April 2020 but excludes circumstances where the quota place obtained is a Continental Representation Place (as defined in the Qualification System).

Continental Representation Place has the meaning given in the Qualification System. Executive means the Executive of the AOC.

Extenuating Circumstances means:

• (a)  injury or illness;
• (b)  equipment failure;
• (c)  travel delays;
• (d)  bereavement or disability arising from death or serious illness of an immediate family member, which means a spouse, de facto partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling; or
• (e)  any other factors considered by the National Federation to constitute extenuating circumstances.

Games means Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

International Federation means Badminton World Federation (BWF).

National Federation means Badminton Australia (BA).

Nomination Date means 10 May 2020.

Qualification Period means 29 April 2019 to 26 April 2020.

Qualification System means the eligibility, participation and qualification criteria for the Sport in respect of the Games issued by the International Federation.

Sport means Badminton.

Sport Entries Deadline means the date on which entries to a Games must be submitted by the AOC.

Team means the team of athletes and officials selected by the AOC to participate in the Sport at the Games.

1.2 Interpretation
(a) Unless the context otherwise requires, reference to:

• (i)  a clause is to a clause of this Nomination Criteria;
• (ii)  the singular includes the plural and the converse also applies;
• (iii)  persons include incorporated and unincorporated bodies, partnerships, joint ventures and associations and vice versa and their legal personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns and substitutes; and
• (iv)  a party includes the party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns and substitutes.

(b) If a person to whom this Nomination Criteria applies consists of more than one person, then this Nomination Criteria binds them jointly and severally.

(c) A reference to time, day or date is to time, day or date of Sydney, Australia.

(d) Headings are for convenience only and do not form part of this Nomination Criteria or affect its interpretation.

2) GENERAL

• 2.1  This Nomination Criteria is issued by the board of the National Federation. The National Federation must provide, or otherwise make available, this Nomination Criteria to all Athletes.
• 2.2  The National Federation may only nominate Athletes to the AOC in accordance with this Nomination Criteria.
• 2.3  This Nomination Criteria will take effect on and from the date of approval by the AOC and will cease to have effect at the conclusion of the Games.
• 2.4  This Nomination Criteria applies to: all Athletes;the National Federation; and the AOC.
• 2.5  The terms of the AOC Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law are incorporated by reference into this Nomination Criteria. The National Federation must provide, or otherwise make available, the AOC Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law to all Athletes.

3)  LONG LIST

1. 3.1  For the purpose only of identifying prospective members of the Team, the National Federation or AOC may maintain a Long List of Athletes.
2. 3.2  For the avoidance of doubt, membership of the National Federation’s or the AOC’s Long List does not increase decrease or otherwise affect an Athlete’s prospects of being nominated by the National Federation, or being selected by the AOC, to the Team.

4)  ATHLETE QUOTA POSITIONS

4.1 The National Federation may only nominate Athletes to the AOC for selection to the Team where, pursuant to the Qualification System, the International Federation has awarded the AOC or the National Federation athlete quota places.

4.2 A National Federation may not nominate more Athletes than are permitted to be nominated by the AOC under the Qualification System.

5)  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The National Federation will not nominate an Athlete unless, as at the Nomination Date, the National Federation is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the Athlete:

• (a) Is an Australian citizen;
• (b) is a member of the National Federation;
• (c) satisfies the Qualification System;
• (d) is likely to satisfy the AOC Selection Criteria;
• (e) has not breached the AOC Anti-Doping By-Law, unless the Athlete has been sanctioned for the breach and has completed the sanction imposed; and
• (f) does not, and is not likely to in the foreseeable future, suffer from any physical or mental impairment that would prevent the Athlete from competing at the Games to the highest possible standard for that Athlete.

6)  NOMINATION CRITERIA

6.1 In accordance with the Qualification System, Australia can be represented in Badminton at the Games by a maximum of 8 male and 8 female Athletes across five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles (the Events).

Automatic Qualification

6.2 The National Federation will nominate all Athletes who achieve Automatic Qualification in through the Qualification System to the AOC for selection.

Continental Representation Places

6.3 In accordance with the Qualification System, there must be at least one representative from each continent in each Event at the Games. If no athlete from Oceania achieves Automatic Qualification in a singles event (or pair of Athletes in a doubles event), then the Continental Representative Place will be awarded to the highest ranked athlete (or pair of athletes) from Oceania, provided that a doubles” pair must be ranked in the top 50 of the BWF World Ranking List at 30 April 2020.

Australian Representation Places

6.4  Australia can receive a maximum of five Continental Representation Places (one for each Event). However, under the Qualification System, Australia can only accept Continental Representation Places for a maximum of two Events and must decline the remaining Continental Representation Places.

6.5  If Australia receives one or two Continental Representation Places, the National Federation will nominate the Athlete, or pair of Athletes if for a doubles event, who achieve the Continental Representation Places, to the AOC for selection.

6.6  If Australia receives three or more Continental Representation Places, the National Federation will determine the two Events in which Australia will be represented, in the following manner:

• (a) the Athlete, or pair of Athletes for a doubles event, that are the least number of ranking positions away from achieving Automatic Qualification position in their Event will be selected;
• (b) where two or more Athletes (including any pair of athletes for a doubles event are the same number of ranking positions away from achieving Automatic Qualification in their Event, then the National Federation will nominate the Athlete, or pair of Athletes if for a doubles Event, who in the opinion of the National Federation, in its absolute discretion:
  • (i)  will be most likely to achieve the highest competitive performance at the Games; and
  • (ii)  is, and will remain until the conclusion of the Games, positive ambassadors for the Sport, the National Federation and the Games.
• (c) In making its determination under clause 6.6(b), the National Federation may have regard to all, any or none of the following considerations, in its absolute discretion:
  • (i)  the Athlete’s physical form and fitness;
  • (ii)  the likelihood that the Athlete will suffer an injury in the lead up to or during the Games;
  • (iii)  the benefit or detriment of the Athlete’s membership on the Team with respect to team dynamics, team behaviour and team performance;
  • (iv)  the extent to which the Athlete has demonstrated, during the Qualification Period:
    • (A) discipline;
    • (B) motivation; and
  • (v) the Athlete’s commitment to the Sport and to the Team.

7) EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

• 7.1  In making a determination under clause 6.6(b) the National Federation may, in its absolute discretion, have regard to Extenuating Circumstances.
• 7.2  In the event that an Athlete determines that he or she is unable to attend a competition, camp, training session or other event during the Qualification Period(Nomination Event), that Athlete must notify the National Federation of his or her non-attendance in writing as soon as practicable.
• 7.3  The National Federation may require an Athlete to undergo a medical examination as a requirement of considering non-attendance at a Nomination Event as an Extenuating Circumstance.

8) SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS

• 8.1  The National Federation must notify Athletes of the Nomination Date in writing.
• 8.2  The AOC may, in its absolute discretion extend the Nomination Date for the National Federation for any reason.
• 8.3  The National Federation must nominate Athletes to the AOC by the Nomination Date. The National Federation must inform Athletes of their nomination or non-nomination by no later than:
  • (a) 48 hours prior to the Nomination Date, where such written notice would be received by the Athlete 14 days prior to the Sport Entries Deadline; or
  • (b) 24 hours prior to the Nomination Date, where such written notice would be received by the Athlete within 14 days of the Sport Entries Deadline,or such later date as the AOC advises the National Federation.
• 8.4  Nominations submitted to the AOC must be in the form prescribed by the AOC or in a form that is otherwise acceptable to the AOC and include any such information that is required pursuant to the AOC Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law.
• 8.5  THE AOC MAY, IN ITS ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, ACCEPT A NOMINATION SUBMITTED AFTER THE NOMINATION DATE WHERE IT IS SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION AS A RESULT OF AN APPEAL BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AOC OLYMPIC TEAM NOMINATION AND SELECTION BY-LAW.

9) AMENDMENTS

This Nomination Criteria may only be amended with the written consent of the AOC Selection Committee.

10)  GOVERNING LAW

This Nomination Criteria is governed by the laws of the State of New South Wales.