Selection and Deselection Policy for Athletics

This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the Performance Programme (Development/Performance/Scholar) squad for athletics.   

This does not cover selection for an individual event or team, as that is at the professional judgment of the Director of Athletics and/or Event Group Head Coach. 

Performance Athlete Code of Conduct statement: 

I understand for selection to the athletics performance programme I will need to demonstrate that I have the appropriate and necessary skills and commitment, and that my performance, fitness and lifestyle are at the required level.  I understand that selection involves complex judgements about the attributes of individuals and their potential contribution to the squad. 

Selection Process to the Athletics Squad: 

Selection is the responsibility of the Director of Athletics and/or Event Group Head Coach. 

These criteria will be used to select athletes to the squad.  Selection decisions should be fair, transparent, and equitable. 

Commitment  

  • Athletes will prioritise BUCS and represent the University at BUCS competitions when requested, fitness permitting 
  • Will prioritise competing for Loughborough, if selected, at major events such as the LIA 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the success and development of Loughborough Students AC (LSAC)  
  • Strong desire to improve and drive the standards within the training group and LSAC 
  • Will attend training and performance support services sessions, as agreed with the coach and/or support staff 
  • Will attend Team meetings as requested by Loughborough Sport Leadership Team, Athletics Programme Manager, Director of Athletics and/or Event Group Head Coach. 

Performance  

Athletes are invited to join the Performance or Development groups based on recent results. Performance group standards align with BUCS medal-winning levels, while Development group standards reflect strong BUCS finalists.  

Results must be from after January 1st of the entry year (e.g., after January 1 2026, for the 2026/27 year). Exceptions may be made for athletes returning from injury. Athletes with only U20-level results can stay on the Performance programme for one year, after which they must improve to U23/senior standards.  

For sprints and horizontal jumps, performances must have legal wind readings.  

Before each academic year, coaches review results and decide who to invite. In rare cases, athletes not meeting the criteria may be included if the panel agrees there is a strong reason. 

Performance standards for the 2026/27 academic year can be found online here: Athletics selection criteria | Sport | Loughborough University 

Fitness 

  • Athletes will inform the coach and physio of any existing or reoccurring injury or illness concerns that may impact on the ability to train or compete 
  • Maintains a fitness standard regarded as suitable to perform at a First Team level, by the Event Group Head Coach and/or Director of Athletics 
  • Agrees to seek support from the Performance support staff should fitness standard drop below the expected level 
  • Agrees to avoid activities that may be regarding as likely to increase or exacerbate a fitness or injury concern 
  • Inability to train due to illness and/or injury must be reported to the coach and/or physio. 

Lifestyle 

  • Leads a lifestyle that contributes towards performing at the highest level 
  • Consumes a diet that fuels performance and recovery and contributes to achieving physical and performance targets 
  • Prioritises rest and recovery in order to be in the best physical and mental condition for each training session and competition 
  • Attempts to find a balance between sport and other aspects of their life e.g. study, work, relationships, family 
  • Athletes should not forego academic commitments for squad training, but this must be communicated at least 24h in advance 
  • Does not engage in any activity which would be detrimental to health and/or performance 
  • Has a commitment to anti-doping and clean sport. 

Attitude, Behaviours & Culture 

Positive Attitudes: 

  • Displays a positive attitude 
  • Actively seeking and giving constructive feedback, and responsiveness to that feedback  
  • Understanding that being part of the programme is a privilege and not a right 
  • Fully support and contribute to the positive ethos and image of the LSAC performance programme 
  • Wear Loughborough kit (where possible) at major events such as National and British Championships  
  • Represent Loughborough with pride. 

Elite Behaviours: 

  • Make a full commitment to all aspects of the programme 
  • Show grace and respect to all 
  • Communicate 24h in advance if you cannot attend a session/meeting with reason 
  • Being punctual 
  • Taking responsibility for your own athletic development and performance, academic commitments/deadlines, and performance lifestyle 
  • Actively communicate and seek help when needed 
  • Not expecting immediate success 
  • Showing a growth mindset 
  • Do not fear failure 
  • Be proud of the history and legacy that you are now a part of. 

Culture: 

  • Treat people how you wish to be treated 
  • Respect that everyone has a right to train and do not participate in activity that could be detrimental to another club member’s training or performance 
  • Create the culture you want to be a part of, do not wait for others to do it 
  • Challenge poor attitudes & behaviours 
  • Remember that LSAC was here before you arrived, and it will be here after you leave.  No one individual is bigger than LSAC 
  • Avoid any activity, including on social media, that could bring LSAC or Loughborough University into disrepute. 

Review process & General conditions 

Review Process: 

  • Progress review with Event Group Coach at the start of each semester

General Conditions: 

All selections are subject to available places on teams and where necessary will be prioritised at the discretion of the Director of Athletics, with the coaching team. All athletes must have AU and Loughborough Sport membership (plus Powerbase membership for those using the HiPAC Athletics Performance Gym) and agree to and sign the Loughborough University Performance Athlete Agreement, which governs your engagement in the annual athletics performance programme. Returning athletes must have demonstrated that they have met the programme selection requirements outlined above through a semesterly review. 

Failure to meet any of the above may result in athlete being removed from the performance squad. Returning athletes should not automatically expect to retain performance squad status. The dynamic nature of LSAC may require us to balance the performance squad each season in order to meet the aims of the programme. The Director of Athletics reserves the right to allocate “wildcard” places on the team to athletes that fall outside the aforementioned criteria. This may include, but is not limited to, athletes that have potential future success in BUCS/international athletics, contribute to the overall goals of the programme and/or demonstrate the qualities required to be a positive member of LSAC. 

If an athlete is not happy with the selection decisions these steps may be taken: 

A.Non-selection 

  1. If an athlete is not selected, they may seek honest and constructive feedback from the Director of and/or Head Coach in the first instance.
  2. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their non-selection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  3. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in the performance programme.

B.Deselection from the squad 

  1. The Director of and/or Head Coach will inform the athlete of the reasons for deselection, based on the criteria set out for the relevant sport.
  2. The athlete can expect honest and constructive feedback, including what would be required for them to be considered for selection again.
  3. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their deselection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  4. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in that performance programme.

C.Appeal 

  1. If an athlete believes the selection or deselection process has not been followed correctly, they may appeal to the Performance Director.
  2. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The appeal will be reviewed by the Performance Director and the Director of Sport.