Player Selection Criteria

TENNIS NATIONAL SQUAD AND INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND MAJOR GAMES SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Objectives

The objective aims to:

  1. Put forth the best team of athletes to represent Singapore in regional and international competitions under the ambit of the STA, SportSG and the SNOC.
  2. Ensure Transparency, Accountability and Opportunities
  3. Consistent podium success at International Tennis Tournaments and Major Games:
    • SEA Games
    • Davis Cup (Promotion)
    • Billie Jean King Cup (Promotion)
  4. Pipeline development with a healthy pool of senior performing and pipeline athletes.
  5. Encouraged return contribution of supported Athletes to the tennis eco-system.

National Squad & National Youth Squad Concept

Build a team of :
National Squad
(Senior Performing)
National Youth Squad
(Pipeline)
Up to 6 Males & 6 Females
National Athletes
U16
Up to 8 players (Boys & Girls)
U14
Up to 12 players (Boys & Girls)

 

Selection Policy - Minimum Eligibility Requirements

 

  1. National & National Youth Squads: Singapore Citizens only
  2. SEA Games: Singapore Citizens only (SEA Games rule)
  3. Billie Jean King Cup & Davis Cup: Singapore Citizens only (ITF Rule)
Selection Policy - Selection for National Squad
  1. Joint Committee ("Committee") to determine the no. of spots on the National Squad for Men and Ladies for every competition year and announce annually.
  2. Conduct an Annual Selection Exercise, administered by the Selection Panel (“Panel”), at period as determined by the Committee. The selection excercise includes an interview by the Joint Committee and the following:
    1. Invitation to National Squad Tennis Scholarship Selection Interview
      1. Players with an ATP/WTA Singles Ranking
      2. Players ranked in the top 600 of the ATP/WTA Doubles Ranking
      Exceptions:
      1. If the number of players with ranking exceeds the number of available spots on the National Squad, a selection trial will be conducted for all players with ranking to fill all the spots on the National Squad.
      2. In the event that a spot(s) is opened up in the National Squad due to existing squad member(s) dropping out, the Panel has the discretion to fill the spot(s) through a selection process as designated by the Committee.
      3. Should any players attain an ATP or WTA Singles ranking after the selection exercise period, he or she may write in to the Selection and Preparation Panel for consideration for a spot on the National Squad
    2. Application criteria for selection interview and trials for National Squad
      1. Juniors ranked in the top 400 of the ITF Junior Ranking
      2. Top 6 men and women, or any other number of players deemed necessary by the Selection & Preparation Panel, based on the STA Open ranking and based on the previous 52 weeks results.
      3. Former players who have represented Singapore in Billie Jean King Cup, Davis Cup and SEA Games in the past three years and have indicated interest in writing to Selection and Preparation Panel to represent Singapore for a spot in the selection trials and a pre-trial may be conducted for a spot in the selection trials at the Selection and Preparation Panel’s discretion in the event that there is overwhelming interest.
      4. Men and Women ranked in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Singles Ranking list.
      5. Other suitable players based on the Panel's discretion
      Pre-Selection Trials:
      1. May be conducted for a spot in the selection trials at the Selection and Preparation Panel’s discretion in the event there is overwhelming interest.
      Selection Trials:
      1. Conducted in a round robin format, played over best of 3 sets with normal deuce. ITF Tournament Rules apply, particularly regarding injury time-outs and walk-overs. If a player is unable to play or continue playing for medical reasons, he/she has to concede a walk-over.
      2. A medical certificate must be submitted, failing which the player will be taken out of the trial and all previous points collated will be considered null and void.
      3. The Panel may change the schedule & format of play as deemed necessary. Requests for a change of schedule by a player are not allowed.
Selection Policy – Selection for National Youth Squad
  1. Joint Committee (“Committee”) to determine the number of spots on the National Youth Squad for Boys and Girls for every competition year and announce annually.
  2. The Squad will be tiered into two levels (U16 and U14)
    1. U16 Category
      i. Up to total of eight (8) players (Boys and Girls)
    2. U14 Category
      i. Up to total of twelve (12) players (Boys and Girls)
  3. An Annual Selection Exercise will be administered by the Selection & Preparation Panel ("Panel"), at the period as determined by the Committee for the available spots on the National Youth Squad.
    1. Invitation to National Youth Squad Tennis Scholarship Selection Interview
      1. Players aged 16 and Under with an ATP/WTA Ranking
      2. Players aged 16 and Under who have been selected for Davis Cup or Billie Jean King Cup in the previous year
      3. Juniors ranked in the top 500 of the ITF Junior Ranking
      Considerations:
      1. To better manage the training hours and regime for 16 and under players who are still schooling
    2. Application criteria for selection interview and trials for National Youth Squad

      U16:
      1. Top 8 boys and girls, or any other number of players deemed necessary by the Selection & Preparation Panel, based on the STA National Age Group combined U18 & U16 Ranking from the previous 52 weeks results
      2. Ranked between 501 and 800 of the ITF Junior Ranking
      3. Players who are keen to be considered for the Tennis National Youth Squad and meet the following criteria can Apply in writing to STA for the Selection & Preparation Panel's evaluation and recommendation for the Joint Committee's approval:
        • Former players who have represented Singapore in Junior Davis Cup/Junior Billie Jean King Cup in the past two years
        • Players who reached the Semi Finals or better of the past two National age group competition (U16/U18) tournament.
      4. Other suitable players based on the Selection & Preparation Panel's recommendation for the Committee's approval.
      U14:
      1. Top 12 boys and girls, or any other number of players deemed necessary by the Selection & Preparation Panel, based on the STA National Age Group U14 Ranking from the previous 52 weeks results
      2. Players with an ITF Junior Ranking
        • Boys - ITF Junior Ranking of 2100 and below
        • Girls - ITF Junior Ranking of 1960 and below
      3. Players who are keen to be considered for the Tennis National Youth Squad and meet the following criteria can Apply in writing to STA for the Selection & Preparation Panel's evaluation and recommendation for the Joint Committee’s approval:
        • Former players who have represented Singapore in World Juniors in the past two years
      4. Other suitable players based on the Selection & Preparation Panel's recommendation for the Committee's approval.
Selection Policy - Selection for Major Games & International Tennis Tournaments
  1. This final selection will be completed based on SNOC and ITF timelines within the latest possible date and in accordance with the respective tournaments/events rules and regulations.
  2. For 2023 SEA Games Selection Policy, please click here
  3. In addition to playing abilities, players will also be evaluated on their values of Honor, Teamwork and Resilience, using both objective and subjective criteria parameters.
    1. Evaluation Parameters for Players' Values
      1. Display strong passion and drive and Core Values of Honour, Teamwork and Resilience
      2. Good Sensibilities, Attitude and Behaviour: Based on character reference from Coaches/Administrators/peers and, if necessary, independent character reference. Interview sessions may be conducted
      3. Training commitment: Commit to a full-time training load as agreed with the Selection & Preparation Panel. When selected to the National Squad, players based locally must commit to train and all training sessions, failing which a player may be dropped from the squad.
      4. Competitions commitment: Commit to participate in overseas and local competitions as agreed with the Selection & Preparation Panel
      5. National Representation: To participate in all selection trials and events when invited
      6. Code Of Conduct: Adhere to the code of conduct
      7. Sports Performance: Commit to medal targets and ITF/ATP/WTA ranking targets as agreed with the Selection & Preparation Panel
      8. Role model, mentor and inspire junior players: Participate in camps, clinics, workshops and engagement sessions as agreed with the Selection & Preparation Panel
      9. Build affinity with Singaporean: Participate in community engagement sessions as agreed with the Selection & Preparation Panel
  4. For all Major Games, SNOC has the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether a player has met the selection requirements and if they should select the maximum number of players permitted by the Qualification System, notwithstanding the no. of players who may have met the selection requirements and/or Qualification System.
Selection Policy – Selection for Davis Cup & Billie Jean King Cup
  1. A selection process to select the required number of men & ladies to form the representing team for Singapore in Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup or any other International Tournaments endorsed by the Joint committee.
    1. For more information click here

Selection Policy – International Junior Tournament

  1. A selection process to select the required number of boys & girls to form the representing team for Singapore in Junior Davis Cup, Junior Billie Jean King Cup and World Juniors.
    1. Invitation to selection trials for the available spots on the Team

Any player who meets any of the following criteria will receive an invite in due cause:

World Junior Competition Junior Davis Cup & Junior Billie Jean King Cup
  1. All 2019 National Youth Squad (NYS) players
  2. Hold an ITF Junior Ranking
  3. Top 6 ranked players in the STA Open Rankings
  4. Top 6 ranked players in the STA Junior Ranking (U14/U16)
  5. Players who reached the Semi-Finals or better in the past two (2) National Age Group (U14/U16) tournaments
  1. All 2019 National Youth Squad (NYS) players
  2. Ranked in the top 1,000 of the ITF Junior Ranking
  3. Top 4 ranked players in the STA Open Rankings
  4. Top 6 ranked players in the STA Junior Ranking (U16)
  5. Players who reached the Semi-Finals or better in the past two (2) National Age Group (U16) tournaments

*Players who qualify for both World Junior Competition and Junior Davis/Billie Jean King Cup, will be placed in the lower age category.
 

Selection Policy – Administration

  1. Each player will have to sign and accept the Athlete Agreement to accept the position and obligations in the National Squad and Tournament and Major Games squads. Penalties may be imposed on the athlete for any non-compliance.
  2. Each player will have to attend all training and activities designed by the National Squad Head Coach(s) in preparation for the Tournaments and Major Games and all engagement sessions as designated by the Committee.
  3. All players and coaches will have to accept and follow the equipment rules established by International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Singapore Tennis Association (STA) and the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).
Selection Policy – Withdrawals of Players
  1. A player may be removed from the National Squad, National Youth Squad, Tournament/Major Games Squad under any of the following situations:
    1. Voluntary Withdrawal: Any player may request to be removed from the squads by submitting a written letter to the Selection & Preparation Panel (address to Deputy General Manager STA) within one week of announcement of the squads; Once withdrawal is accepted, no further appeals or changes can be made for the player to be reinstated into the squads;
    2. Injury and/or Illness: Any player who has injury and/or illness must be certified fit- to-play by an approved doctor or medical staff. If a player is certified unfit by a medical professional, he/she may be removed from the squads. If any player refuses verification of his illness/injury, said illness/injury will be assumed to be disabling and he/she may be removed from the squads;
    3. Misconduct: All players are to abide by the Athletes’ Code of Conduct and Athletes’ Agreement. Any violation may result in the removal of the athlete from the squads.
Selection Policy – Appeals Process
  1. Grounds for Appeal: Any aggrieved player may appeal against any failure of the Selection & Preparation Panel in complying with the Selection process. An appeal may only be made on procedural grounds, and not on the merits of any selection decisions. It does not serve as a reselection process.
  2. The Committee has no powers of selection or re-selection. They are obliged to review the procedures of the Selection & Preparation Panel in the alleged matter and must come to a majority decision after consideration of all available evidence. They may, as appropriate, present the results of their review to the Selection Panel.
  3. Once the Committee has made its recommendations, and the Selection & Preparation Panel has, if necessary, reconsidered its selection, the findings of both Committee and Panel will be announced.
  4. Where the Player A's appeal poses a risk to Player B of being excluded from the final selection, Player B will be given an opportunity to be heard at the appeal.
  5. The Committee's decision is final. No further appeals on the same grounds may be considered.
  6. Any application for consideration for National Youth Squad, National Squad or appeal on selection must be written officially to the Singapore Tennis Association (STA) for the Committee's consideration within seven (7) days after the official announcement of the selection exercise or selection results. By email:

    The Committee through Senior Associate, Ashlina Ali
    Email: ashlina.ali@singtennis.org.sg
    CC: wilsontay@singtennis.org.sg

 

 

Last updated 6 Jan 2022

 

 

 

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