Sports Ministry calls for consistent selection policy, better grievance redressal system for athletes

NEW DELHI: The sports ministry has implemented new mandatory requirements for national federations to standardize their selection policies.
The new guidelines require advance notification of trials to athletes and establishment of a grievance system to reduce legal disputes.
The initiative follows sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's directive to national federations to minimize legal conflicts with athletes. Recent disputes have emerged in wrestling, shooting, and winter sports events.
The directive has been distributed to the Indian Olympic Association, Sports Authority of India, and National Sports Federations.
National Sports Federations must now publish selection policies on their websites. Any changes to these policies require a three-month notice before competitions. Selection trials must be recorded on video.
"Video recordings of the selection trials shall be forwarded to SAI along with the duly signed minutes of selection committee, while sending proposals for financial assistance," it stated in the five-page document which also makes it mandatory for NSFs to inform the ministry before every trial.
The federations must announce selection criteria for major events like Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games two years in advance.
The shooting sport community has long advocated for standardized policies.
Renowned pistol coach Jaspal Rana has noted the negative impact of inconsistent policies on athletes.
The ministry requires notification and justification for including athletes, coaches, support staff, and officials in the long list for major events.
"Details of long list will be submitted to Ministry/SAI at least 30 days before the last date for making entries in the long list."
For international events requiring national camp participation, federations must inform athletes three months before training begins.
The new system requires federations to establish a Grievance Redressal Committee or Appeal Committee to address complaints within seven days.
"...(the committee) shall invariably include Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit who must have retired from active sports for at least four years," it has directed.
"No member of Selection Committee shall be part of the Grievance redressal Committee. Such proceedings will be summary in nature following principles of natural justice. If the NSF has formed a Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC), then second appeal shall be made before the DRC."
The NSF president now holds sole authority to form selection committees, a power previously shared within the federation.
"Composition of the selection committee shall be decided by the President of the NSF," it states.
The ministry has outlined recommendations for an ideal selection committee structure without making them mandatory. The directive suggests committee leadership by High Performance Directors, Chief Coaches, Foreign Coaches, or former international players with major awards.
Ministry and SAI observers will no longer participate in selection processes but will report their findings to their respective organizations.
"If the Ministry/SAI is not satisfied with the selection of athletes recommended by the NSF on the grounds of fairness and transparency, the Ministry reserves the right to approve the participation at no cost to the Government," it adds.
The ministry has established guidelines for coach selection, recommending stability in support staff until major games conclude.
Personal coaches and support staff selection will be based on merit. This addresses a recurring issue of athletes requesting specific support staff for major events.
"...due care should be taken to ensure that no person with a tainted record is selected as a member of the coaching team."
The federations must complete selection processes 45 days before scheduled departures to avoid last-minute complications like visa issues.