British Rowing reveals new GB Rowing Team selection policy for Tokyo and beyond

The new policy covers senior, U23 and junior GB Rowing Teams

British Rowing has this week published a new four-year selection policy which provides clarity on the competitive selection processes for senior, U23 and junior rowers hoping to represent Great Britain.

Director of Performance Brendan Purcell said: “Every four years we present a new selection policy to the British Rowing board to give us the authority to select GB Rowing Teams at all levels. It gives us a great opportunity to review, reflect and update where needed.”

The team-based nature of rowing means that coaches take a wide range of criteria into account when selecting crews. This is reflected in the new policy, which makes reference to objective criteria such as ergometer scores as well as more subjective factors such as “compatibility, personal attributes and attitudes, technical compatibility, crew balance and harmony.”

There is also a move away from a single chief coach-led selection model towards ‘selection groups’ for each discipline or squad, which will be made up of the British Rowing Director of Performance, a nominated GB Rowing Team coach and an external selector.

Brendan Purcell explains: “Many sports utilise external selectors in the course of selecting teams. We are looking for people who will provide valuable independent oversight and a ‘check and challenge’ function to the coach and Director of Performance.”

The British Rowing leadership team sought a wide range of external advice to help draft the new policy. Independent advisors were brought in to consult with coaches and provide support to the leadership team, while the British Athletes Commission gathered open and honest feedback from current and retired rowers.

British Rowing has now begun the search for external selectors. Those interested can apply via this link.