Procedure for Selection Trails

The phenomenal success of Shooters at the World Championship, Commonwealth & Asian Games was heartening to the members of the Governing body of the National Rifle Association of India but at the same Time they felt a certain sense of urgency, a sense of higher responsibility its preparedness for the Olympic Games 2012. In its endeavor to improve on its Selection Policy- the National Rifle Association of India’s Governing Body empowered the technical committee to re-evaluate the selection procedure and to make any or all necessary changes to bring about a more transparent, fair and objective policy.

The technical committee in its meeting held on 18th December, 2010 decided that it was desirous of formulating a more comprehensive policy for the selection of the National team for small bore events. The goal of the committee was to formulate a system which would be completely transparent and would be objective in its application, reducing the subjectivity to the minimum. The committee realized that no policy could completely account for all aspects of selection but they were zealous about formulating a system which would provide a solid base for assisting the selectors to arrive at the optimum choices.

The basic guiding principles which aided the members of the committee to arrive at the more favored formula:

  1. Absolute transparency.
  2. Maximum Objectivity reducing Subjectivity to an absolute Minimum.
  3. Allocating merit to both, performance [results/score] and placement /position at various ranks/levels of competitions. The second point would factor in the ability of the shooter to perform under high levels of stress. This is the aspect which is not present in most methods. The goal of all selection being – zeroing in on shooters who not only possess superior levels of skill but have high competitive ability and are capable of excelling under the severe levels of pressure.
  4. Resting shooters - allowing them a period of rest to rejuvenate their minds and bodies and also giving them time to hone their skills. The top shooter is required to participate in several international and domestic competitions and remain in peak form at all times, giving him none or very little time for any serious training and thus exhausting him both mentally and physically – allow him to plan and allot time to various aspects of his shooting as per his own priority.
  5. A system which accounted for achievements at important competitions.
  6. A system which was equitable, easy to understand and apply.

    The Committee zeroed in on the Moving Average [MA] System and tested Point Based Ranking System [PBRS]. The MA system was a time tested system but the special feature of the new computer program which graded a shooter at 2 levels - performance and placement – seemed more adept at addressing the major goals.

    The Point Based Ranking System-PBRS is a RANKING SYSTEM determined by a special computer program, this method of arriving at the RANKING OF A SHOOTER is an accepted process for selection of National Teams by several leading countries. It was decided to adopt the PBRS.

    The General Scope of the Selection Policy declared in this document would be effective up to the Olympic Games 2012 and it would cover all small bore events –All Rifle and Pistol events including all Air events. However the policy could be reviewed prior to the PBRS coming into operations to eliminate any anomaly and it [the policy] would be reviewed prior to the 55th National Shooting Championship. This policy will be binding on all shooters who are desirous of representing the country and wish to be a part of the National Team for small bore events.

    The Point Based Ranking System-PBRS would be operational from 1st of July 2011. However, the results fed into the program would be scores shot in and after the 3rd selection trial of June 2010. The principal rationale of considering scores from that period onwards was:

    1. A shooter who has won medals/position at the World Championship 2010 has points accruing to him which would last for 24 months – far beyond the date of commencement of operation of the new system.
    2. The Olympic quota winners would not get the benefit in the new system if the period in which they were obtained was not considered.
    3. The winner of medals/positions in other major internationals also would lose on the points accruing to them for 12 months. This would have been extremely unfair to our top shooters and it would have made the new system completely ineffective.
      4. From the 1st of January 2011 until the 1st of July 2011 the National Rifle Association of India [NRAI] will adopt the Moving Average Method for selection of teams for participation at all International Competitions within that period. The PBRS could be made operational only after a certain number of scores were fed into the system and due to this difficulty the adoption of the PBRS was postponed to the 1st of July 2011 i.e. after the completion of the fourth World Cup-2011.

      The Formula of Moving Average System:
      The total of the three highest scores of the last four consecutive scores / 3. Or
      (Total of the last four consecutive scores –the lowest (one) score) /(3(three))
      Only scores achieved in and from Selection Trial No III of June 2010 would be considered – scores shot earlier than that point would not be taken into account.
      For the selection of shooters for the 1st world cup – scores achieved in The National Games [NG], 54th NSCC, Asian Games and Common Wealth Games – the lowest score /3 [divided by 3]. Those who had not participated in the above International, the scores of NG, 54th NSCC, ST V and IV would be considered. The MA system would be applied for selection of all International competitions prior to the 1st July, 2011.
      The Point Based Ranking System which will come into effect from the 1st Of July 2011 will be used as a BASE for the selection of shooters for participation in all international competitions.

    Features of the Point Based Ranking System:
    The PBRS awards points to a shooter for two aspects of his shooting:
    1. The first aspect is based on the scores/results a shooter achieves in any recognized competition irrespective of the significance or grading of that competition. Hence each score achieved in an enlisted competition will give him a certain ‘LEVEL’ [CHART A- Annexure 1] and that level will entitle him to the corresponding points. The ‘Levels’ in Chart A, have been formulated by arriving At the average scores, after evaluating the results achieved by shooters at major ISSF International Competitions. The second aspect is the placement or the position of the shooter in a particular enlisted competition. The enlisted competition will be graded on priority and the overall strategy of the Federation. The shooter will be awarded points as per his placement in that Competition [CHART B – Annexure 2]. The important element, to note is that the points achieved in this section – according to this chart will diminish every day and will become ‘Zero’ at the end of the pre-determined on a daily basis. 
      Quantum of points deducted daily = (total number of points earned)/(Total (pre-determined) validity period in days) 
      The Chart states the time frame for each competition and the corresponding points for each position of a particular competition. The points so achieved, by a shooter would diminish each day in such a manner that at the position in that competition will become zero. For example a shooter who has won Gold medal at the World Championship, would collect 750 points but with each passing day, the points will diminish and at the end of 24 months the 750 points would become 0 (zero).
    The total number of points that a shooter collects/earns as per the above two CHARTS A & B will be fed into the computer program and on competition of every competition, the shooter will be ranked, based on the points that he has earned as per CHART A & B.

    The PBRS system would be applicable only to the Open Category.

    ONLY THOSE SHOOTERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPEN SENIOR AND /OR JUNIOR CATEGORY WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO EARN POINTS IN THIS SYSTEM. Hence a shooter who participates only in Civilian Category will not earn any point and will not be considered for this ranking system. A junior shooter who participates only in the open Junior category will be considered only for the junior category and he will not be ranked in the senior category. Only a shooter who participates in the senior open category will be eligible to earn points in the senior category. However a junior shooter who participates in an International Competition in the senior ISSF events would earn points in the junior category also.
    Two separate records will be maintained for senior and junior open shooters. The e records of points earned in the junior category will only be considered for selections of team s for junior internationals. The shooters who are common to both categories, that is shooters who enter and participate in both categories, that is shooters who enter and participate in both categories in domestic competitions [where one score will entitle them to different set of points] will be awarded the respective points in their respective categories. This matter would arise only in domestic competitions.

    All juniors [open] shooters are advised to participate in both junior open and senior open categories in domestic competitions. All junior open category shooters who are interested in their scores of domestic competitions being considered in BOTH SENIOR AND JUNIOR CATEGORY MUST ENSURE THAT THEY ENTER BOTH CATEGORIES [They must submit entry form and entry fee in both categories].

    It was further decided that shooters would be permitted to participate in International competition at their own cost and scores achieved in such International competitions would earn the corresponding points as per char A and B. however there would be a CEILING/CAP on the total number of such participations at 'own cost' in International competitions in a year.

    The shooter would be required to inform the NRAI – in advance/prior to participation – that he desires to participate in a particular international Competition at 'own cost'. Without prior intimation the scores and placements achieved in such International competitions would not be Taken into account. Only a maximum of two scores of such International participation –at own cost- in a shooting calendar year [national to National] would be considered in the Point Based Ranking System.

    It was further decided that wherever there are two scores during a competition (elimination/qualification or Team/Individual), then higher scored achieved by shooter should be taken into consideration for calculation of the moving average/point system. However the score and the placement must have been achieved at the same time. The shooter cannot select the score of one and the placement of another.

    Criteria for selection of shooters for the Olympic Games 2012. 

    The committee reiterated the earlier decision of the Governing Body of the NRAI regarding "Quota Places" won by individual shooters. The Olympic Quota would be the property of the federation and not the individual who has obtained it.

    No separate trials will be conducted for the selection of shooters for participation in the Olympic Games.

    For the selection of a shooter for participation at the Olympic Games 2012 – the performance at the following competitions will be considered:

    • Would Championship 2010
    • National Championship 2010 and 2011 [54th and 55th NSCC]
    • All 4 Would Cups of 2011 and
    • Asian Shooting Championship 2011.

    For the top 4 selected shooters the World Cup I and II of 2012 will also be considered for the final selection.

    A shooter must have participated in a maximum of five of the above mentioned competitions. For each such competition he will be credited with the corresponding level as per ‘Chart C’ – Annexure 3. Hence he will Be credited with 5 or more such levels according to the number of participations in the above mentioned competitions.

    The total of levels achieved in the above competition – (subtract/minus) the lower level, will be the average level of the shooter. [For shooters who have participated in only five of the above competitions they will not get the benefit of subtracting the lowest level (worst performance) as a minimum of five levels will be required for the calculation of the average level] this will be the shooters ‘AVERAGE BASE LEVEL’. The average Base Level of eligible shooters will be declared by the federation after the conclusion of the Asian Shooting Championship 2012. The top 4 shooters in each event in which the Country has won a Quota is eligible to field a team, will be selected won the basis of this Average Base I & II of 2012. The Average base Level will be added to the levels achieved by the shooter in the two World Cups

    ABL + Level in WC I + Level in WC II /3 (divided by three) = Average Provisional Level

    The Average Provisional Level of a shooter will become the Average Final Level only after the shooter has been upgraded for any of the Achievements, mentioned below- in that event.

    A shooter’s Average Provisional Level (one level) for each of the following achievements in that event, to arrive at the Average Final Level.
    1. For winning the Quota for the country in the event.
    2. For achieving the Quota – winning score at the above Internationals but not being awarded the quota solely because the country has already obtained the maximum quotas in that event.
    3. For not being awarded the quota in an event because the shooter has already obtained a quota in another event.
    4. For achieving the score equal to or above the quota distribution score[This is applicable only to the quota winners who participate in the –MQS]
    5. For a shooter who is selected for the World Cup finals in that event In 2001.
    6. For setting a new World record in the Senior Category in that event Or shooting a score equal to/more than, the world record in any of the International competitions in and after the World Championship 2010.
    The Selection Committee/or any other committee so empowered by the Governing Body of the NRAI would base their selection largely on the results of the Moving Average until the 1st of July 2011 and subsequently the Point Based Ranking System. However in extraordinary circumstances the decision of the Selection Committee would be final and binding on all participants.

    The selection of the National Squad:

    The grounds for not selecting International shooters only from the pool of National Squad – NSQ members were many

    1. The NSQ members would be predisposed to a laid back attitude.
    2. The number of participants in the small bore shooting events was very large and it was possible that an extremely good shooter was not included in NSQ. Not permitting him to be a part of the selection process would be a grave loss to the country. The form of a shooter varies from time to time, especially when he is in the training mode hence the selection policy must ensure that such shooters were permitted to prove themselves.
    3. Permitting a larger section of the shooters into the selection process motivated them to through out of the year, giving the sport a bigger base of high level shooters.
    Considering the very large number of shooters in the small bore events and the very high level of competition – it was decided that the number of the NSQ would get support and would get all the benefits of coaching and other financial assistance whereas other shooters of a certain\n level would be permitted to participate in the selection trials/competitions at their own cost. This gave the federation larger pool to select from at no additional cost. 

    SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING SHOOTERS (RIFLE/PISTOL) FOR SQUAD – NATIONAL SQUAD - 2012 
    1. The selection for the National squad for the year 2012 will be done on the basis of various selection trials and shooting competitions. Scores achieved by shooters during following competitions are taken into considerations for selection:
      1. At least four selection trials during the year 2011 will be conducted. Circulars will be issued from time to time informing Dates and venues.
      2. All International Competitions – 2011
      3. 55th National Shooting Championship – 2011
      4. Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship – 2011
      5. Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters Shooting Championship – 2011
    2. The following procedure will be followed for selection of members of National Squad for the year 2012:
      1. Only the 4 highest scores will be taken into consideration for calculating the average, if there are more than 4 scores.
      2. In the case, there are 4 scores only, all 4 scores will be taken consideration for calculating the average.
      3. In case of less than 4 scores, shooter will not be considered for selection for National Squad.
      4. Shooters achieving higher or equal average compared to the scores indicated as per annexure “A” will be considered for the National Squad for the year 2012 for the event in which the qualifying average has been achieved.
      5. A maximum of shooters out of those who fulfill this condition, ranked according to there, will be taken into the National Squad.
      6. A maximum of four junior shooters in each event can be selected- if needed – even if shooters have not achieved the qualifying average score for National Squad 2012.
      7. A maximum of two youth shooters in each event of air weapons only can be selected – if needed – even if shooters have not achieved the qualifying average sore for National Squad 2012.
      8. The National Champions of 55th NSCC in open events will be included in the squad irrespective of their scores. H.1 In case of tie, shooters having same scores will be taken into the National Squad.
        9. H.2 Shooters participating in international competitions during 2012 may be considered for taking National Squad.
      9. After the first two trails, those who fail to maintain the qualifying scores as per annexure "C" may be dropped from the National Squad.
      10. Those who are born in 1990 will have to achieve the qualifying score for the seniors in one of the first two trials.
    3. The decision of the Selection Committee shall be final.
    II. CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION IN TRIALS

    1. Members of the National Squad for 2011 will be eligible to participate in the above trials in those events where they have been selected.
      1. These members if they intend to participate in others events must have achieved the minimum qualifying score as per Annexure "B".
    2. Those who are not members of the National Squad will be allowed to participate in the selection trials at their own cost in case:
      1. They achieve minimum qualifying scores during 54th NSCC as per annexure “B” enclosed.
      2. Or they have an average qualifying score based on 3 higher scores during the year 2010.
      3. These shooters must achieve the minimum qualifying score during I & II trial otherwise they will not be allowed to participate in further trials.
    3. Scores achieved during the competitions conducted by our affiliated units will also be considered to fulfill the eligibility criteria subject to the following conditions:
      1. A minimum of three affiliated units and six shooters in each event must participate in these competitions.
      2. Prior approval must be obtained from NRAI to hold match competitions.
      3. Shooters who achieve the scores as per 17.6 of NRAI Match Book 2010 will only be allowed to participate in these competitions.
      4. The results of such competitions duly verified by designated Juries must be sent to NRAI within 48 hours after the completion of competition.

        The final decision will be with the Selection Committee.
ANNEXURE-"A"
SCORES FOR NATIONAL SQUAD-2012
S.NO. EVENT SENIORS JUNIORS
1.    FREE RIFLE 3 POSITION 1150*/1145# 1125
2.    FREE RIFLE PRONE 593/588 582
3.    AIR RIFLE MEN 593/588 585
4.    FREE PISTOL 550/545 527
5.    RAPID FIRE PISTOL 565/560 545
6.    CENTRE FIRE PISTAL 576/570 -
7.    STANDARD PISTOL 563/558 543
8.    AIR PISTOL MEN 575/570 565
9.    SPORT PISTOL JUNIOR MEN - 565
10.    SPORT RIFEL PRONE 586/583 580
11.    SPORTS RIFEL 3 POISION 574/568 555
12.    AIR RIFEL WOMEN 395/392 390
13.    SPORT PISTOL WOMEN 563/558 545
14.    AIR PISTOL WOMEN 378/374 370
       
ANNEXURE-"B"
SCORES FOR NATIONAL SQUAD-2012
S.NO. EVENT SENIORS JUNIORS
1.    FREE RIFLE 3 POSITION 1130 1020
2.    FREE RIFLE PRONE 587 565
3.    AIR RIFLE MEN 585 576
4.    FREE PISTOL 535 500
5.    RAPID FIRE PISTOL 555 535
6.    CENTRE FIRE PISTAL 565 -
7.    STANDARD PISTOL 555 535
8.    AIR PISTOL MEN 565 550
9.    SPORT PISTOL JUNIOR MEN - 545
10.    SPORT RIFEL PRONE 580 560
11.    SPORTS RIFEL 3 POISION 557 520
12.    AIR RIFEL WOMEN 387 377
13.    SPORT PISTOL WOMEN 550 525
14.    AIR PISTOL WOMEN 368 360
       
ANNEXURE-"C"
SCORES FOR NATIONAL SQUAD 2011
S.NO. EVENT SENIORS JUNIORS
1.    FREE RIFLE 3 POSITION 1150*/1145# 1125
2.    FREE RIFLE PRONE 593/588 582
3.    AIR RIFLE MEN 593/588 585
4.    FREE PISTOL 550/545 527
5.    RAPID FIRE PISTOL 565/560 545
6.    CENTRE FIRE PISTAL 576/570 -
7.    STANDARD PISTOL 563/558 543
8.    AIR PISTOL MEN 575/570 565
9.    SPORT PISTOL JUNIOR MEN - 565
10.    SPORT RIFEL PRONE 586/583 580
11.    SPORTS RIFEL 3 POISION 574/568 555
12.    AIR RIFEL WOMEN 395/392 390
13.    SPORT PISTOL WOMEN 563/558 545
14.    AIR PISTOL WOMEN 378/374 370
       

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