Is the new APS the same as the BMS?
No. APS stands for Average Performance Score and is the average of an athletes three highest qualifying scores from Shooting Australia Endorsed Events, within a specific period. BMS stands for Benchmark score and is a reference to the average qualifying score required to make finals at International ISSF Competitions within a specific period.
What is the APS and how does SA use it?
The athlete’s APS is the average of their 3 highest qualifying scores within a specific period. Shooting Australia will use the APS to determine whether that athlete has met or exceeded the Minimum Performance Standard (MPS) for selection eligibility to a particular competition. The MPS ensures athletes are accessing competitions appropriate to their stage of development.
Why are their automatic selections for World Cup medalists?
Athletes that demonstrate medal winning performances at World Cups provide a reliable indication that they can contribute to SA’s performance objectives at World Championships. As such we may use an automatic selection for these athletes to ensure they are able to prioritise their preparations for World Championships ahead of a domestic selection series. It should be noted that there will always be a minimum of one (1) position reserved for the domestic selection series
How are the National Teams selected?
Our National Teams are selected according to the selection policies set out on our website. For more information click here
If I’m not in a squad can I make a team?
Absolutely! Any athlete that meets the appropriate criteria set out in the event specific selection policy is eligible for selection to any of our National Teams.
What will happen with the events in 2023-2024?
Our selection strategy for the 2023-2024 seasons will be released in mid 2022. However, current selection criteria is a good indicator of how things may be in 2023-2024
What is a performance window?
A performance window is a period prior to the selection of a National Team, where athlete’s performances can be used to determine their APS.
Is an ISSF World Cup the same as an ISSF Grand Prix?
Similar, but no. With the introduction of ISSF Grands Prix in the 2021-2024 Olympic cycle, there is now a “second tier” competition below the World Cups. These competitions are still conducted under strict ISSF rules and may even allow for athletes to earn eligibility for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Why isn’t there a selection series for the World Cups and Grands Prix?
With the large number of ISSF Grands Prix and World Cups each year it is impractical to run a selection series for each one. The Shooting Australia National Coaches lead the selections that determine which of the National Squad Athletes, and also athletes not part of our National Squads, shall be selected to these competitions. Athletes not part of a National Squad must meet certain minimum performance standards to be considered for selection.
How does a selection series work?
Typically, there will be 4-5 domestic competitions that will form any Selections Series. From these competition performances we will use an athlete’s best 3 scores (derived from both qualifying and finals), to rank all athletes. The top ranked athletes shall be selected subject to satisfying any MPS set for that competition, and subject to available positions on the National Team.
Do I have to shoot all the events in a selection series?
You are not required to shoot all event in a Selection Series however you will need to compete in at least three to be eligible for selection.