Wales and Borders Tetrathlon Selection Policy for Teams and Individuals at Regional and International Tetrathlon Competitions
Principles and Process
The Wales and Borders Region is comprised of Areas 5, 10 and 18.
Tetrathletes are nominated by their relevant Area Tetrathlon co-ordinator to represent the region. The Area co-ordinators provide information about each nominated tetrathlete based on their overall Pony Club history and track record, as well as their triathlon and tetrathlon performances. This is done in consultation with Branch DC’s, instructors and branch tetrathlon representatives.
Members are expected to have obtained at least their C test. Wales and Borders tetrathlon aims to support members by creating regional squads where they mix with Pony Club tetrathletes from across the country helping them to enjoy their current level, and prepare for the next whether it be junior, senior or international teams.
The policy for selection is not a “win at all costs” policy, but where members are broadly equal in terms of commitment and consistency the member who has demonstrated superiority of performance is the more likely to be selected.
Nominations are reviewed collectively by the three Area tetrathlon representatives. A policy of inclusivity is always followed and provided the tetrathletes are safe in the shoot and the ride, and there are sufficient spaces in the event, all will be encouraged to enter. Tetrathletes are usually able to enter as a team member and /or an individual, depending on the event.
Where possible teams are always drawn from all three areas to achieve true representation of the Wales and Borders Region with the emphasis on team spirit and camaraderie.
Team selection is done in close consultation with all three Area tetrathlon co-ordinators but is announced by the Wales and Borders Regional co-ordinator.
Specific competitions have specific selection criteria that need to be followed. (see below)
Windsor Exhibition Junior Tetrathlon
This competition is first and foremost a demonstration of tetrathlon to the wider world and is run as an arena tetrathlon. It should be noted that tetrathletes selected are all acting as ambassadors for the Wales and Borders Region at this prestigious event.
There is only one team per Region and the team of three tetrathletes must include at least one boy. The partnership of tetrathlete and pony/horse must be well established and be capable of coping with a big occasion and other varied and noisy demonstrations (eg Kings Troop, Local Hunt etc etc). A tetrathlete can only compete once in this event.
Where possible, each area will nominate one junior tetrathlete in their final year of the junior age group. The team will be made up of one member from each area (where there are suitable juniors available). The nomination from each area is decided by the respective area tetrathlon co-ordinator. This involves consultation as the Regional Team must include a boy. Selection will take into account commitment to both Pony Club as a whole and to tetrathlon specifically. In the event of an area unable to provide a tetrathlete, the other areas nominate another member.
Junior Regionals/International
This competition invites teams of 5, with girls and boys in separate teams. There is also usually opportunity for tetrathletes to compete as individuals, but the ethos is very much that they all are part of ‘Team Wales and Borders’, and the captains are expected to treat them as team members. In some years the captain has been taken from the individuals. Captains are chosen in consultation with all three area tetrathlon co-ordinators. The process of selection of teams and individuals is described as above and there is no policy of a first and second team. The aim is to ensure that the region is represented where possible, by all three areas. The same approach is taken for Senior Regionals and for the mini stepping stones.
Mini Stepping stones are drawn where possible from minis in their final year. Wales and Borders do not allow tetrathletes to compete more than once in the competition as the aim is that it is a ‘stepping stone’ to the tetrathlon championships
Dr. Heather McCalman (Wales and Borders Regional Co- Ordinator)
