Volleyball at the Commonwealth Games – Unlikely

GOLDOC Chairman, Nigel Chamier OAM, confirmed there were no changes to the sports detailed in the Gold Coast Candidate City File submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

Beach Volleyball will not be included on the programme for the 2018 Commonwealth Games following a decision by the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC). The Corporation reaffirmed that no additional sports would be proposed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games sports programme that comprises 10 core sports (including para-sports) and an additional seven optional sports, capping the number at 17.

“The sports programme was carefully developed to provide a balance of sports with consideration given to potential athlete participation levels, the number of Commonwealth nations hosting international tournaments and participant numbers from the Commonwealth at world championships” said GOLDOC Chairman, Nigel Mr Chamier OAM. “We are confident that the sports featured in our event will have international appeal and attract the very best athletes,” he said.

Mr Chamier said the formal submissions for inclusion received from beach volleyball as well as canoeing, judo and ten pin bowling were reviewed over the last six months. “The review was conducted in accordance with the strict criteria set by the CGF for inclusion in the Commonwealth Games,” said Mr Chamier. “All four applicants failed to meet a sufficient number of criteria to warrant being proposed to the CGF for inclusion in the 2018 sports programme,” he said.

Criteria for inclusion in the Commonwealth Games

The core Sport Programme for each Commonwealth Games is determined by the Commonwealth Games Federation and comprises 10 core sports. The core sports for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are: Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming, Diving), Badminton, Boxing, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball (women), Squash, Rugby Sevens, Weightlifting.

Optional sports

A Commonwealth Games candidate city may select up to a further seven sports from a list of sports provided and approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation. A maximum of four team sports can be included in the overall sports programme. The following sports were chosen to be included in the Gold Coast City 2018 Commonwealth Games Sports Programme: Basketball, Shooting (Clay Target, Full Bore, Pistol, Small Bore), Table Tennis, Cycling (Road, Time Trial, Track, Mountain Bike), Gymnastics, Triathlon, Wrestling.

Para-sports

The four core Para-Sports nominated by the Commonwealth Games Federation and included in the Sports Programme are: Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming), Lawn Bowls, Power Lifting.

Selection of sports

A criteria set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation must be followed when selecting additional sports. Criteria for selecting sports:
• Participation levels within the Commonwealth
• Number of Commonwealth nations affiliated with the International Federation
• Number of participants from Commonwealth nations at World Championships
• Number of Commonwealth nations hosting International tournaments sanctioned by the International Federation (e.g. over the last four years)

• Excellence – sports and events that have high profile Commonwealth athletes capable of excellence, with world-class performances and a supportive relationship with the International Federation, measured by:
– Number of medallists and participants from Commonwealth nations at World Championships;
– Number of Commonwealth athletes ranked in the top twenty by the International Federation;
– A ‘best endeavours’ agreement by the International Federation not to hold World Championships or other major fixtures within two weeks of the Commonwealth Games;
– Equity – a factor that will be taken into account is that the programme provides a balanced participation profile for males and females;
– Marketability – including television, sponsorship and spectator appeal;
– Cost to host the sport/events and the cost to Commonwealth nations to participate.

 

This entry was posted in News. Bookmark the permalink.