ABF Youth Team Ratification and Selection Policy
for U31, U26 Women’s, U21 and U16
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
The World Bridge Federation (WBF) schedule of representative events includes events for other categories of youth bridge, not being U26 Open, as listed in the policy title.
The Australian Bridge Federation (ABF) will consider ratification of teams to participate in the other categories of WBF youth bridge events.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for selection of teams to be put forward for ratification by the ABF to participate in these WBF events.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the ABF selection policy for non-target events.
2. Scope
This policy applies to selection and ratification of teams for the following youth categories:
- U31
- U21
- U16
- U26 Women’s
for WBF youth events and other approved youth representative events.
3. Definitions
- U31, U21, U16 and U26 Women’s — youth categories as defined under WBF eligibility criteria.
- AJTS — Australian Junior Team Selection event held at the Australian Youth Bridge Championships.
- ABF Youth Coordinator — the ABF official responsible for administering youth selection processes.
- Selection Panel — a panel formed in accordance with this policy to select pairs where required.
- IRPA — International Representative Player Agreement.
4. Policy Statement
Selection (U26 Women’s, U21 and U16)
1 – On conclusion of the Australian Junior Team Selection (AJTS) event held at the Australian Youth Bridge Championships the highest ranked pair (not qualifying for the Australian U26 youth team) eligible for a place in one of the other categories will be selected for that team subject to the following,
i – In the event that a pair is eligible for more than one category of “other” teams the place offered will be in the order of priority – U26 Women’s – U21 – U16.
ii – In the event that a pair selected under this section declines the offer they will not be offered selection on an alternate team based on their result in the AJTS.
iii – Selection in accordance with this section remains subject to sufficient pairs being selected to form a 3 pair team and ABF ratification.
2 – Selection of pairs other than via section 1 will commence with applications being sought by the ABF Youth Coordinator which will be open to all ABF registered players who meet the eligibility criteria for the team applied for.
3 – In the event of 8 or more pairs applying for selection in one category an on-line trial will be held to determine the 2 or 3 pairs to be selected. At the conclusion of the on-line trial available places will be offered to the highest placed pairs starting with the first placed pair and continuing with the second/third/fourth/fifth/sixth/seventh/eighth placed pair in order, until the places have been accepted.
4 – In the event of fewer than 8 pairs applying for selection in one category a determination of which pairs will be offered selection will be made by a 3-person selection panel. The selection panel will be made up of the ABF General Counsel and 2 other persons nominated by the ABF Youth Coordinator and approved by the ABF Board.
i – The selection panel formed in accordance with this section have an absolute discretion when selecting pairs but will in addition to any other matters deemed relevant to selection consider a player or pairs recent performance and experience level. The selection panel may consult with the ABF Youth Coordinator and state/territory youth coordinators. The selection panel may in their discretion require players or pairs who have applied for selection to attend an on-line interview.
5 – Any pair that applies to be selected on a team can only withdraw from a selected team by application to the ABF Board stating the reasons for their withdrawal. Pairs that apply for selection and subsequently withdraw from a team are subject to potential disciplinary action from the ABF.
Selection U31
Teams of 3 pairs who meet the eligibility criteria may nominate to be selected by application to the ABF Youth Coordinator. If more than 1 team nominates an on-line trial will be held to determine the successful team.
Funding and Target Events for U31, U21, U16 and U26 Women’s
The ABF will provide uniforms for all teams and fund entry fees for one event per team as determined by the ABF Youth Coordinator. This may include an Australian National event or a WBF event. The ABF will also provide travel insurance for representative teams through its major sponsor, TBIB.
The ABF Youth Coordinator will endeavour to support the U21, U16 and U26 Women’s teams through centralised fundraising initiatives and will assist players with applying for grants. If out-of-pocket costs cannot be fully covered. Players are otherwise expected to self-fund, and the ABF Youth Coordinator may help explore contingency funding options where needed.
Otherwise, costs associated with attending an event are the responsibility of each player.
Captains
Captains are required for all ABF representative teams competing in WBF events.
Captains for U21 and U16 teams that have been selected and ratified will be appointed and ratified by the ABF Board.
Captains for the U26 Women’s team and U31 team can be nominated by the selected team but remain subject to ratification by the ABF Board.
Ratification
Any player, pair or team selected in accordance with this policy remains subject to ratification by the ABF Board.
Timelines
The ABF Youth Coordinator in consultation with the ABF Board will set specific timelines to apply this policy. Failure to comply with the set timelines can result in an offer for selection or application for selection being invalid. Any extension of the set timelines will be at the absolute discretion of the ABF Youth Coordinator.
Under 18 players
Players under the age of 18 will need to provide a parental consent form and be accompanied by a parent or suitable guardian at any representative event (as outlined in the ABF policy available at www.abf.com.au).
International Representative Player Agreement (IRPA)
All players ratified to play on an ABF representative team must agree to and sign the IRPA (available at www.abf.com.au).
5. Responsibilities
- ABF Board
Ratifies any player, pair or team selected under this policy
Ratifies captains as specified in this policy
Approves selection panel membership where required - ABF Youth Coordinator
Seeks applications
Conducts or arranges on-line trials
Nominates selection panel members
Sets timelines
Determines the event to be funded for each team
Supports fundraising and grant applications - Selection Panel
Selects pairs in accordance with section 4 where required - Players
Must meet eligibility criteria
Must comply with timelines
Must sign the IRPA
Must comply with under-18 supervision requirements where applicable
6. Procedures
Procedures are as set out in Section 4 Policy Statement and are to be applied as written without variation except by ABF Board approval.
7. Review Cycle
This policy will be reviewed on or before 1/10/26.
9 February, 2026
