2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Nomination Criteria
1. Application of this Nomination Criteria:
1.1 Status: This Nomination Criteria is issued by the Board of Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) and shall take effect from 15th December 2025. This Nomination Criteria supersedes any previous correspondence, discussions and representations (whether written or oral) by Table Tennis New Zealand regarding nomination and selection for the Games.
1.2 Scope: This Nomination Criteria applies to:
(a) all Athletes wishing to be considered for nomination to the Games Team to compete in the Games in a Table Tennis Event; and
(b) Table Tennis New Zealand, including its Selectors, that wish to nominate Athletes to NZOC to be considered for selection to the Games Team for the Games.
1.3 Process: Selection to the Games Team in a Table Tennis Event is a three-step process:
(a) each Athlete must be eligible in accordance with clause 3 of this Nomination Criteria;
(b) Table Tennis New Zealand nominates Athletes to the NZOC in accordance with this Nomination Criteria and the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation; and
(c) the NZOC selects Athletes to the Games Team in accordance with the NZOC Selection Policy and the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation.
2. Selectors
2.1 Composition: The Selectors have been appointed by the Table Tennis New Zealand Board. The Selectors who will consider nomination of Athletes to NZOC to be considered for selection in the Games Team will be published on the Table Tennis New Zealand website no later than 28 April 2026.
2.2 The Board reserves the right to change a Selector at any time in its absolute discretion prior to the Nomination Date. In such case, it will publish the change of Selector on the Table Tennis New Zealand website.
3. Eligibility
3.1 Athlete Eligibility: To be eligible to be nominated to the NZOC by Table Tennis New Zealand, an Athlete must:
(a) have returned a completed Athlete Application to the NZOC, in the form prescribed by the NZOC by the following dates (“Application Date”):
i. no later than 5.00pm, 30 April 2026; or
ii. in exceptional circumstances, such extended date as agreed by the NZOC Board where Table Tennis New Zealand provides the NZOC with evidence that demonstrates the Athlete could not have been reasonably in contemplation on 30 April 2026; and
(b) have returned a completed Team Agreement in the manner prescribed by the NZOC to NZOC prior to the Nomination Date; and
(c) be a member of Table Tennis New Zealand or one of its affiliates; and
(d) be a New Zealand citizen and have a New Zealand passport; and
(e) have demonstrated to the satisfaction of Table Tennis New Zealand that they are not suffering any physical or psychological condition that would compromise the Athlete’s ability to compete at the Games to the selection standard set out in the NZOC Selection Policy or may compromise the health and safety of themselves, a Games Team member or another participant at the Games; and
(f) have acted in such a manner so as not to bring the Athlete, the sport, Table Tennis New Zealand or the NZOC into public disrepute; and
(g) not be under investigation for any breach of any part of the Table Tennis New Zealand and ITTF’s anti-doping regulations, the Sports Anti-Doping Rules and/or the NZOC Integrity Regulation; and
(h) no later than 30 April 2026 (or such extended date as agreed by the NZOC Board), have provided their name and contact address details to NZOC for the purpose of out of competition drug testing with Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui.
(i) meet all ITTF criteria for the Games;
i. be born on or after 1 January 2009; and
ii. be 17 years of age or younger as at the date of the Closing Ceremony (13th November 2026); and
iii. have participated in at least one ITTF sanctioned event between 25 October 2025 and 25 June 2026.
3.2 Quota Allocation: New Zealand must be allocated a quota place in a Table Tennis Event(s) by IOC invitation to the NZOC and in accordance with the IOC’s sport specific and ITTF requirements for the Games. Quota allocation for a place in any Table Tennis Event(s) by an Athlete (or group of Athletes) does not guarantee that the Athletes (or Group of Athletes) will be nominated or selected to compete in the Table Tennis Event(s) at the Games.
3.3 Nomination if Nomination Criteria Met: Provided the requirements set out in clauses 3.1 and 3.2 are met, the Selectors shall nominate to NZOC for consideration of selection, those Athletes it considers meet the Nomination Criteria set out below.
3.4 Reserve Athletes: The Selectors may nominate Reserve Athletes to the NZOC for any Individual Event.
4. Nomination Criteria
4.1 Nomination Criteria: In considering any Athlete for nomination to the NZOC, the Selectors shall consider:
4.1.1 the Over-Riding Nomination Criteria specified in clause 5.1; and
4.1.2 the evidence provided in accordance with clause 5.2; and
4.1.3 Specific Nomination Factors specified in clause 5.3; and
4.1.4 any Extenuating Circumstances in accordance with clause 6.
4.2 Relevance and Weighting: The Selectors may determine the relevance and weight they wish to place on any Specific Nomination Factor(s) and any Extenuating Circumstances(s) as they consider appropriate. No particular Specific Nomination Factor shall be weighted more or less significantly based on the order in which it appears in this Nomination Criteria unless expressly specified otherwise.
4.3 Own Enquiries: In considering the Specific Nomination Factors, the Selectors may make such enquiries of the Athlete, or other persons, as they see fit.
4.4 Conditions: In considering any results and performances of an Athlete at any Key Events and Trials, the Selectors may, but do not have to, take into account the conditions in which the results and performances were obtained such as, but not limited to, the field of competition.
4.5 Permission to Start: At the sole discretion of the NZOC, Nominated Athletes may, on Table Tennis New Zealand request to the NZOC, if selected to the Games Team by the NZOC, request permission to start in another Table Tennis Event where competing in this Table Tennis Event will not have any detrimental effect on the Table Tennis Event the Nomination Athlete has already been selected to the Games Team for.
4.6 Extenuating Circumstances: In any decision regarding the nomination of Athletes to the Games Team, the Selectors may, in their sole discretion, take into account any Extenuating Circumstances in accordance with clause 6 below.
5. Over-Riding Nomination Criteria and Specific Nomination Factors
(a) In determining whether or not to nominate an Athlete (or group of Athletes) to a Table Tennis Event, the Selectors must be satisfied overall that the Athlete (or group of Athletes):
i. is or are competing in a Table Tennis Event where a quota place has been allocated to the NZOC by the IOC; and
ii. has or have a high national ranking (e.g. top 3) or has placed in the top 3 of the most recent National age group championships (in the eligible age group and discipline the Athlete is seeking nomination for); and
iii. will be competitive at the Games; and
iv. has or have met the eligibility criteria set out in clause 3.1 of this Nomination Criteria.
5.2 Evidence: In determining whether or not the Athlete (or group of Athletes) satisfies the Over-Riding Nomination Criteria for Table Tennis Events in clause 5.1 above, the Selectors shall have regard to any one or more of the following:
(a) Results and Performances: in the singles and mixed doubles at the 2025 ITTF-Oceania Youth Championships as well as the results and performances in the following Key Events during the Qualification Period:
Mandatory Events
- YOG Trial
- 2026 North Island Individual Championships
Additional Events
In order of priority:
- 2025 World Youth Championships
- WTT Youth events
- 2026 South Island Individual Open Championships
- 2026 TTNZ Top ‘X’ Invitational
- 2025 NZ Junior & Senior Open Championships
(b) YOG Trial: To assist the Selectors in considering any nomination under this Nomination Criteria, the Selectors will hold a Trial(s). The Selectors may invite any Athlete they consider appropriate to participate in a Trial, as long as they are eligible under clause 3 of this Nomination Criteria. The Selectors’ decision on the invited Athletes is final and cannot be appealed. The nature and format of any Trial will be decided by the Selectors, in their discretion, in consultation with the CEO or authorised representative.
5.3 Specific Nomination Factors: When considering the Over-Riding Nomination Criteria above, the Selectors may also take into account any one or more of the following factors about an Athlete within the Qualification Period:
(a) any other performances or results in competitions / events in addition to the Key Events;
(b) adequate fitness and a commitment to maintain a fitness and training programme as agreed with the applicable coach(es);
(c) demonstrated good behaviour, including a commitment to training and attendance at training camps;
(d) demonstrated compatibility with others in a team environment;
(e) demonstrated compliance with the rules of events and competitions;
(f) understanding and respect for the obligations that accompany being a member of a New Zealand team when competing at the Games, including respect for Games Team members;
(g) willingness to promote Table Tennis New Zealand in a positive manner;
(h) demonstrated ability to take personal responsibility for self and their results;
(i) proven ability to be reliable; and
(j) any other factor(s) the Selectors consider relevant.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) may be allocated one quota place (of either gender), two quota places, or no quota places for the Games. In the event that, the NZOC is allocated two quota places (one male and one female), the Selectors will prioritise participation in the men’s and women’s singles events over entry in the mixed doubles table tennis event.
6. Extenuating Circumstances
6.1 Extenuating Circumstances: In considering the nomination of Athletes in accordance with this Nomination Criteria, the Selectors may, in their sole discretion, give weight to any Extenuating Circumstances which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) injury or illness;
(b) travel delays;
(c) equipment failure;
(d) bereavement or personal misfortune; and/or
(e) any other factors reasonably considered by the Selectors to constitute extenuating circumstances.
6.2 Athlete to Advise: Athletes unable to compete at Key Events, YOG Trials, or other attendances required under this Nomination Criteria, must advise the CEO of the Extenuating Circumstances and reasons, in writing, with as much advance notice as possible and ideally fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of the Key Event, YOG Trial or other attendance. If the CEO is not notified of any Extenuating Circumstances in accordance with this Nomination Criteria, then the Selectors have no obligation to rely on such circumstances.
6.3 Medical Certificate: In the case of injury or illness, Athletes may be required by the CEO to provide a medical certificate and/or to undergo an examination by a health practitioner/s nominated by the CEO, and to provide that opinion and/or report to the Selectors. Any failure to agree to such a request may result in the Selectors being unable to consider the injury or illness as an Extenuating Circumstance.
6.4 Case by Case: In the case of any Extenuating Circumstance/s, the Selectors will make a decision on a case-by-case basis.
7. Nomination and Selection
7.1 Nomination to NZOC: Table Tennis New Zealand will nominate Athletes (“Nominated Athletes”) and any Reserve Athletes to the NZOC by the Nomination Date.
7.2 Nomination with Conditions: Table Tennis New Zealand may nominate an Athlete with any conditions, for example, conditions relating to recovery from injury or continuing to meet specified performance levels. If the conditions are not met to the satisfaction of the Selectors, they will not be eligible for selection, unless the NZOC decides to select the Nominated Athlete subject to those or other conditions.
7.3 Selection by NZOC: Selection to the Games Team by the NZOC will be made in accordance with the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation.
8. Appeal Procedure
8.1 Non-Nomination Appeals: An Athlete may appeal to Table Tennis New Zealand against their non-nomination to the NZOC by the Table Tennis New Zealand provided the Athlete:
(a) is on the Table Tennis New Zealand long list for the Games; and
(b) meets the eligibility criteria under clause 3 of this Criteria.
8.2 Procedures for Non-Nomination Appeals: Any appeal under criteria 8.1 of this Criteria must be made in accordance with the procedures set out in clause 13 of the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation.
8.3 Procedures for Non-Selection Appeals: If a Nominated Athlete is not selected by the NZOC, the Nominated Athlete may appeal the non-selection in accordance with the procedures set out in clause 14 of the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation provided the Nominated Athlete:
(a) is on the Table Tennis New Zealand long list for the Games; and
(b) meets the eligibility criteria under clause 3 of this Criteria.
9. Inconsistencies
9.1 NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation: In the event there is any inconsistency between this Nomination Criteria and the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation, the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation shall prevail.
10. Amendments to this Nomination Criteria
10.1 Prior to Nomination Date: This Nomination Criteria may be amended or supplemented from time to time by the Board, before the Nomination Date, provided NZOC has approved the amendment/s and supplement/s.
10.2 Notice: The Board will give as much notice as possible of any amendment/s or supplement/s made under clause 10.1 to this Nomination Criteria, to persons it considers may be affected by any such amendment/s or supplement/s.
11. Definitions
11.1 Application Date means the dates set out in clause 3.1(a) of this Criteria, by which Athletes must submit to NZOC a completed Athlete Application in accordance with clause 8.3 of the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation.
11.2 Athlete means a person who wishes to be considered for nomination to the Games Team.
11.3 Athlete Application means the form set by the NZOC that must be completed by any Athlete applying to be nominated and selected to the Games Team.
11.4 Board means the Board of Table Tennis New Zealand as constituted under the Constitution.
11.5 CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of Table Tennis New Zealand and includes his / her nominee.
11.6 Constitution means the Constitution of Table Tennis New Zealand.
11.7 Extenuating Circumstances means the inability to perform at an optimum level arising from one or more of the reasons set out in clause 6.1.
11.8 Games means the Youth Olympic Games held in Dakar, Senegal between 31 October and 13 November 2026.
11.9 Games Team means the New Zealand Team at the Games selected in accordance with the NZOC Selection Policy for the Games.
11.10 ITTF means International Table Tennis Federation.
11.11 Key Events means an international, continental or national competitions listed in clause 5.2 which is equivalent to that which is likely to occur at the Games.
11.12 Nominated Athlete means an Athlete who has been nominated by Table Tennis New Zealand to the NZOC for consideration of selection to the Games Team.
11.13 Nomination Criteria means the criteria and is also referred to as “this Criteria”.
11.14 Nomination Date means on or before 27th July 2026 (and includes any alternative date as agreed between NZOC and Table Tennis New Zealand), by which Table Tennis New Zealand must submit any Nominated Athletes to the NZOC.
11.15 NZOC means the New Zealand Olympic Committee Incorporated.
11.16 NZOC Integrity Regulation means the NZOC Integrity Regulation available at http://www.olympic.org.nz/about-the-nzoc/governance-documents/.
11.17 NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation means the regulation of NZOC in relation to the nomination and selection process for all Olympic and Commonwealth Games, including the Games, available at http://www.olympic.org.nz/about-the-nzoc/governance-documents/.
11.18 NZOC Selection Policy means the NZOC Selection Policy for the Games, available at NZOC Selection Policy Dakar 2026.
11.19 Over-Riding Nomination Criteria means the criteria set out in clause 5.1.
11.20 Qualification Period means the period between 1 July 2025 – 13th July 2026.
11.21 Reserve Athletes means a non-travelling reserve, as designated by the Selectors and in accordance with the Dakar 2026 Sport Entry Manual.
11.22 Specific Nomination Factors means the factors listed in clause 5.3 which the Selectors may take into account when applying the Over-Riding Nomination Criteria.
11.23 Selectors means the selectors appointed by Table Tennis New Zealand in accordance with clause 2 of this Nomination Criteria.
11.24 Table Tennis Event means one of the following events at the Games - Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles.
11.25 Table Tennis New Zealand means Table Tennis New Zealand Incorporated.
11.26 Team Agreement means the agreement that must be completed by any Athlete wishing to be considered for nomination and selection to the Games Team in accordance with clause 8.4 of the NZOC Nomination and Selection Regulation.
11.27 YOG Trial means an event pursuant to clause 5.2(b). on a date and at a venue determined by Table Tennis New Zealand and notified to Athletes invited to Trial.