SVGTTA sets out criteria on national selection

Vincentian table tennis players who want to earn selection on national teams must first satisfy certain criteria set down by the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA).

Players must have a minimum of 400 hours of practice during in a year, which will be verified by a diary which the players complete, giving their training volume.{{more}}

Additionally, players have to show that they are role models and that they assist the SVGTTA to promote table tennis by being present at special events put on by the national table tennis organization.

Players desirous of participating in international competitions also have to participate in at least 80 per cent of the national competitions, being among the best two or three, when a team of three players is needed for an international competition.

This will be done in accordance with the order of the national ranking system at the time.

The national ranking, which is based on a point system, dictates that a player keeps the points for exactly 12 months.

Therefore, for winning a competition within the calendar year, a player earns himself or herself 10 points and as runner-up, eight points. Reaching the semi-finals, the player receives six points; the quarter-finals, four and for being among the last eight – two points.

To keep its end of the bargain, the SVGTTA outlined that it offers “regular coaching – training opportunities – possibilities to go abroad for international competitions – assistance with rubbers, the amount and regularity to be decided by the SVGTTA Executive Board by March on an annual basis.”