Glasgow 2026: Commonwealth Games Selection Policy issued for athletics

Monday 31st March 2025

Laura Muir wins 1500m gold at Birmingham 2022 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

G2026 Team Scotland Athletics Selection Policy

scottishathletics and Team Scotland are pleased to publish the selection policy for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.

The policy, which has been agreed by scottishathletics and Commonwealth Games Scotland, provides detail on the process by which we will arrive at athlete and Para athlete nominations.

These are then submitted to CGS for consideration for final selection to Team Scotland for Glasgow 2026.

Achievement of the individual selection standards detailed in the document by an athlete is therefore the first step by which nomination can be considered. The final decision in selection to the 2026 Games lies with CGS.

scottishathletics will nominate only those athletes that have qualified under both the Athletics Specific Selection Standards stated below, and the CGS General Selection Policy (available on the CGS website) that should be read in conjunction with these standards.

Entry numbers per event and the overall number of athletes are in accordance with Commonwealth Games Federation allocation and should more athletes achieve the standards then scottishathletics will prioritise in accordance with this policy.

In drawing up the selection policy, the following aims were primary in consideration:

*To select a team of athletes capable of competing with distinction for Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games

*Collectively having a higher percentage of athletes meeting the general selection standards when in competition at these Games than in 2022.

*Meeting the stated performance aims of each sport at the Games

*Team members having a positive experience within Team Scotland at the Games.

With a view to the above, the policy is consistent with these aims and will focus on:

*Maximising medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games

*Maximising top six placings at the 2026 Commonwealth Games

*Preparing athletes to deliver world class performances at the 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond

Glasgow 2026 Event Schedule

Glasgow 2026: Performances will count from January 1

‘I’m pleased to see the Selection Policy for athletics now published by Team Scotland,’ said Mark Pollard, Head of Performance with scottishathletics.

‘We believe this is an aspirational selection policy that will motivate athletes and coaches to make the improvements required in order to achieve the standards outlined.

‘It is exciting to have the opportunity a Home Games provides for Scottish athletes and coaches and we believe they will step-up to the challenges between now and next summer. Glasgow 2026 now becomes a big goal.

‘We recognise and respect the rising level of performance of our sport in the Commonwealth and appreciate the quality of performance required to be competitive in that arena.’

scottishathletics is awaiting further clarity from CGS on the size of the team and the allocation for each sport. When that is delivered, the selection policy will be updated.

Mark Pollard pictured at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Further points to note:

Para athletes:

Selection by invitation only for the medal event programme. Further details within the Policy.

Eligibility:

For the avoidance of any doubt and as agreed by UKA, CGF and the Home Nations Commonwealth Games Associations, at Glasgow 2026 Home Nation athlete eligibility on grounds of birth will be on athlete, parents or grandparents.

Qualification Period:

To be considered as part of the nomination process, athletes must achieve one standard within the following qualification period:

Wed 1 January 2025 to 23:59 (GMT) to Sun 7 June 2026

Para Qualification Period:

Wed 1 Jan 2025 – 23:59 (GMT) to Tues 31 March 2026