As part of the “Here we go” task force presently addressing the questions list raised due to the postponement of the Olympics Tokyo 2020, the qualification task force of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved an amendments series to the Olympic Games 2020 Qualification System Principles.
The revision has been made in order to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent finalization of the newly scheduled dates of the Olympics Tokyo 2020, replacing the previous version launched by the IOC Executive Board in 2017.
The Qualification Principles are reference for all of the qualification systems, including the regulations that are established by International Federations that differentiate between each sport (as well as sports discipline, where applicable).
The qualification systems, approved by the IOC Executive Board, include procedures, rules, and criteria for participation in the Olympic Games, in line with the Olympic Charter.
The major points of the Revised Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Qualification System Principles consist of:
NEW QUALIFICATION PERIOD AND NEW DEADLINES
- The new qualification period deadline for the tournament is 29 June 2021, and each International Federation can decide their qualification period deadlines that should be prior to this date.
- The final sport entries deadline has been set on 5 July 2021.
- The revision of the qualification systems is going to be finalized as soon as possible, in order to give certainty to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and their athletes.
QUOTA ALLOCATIONS
NOCs and athletes that have obtained an Olympics qualification quota place will be able to retain this in spite of the postponement of the Olympics.
In some cases, the NOC obtain the qualification quota places and in other cases, a specific athlete obtained directly them.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
According to the principle that athletes who have qualified for the Olympics 2020 remain qualified, IFs can extend the age eligibility criteria and allow athletes that are eligible in 2020 to compete at the Olympics Tokyo 2020 from 23 July to 8 August of next year.
Athlete health is the leading principle in the scheduling of any remaining Olympics qualification event. With the postponement of the Olympics Tokyo 2020 until 2021, the IOC urged that any such events be confirmed only once the coronavirus pandemic impacts can be assessed, allowing fair access and preparation for all athletes and teams. During this period, the IOC keeps maximizing information and support for its athletes via the athlete-focused Athlete 365 platform.