The nomination process is always a delicate and complex task, and as sport psychology professionals, we often find ourselves involved, whether directly in discussions or by supporting athletes through the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. I recall a recent experience where I was working closely with both an athlete and her coach regarding her nomination for a major competition. Having a long working relationship with the athlete, it was challenging not to let that influence my conversations with the coach. It was equally tough knowing she wouldn’t be nominated but being unable to share that before the federation officially communicated with her. This experience reminded me that while nominations are heavily performance-focused, the human side of the process—the emotions, relationships, and communication—must not be overlooked.

When nominating athletes for a competition, performance is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s rarely as simple as checking scores or rankings. Objective measurements like times and stats are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. For example, an athlete might shine in one competition, but consistency—showing up under pressure again and again—is key. Injury status also plays a significant role. Even if an athlete is a top performer, an ongoing injury can affect their readiness. Training data is another critical piece of the puzzle, as it provides insight into whether an athlete is peaking at the right time or at risk of overtraining. Performance is important, but it’s only part of the equation.

Mental readiness is just as important as physical preparedness. Athletes need psychological resilience to face the stress and pressure of high-stakes competition. How do they handle setbacks or unexpected challenges? Focus and motivation are also crucial—a mentally dialed-in athlete is more likely to perform well when it matters most. Additionally, mental health cannot be ignored; no nomination should come at the cost of an athlete’s well-being. In team sports, you also need to consider how an athlete fits into the group. Are they a positive force in the team dynamic? Leadership and strong relationships with coaches can often make a big difference, even if the athlete isn’t the absolute top performer.

One key element in ensuring fairness is transparent criteria for decision-making. In my experience, the most effective nomination processes are those where criteria are clear and consistently followed. Unfortunately, I’ve seen situations where athletes met all the criteria but were still passed over, which can lead to frustration and distrust. Recently, I spoke with a manager who told me they deliberately kept the criteria vague to allow flexibility. For instance, while one athlete met the criteria, he wasn’t a team player, and the manager didn’t want him to be nominated. While understandable, this ambiguity can lead to confusion and a sense of unfairness among athletes. Having clear, easily understood criteria makes the process more transparent and helps build trust.

The way coaches communicate nomination decisions is just as important as the criteria themselves. Athletes should be made aware of the nomination process ahead of time so they know what to expect. Setting clear guidelines prevents misunderstandings and ensures transparency. When it’s time to communicate the decisions, choosing the right time and setting is crucial. For athletes who didn’t make the cut, a private, respectful conversation can help them process the disappointment. Being clear and honest about why they weren’t selected is vital, and offering constructive feedback provides them with a path to improve. For athletes who are selected, it’s equally important to explain the decision-making process clearly and thoughtfully announce the team lineup. Having a plan for any potential changes ensures that the process remains smooth and respectful for everyone involved.

One rule I always follow in my work is that I don’t directly participate in the nomination process. While I may attend discussions to support coaches, I never influence the final decision. My role is to maintain confidentiality and help coaches and managers think through their decisions by asking questions, not offering my opinion. This ensures that my relationships with both the athletes and the coaches remain neutral and supportive. Although the nomination process is never easy, by sticking to clear, fair guidelines, coaches and managers can make it as transparent and respectful as possible.

Preparation is key, whether for a competition or the nomination process itself. Just like we prepare athletes for performance, we also need to prepare them—and coaches and managers—for nominations. When done well, the process not only strengthens trust and resilience but also helps athletes grow, whether they are ultimately nominated or not.