Thompson and Bassett v Paddle Australia

These two selection appeals were heard together because of the commonality between the grounds of appeal and their supporting submissions. The Applicant athletes nominated for selection in the 2022 World Cup and World Championships and took part in various selection competitions. The Thompson appeal relates to the non-selection by Paddle Australia of Thompson to the position of the 3rd MK1 boat. The Bassett appeal relates to the non-selection by Paddle Australia of Bassett to the position of the 3rd MC1 boat. Both Mr Thompson and Mr Bassett alleged that Paddle Australia incorrectly deemed other athletes were eligible to be selected for the teams because they did not nominate for that team, and that Paddle Australia incorrectly applied the selection criteria.

The Tribunal determined that the athletes who had not nominated for the senior team were not eligible according to the Policy, and was of the view that the Selection Committee had not taken into account relevant considerations under the Policy. It declined to make a final decision on the selection and remitted the matter back to the Selection Committee to undertake the selection in accordance with the Policy.