Australian Oztag is pleased to announce a key update to the Selection Criteria for the 2025 National Championships, which will directly impact eligibility for the 2026 Tag World Cup to be held in Coffs Harbour.
This decision follows the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Australian Oztag Coaching Advisory Committee (AOCAC)
Introducing the AOCAC
AOCAC was established to provide guidance and advice on matters relating to the game, particularly in the areas of coaching and development, pathway structures, coaching accreditation, and both player and coaching selection processes.
The AOCAC is chaired by Australian Oztag’s Director of Coaching and Pathways, Michael Buettner, and includes some of Oztag’s most experienced coaches, administrators and players: Gary Kinkade, Jarrod Mostowik, Amy Spence, Scot Holmes, Jeff Coroneos, and Tagaroos Opens Captains Brendan Martin and Chelsea Cryer.
What’s Changing?
Under the previous policy, players could only be selected in the division they trialled and played in at Nationals. However, effective immediately, players competing in the Opens divisions (Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed) will now be permitted to apply for consideration for selection in an alternative age-based division (e.g. 20s or Seniors), provided they meet the age eligibility requirements.
This change applies only to players in the Opens divisions. For all other divisions, the original rule remains in place: you are eligible for representative selection only in the division in which you played at Nationals.
Why the Change?
According to Michael Buettner:
“This is a real positive for our game. It allows players to represent their Association at the highest level while still giving them the opportunity to be considered for selection in their age division at both NSW and Australian levels.”
This decision particularly supports players eligible for 20s divisions who choose to compete in the Opens, recognising the growing standard and competitiveness of the 20s categories.
“The standard of the 20s divisions has improved dramatically in recent years and they are definitely closing the gap with the Opens,” Buettner added.
What This Means for 2025 Senior Nationals
Players who are yet to trial for their Association’s 2025 Senior Nationals team can now trial in the Opens division without limiting their eligibility for Australian or NSW teams in their correct age division for the 2026 World Cup.
With record international interest and participation expected at the International Tag Series this August, Coffs Harbour is on track to host the biggest Tag World Cup in the sport’s history.
Please see an exert from the Tagaroos 2026 World Cup Selection Policy and Guidelines relating to this Amendment.
Selection Criteria
7.1 Players can only be selected in the division in which they compete at the 2025 Senior National Championships. There are two exceptions to this Policy:
7.2 All players competing in Open divisions (Men’s, Women’s and Mixed) who are eligible for other Divisions (age wise) can request CONSIDERATION for selection in the alternative division by contacting the AOCD (mick@oztag.com.au) and requesting consideration for the alternative division. Failure to request CONSIDERATION for the alternative division will see the player only be able to be selected in the division in which they are competing in at the 2025 Senior National Championships.
7.3 If the players Association does not have a team competing in the division in which you wish to be considered for selection in. Players have the opportunity to join the Players Pool or play for their Association in another division and request DISPENSATION by contacting the AOCD (mick@oztag.com.au) and requesting consideration for the alternative division.
7.4 Qualification for the 2026 ITF World Cup will be based on your eligibility at the 2025 Senior National Championships. In other words, if you are eligible for a division at the 2025 Senior Nationals then this qualifies you for this division at the 2026 ITF World Cup.
7.5 Please note that players wishing to be considered for Selection in any Mixed Teams must be competing in a Mixed Division at the 2025 Senior National Championships. Alternatively, any player wishing to be considered for Selection in a Men’s or Women’s Team must be competing in a Men’s or Women’s Division at the 2025 Senior National Championships. Dispensation and or Consideration will only be considered for Players not playing in the correct Division as mentioned above if the players particular Region does not have a team competing in this Division or there are other reasons as to why the player cannot play in their preferred division. An email requesting Dispensation and or Consideration will need to be sent to mick@oztag.com.au for approval.
We believe this change reflects what’s in the best interest of both the players and the game. It supports individual development, recognises the evolving competitive landscape of our divisions, and ensures that our national teams are selected from the strongest and most deserving talent available. We thank all Associations and players for their continued commitment to the sport, and we look forward to an exciting Nationals and World Cup ahead.