Sarah300,
Does your first question relate to the School Age National Training Squad or the Youth National Training Squad?
If your first question relates to the School Age National Training Squad then, according to the June issue of TENPIN TOPICS, Application Forms for this 100 strong Squad were available from the Tournament Room at the Junior Nationals (at Mt Gravatt) and have been distributed to all Bowling Centres. To the best of my knowledge, applicants are not required to 1) have bowled in President's Shield or 2) bowl in 4 ranked tournies. However, these questions are best answered by reading the Application Form.
If, however, your question relates to the Youth National Training Squad, the Squad for 2001 was selected in January. Having bowled President's Shield was a distinct advantage in gaining entry to the 2001 Youth NTS but it is my understanding that many other criteria were taken into account in the selection process. Once selected into the Youth NTS, the sucessful nominees are required to bowl in at least four (4) of the 2001 Tournaments nominated by TBAL. Because these Tournaments are spread throughout the year, Squad members have until December 2001 to satisfy this requirement.
Nomination Forms for the 2002 Youth NTS should be out in the next month or two and may contain different Conditions to those set down for the 2001 Squad.