Junior Selection Policy (updated March 2006)
YVHC's selection policy is based on providing the most enjoyable playing and social experience for players at a level appropriate to their skills, and within the context of the competitions in which teams participate. Always with due regard to the overarching principles of equity, personal development, respect and team viability.
Yarra Junior Hockey is keen to provide hockey for all players at an appropriate standard. Players should have the opportunity to play in the highest grade possible if they have sufficient skills. They should play in a team where they are more likely to use all their skills.
AIM:
Is for players to play in their own age group but occasionally circumstance may make it more appropriate for a player to play out of their age group. The Junior Committee will make the decision after consultation with the Selection Panel, player/s, parent/s and Age Group Co-ordinator.
PROCESS:
In Age groups where Yarra has teams in A or Pennant Grades a selection process will be carried out. For other teams (Under 9 and District teams) players will be allocated on the basis of comparable team ability, team balance, position played etc; friendships & car pooling will be taken into account, where possible, if the year level co-ordinator is advised prior to the date for the selection trials. A Selection Panel will be formed for each age group consisting of the age group coaches and other senior members of the club. The Panel will be looking for physical attributes such as speed, strength, agility, endurance, power and flexibility; and skill attributes such as technique, tactical awareness, potential, coachability, positional qualities and specialist skills.
The Selection Panel will take into consideration:
• Previous form (e.g. last year for those who played at Yarra)
• Attendance at training
• Performance at training
• Performance in Selection trials
Following the Selection trials, an initial match squad of 13 players at the game will be selected for the A and 15 players for Pennant and lower graded teams. The Selection Panel will review the make up of this squad during the first few weeks of the season and appropriate adjustments made.
OBJECTION PROCESS:
If children or parents are not happy with the result of the selection process, then please feel free to discuss with the Age Group Co-ordinator who will forward their objections back to the Selection Panel.
CONCLUSION:
It is important for players and parents to remember that the selection process is sometimes painful for both payers and officials. Some players set themselves unrealistic goals. Frequently an athlete's own assessment, or more commonly, their parent’s assessment is very subjective. Our aim with this policy and the Selection Trials is to be as objective as possible.
