Selection Policy

Purpose and Overview

The purpose of this document is to act as the main framework for Harrow to select the best players available based on requirements of the club, individual teams and the development of talent to ensure both team and club goals are achieved.

Harrow aims to select the most appropriate team for each level, taking into consideration player and team objectives. In doing this, the selection policy will recognise the range between senior teams and developmental teams as well as recognising that players join Harrow for various reasons.

Selection

The club needs to meet league rules so it is of primary importance to have 11 eligible players in each team for every league game. Team captains, coaches and club captain will work together on selection as appropriate offering input and advice by observing players based on the following criteria.

Club requirements and contribution:

• Membership payment arrangements must be in place before selection will be considered
• General attitude towards the Club on and off the pitch (training, coaches, team mates, opponents, officials)
• Volunteering (coach, official)
• Disciplinary procedures (suspensions and/or punishment considered for selection)

Player attributes:

• Commitment to availability for games, which must be communicated before selection is made for the following week to be considered (as expressed on availability matrix). If communicated late without prior notice placement in a team will be where space is available. Players will not be moved from teams once selection has been communicated to the section to accommodate late availability of another.
• Attendance at training (unless agreed prior with coach / captain – equivalent hockey training / fitness & conditioning undertaken)
• Contribution to an inclusive positive team environment
• Effort and performance at training and on match days
• Fitness for hockey and skill
• Willingness and ability to learn, be flexible/adapt to fit within the team set up
• Game plan requirement which may change depending on personnel available and opposition being faced. There is a need for a balanced team as much as possible with people to positions required.
• Demonstrating potential for progression

Selection each week will give the opportunity for feedback on players and discussion around any potential movement that may need to be made and for new members to start at an appropriate level to be assessed.

The Selection Panel will be as fair as possible therefore it is important that if a player is moved up or down a team it is intended to be in the best interest of the Club. Players that are moved up will be contacted by the higher team captain to inform them of the decision. Where a player is moved to a lower team it is the role of the captain of the team they are moving from to call the player to discuss the reason and provide feedback. This must happen before the team sheet is published. Captains should emphasize strengths that the player can bring to their new team as well as areas for improvement.

Teams will be selected by Tuesday eve to enable flexibility for injuries, new members and change in meeting the criteria. Any players concerned about selection should be communicated to the Section Club Captain, outside of training. The Club Captain will use this framework as reference to talk through with the player.