Trials Guidelines
Trial/Team Selection Process
Objective
The objective of the trial/selection process is to form a team/teams (grade dependent) of the most able players in the grade, from those eligible to play in the grade and who make themselves available for selection.
Trials are based on the following principles:
Objective
The objective of the trial/selection process is to form a team/teams (grade dependent) of the most able players in the grade, from those eligible to play in the grade and who make themselves available for selection.
Trials are based on the following principles:
- Trials will be held in all grades from ninth grade upwards, provided that there are sufficient player numbers and interest (and coach availability) to form a selected team or teams. Trials will be used to choose a selected team (or numbers permitting teams) to compete in Capital Football’s more competitive leagues in the grade (Travel League, JPL, Promo etc).
- All registered players who are eligible to play in the grade and who wish to play in the Diamonds will be given a reasonable opportunity to participate in the trial process. If players indicate that they wish to trial but cannot attend on the first trial date, wherever possible we will endeavour to ensure there is a further trial (if possibly on different day of the week).
- Team selection will be based purely on a player’s ability to contribute to the team in terms of their technical ability, vision and awareness, attitude, fitness, potential, commitment to training, the balance of the player group (to achieve a good blend of players of differing attributes and/or positional preferences so far as is appropriate), and availability for the season.
- To ensure objectivity in selection there will be at least two selectors, although there may be more.
- The selection panel will be a combination of independent selectors and coaches who have a previous knowledge of the players. Wherever possible the Wellington United Development Coach will be included on the selection panel. The person who is expected to be the coach of the Diamonds team for that grade is likely to be a selector, and where possible should convene the selection process working with others on the selection panel. It is noted that this person is also likely to have a child trialling. Any selector who has a child trialling will be asked to be scrupulously fair and if their child is borderline (or not a clear-cut selection) in terms of selection for the selected team the Wellington United Development Coach will assess the coach’s child independently and provide their view for consideration by the selection panel.
- As far as possible selectors should be people with a sound technical knowledge of the game.
- The prior knowledge any selectors have of a player (including their loyalty and commitment to the team) may be considered as a factor in selection, but must be balanced against the performance of all players during the trial process. But the fact that a player has been in the team in a previous selection will not in itself mean that the player will be preferred to a player from outside the previous selected group. Selectors will recognise that players who have not been with the selected team in previous years and new players to the club need to be given a full and fair opportunity to display their skills and abilities (which should include ensuring there is an open invitation to any pre-season training opportunities before any trial), and to be selected on merit.
- The selection process, which will be final, is as follows:
- Wherever possible selected terms should be agreed by all member of the selection panel.
- If selectors have differing views on the selection of the squad or particular players:
(ii) If the selectors cannot all agree then a clear majority view of the selectors (who have seen all candidates) will prevail.
(iii) If the selectors cannot agree or reach a majority decision then the Wellington United Development Coach has the final say in all assessments. The Wellington United Development Coach will consider the competing views suggested by the selectors, and will choose one of those views or some other compromise if they consider that more appropriate. The Wellington United Development Coach may consult with the Panel or others within the club as he or she sees fit before reaching any final decision.
(iv) Alternatively, if the Wellington United Development Coach has been on the selection panel, then they may (if they so wish) refer the matter to the current Wellington United Coaching and Development Officer, or if that role is not filled or if that person is not available, by the Wellington United Junior Club Chairperson or their nominee to reach the final decision. - Team selections are not necessarily permanent. During the season it may be appropriate for players to move – temporarily or permanently – between teams. That may involve a player playing in a lower grade or a higher grade. This will generally be handled between the relevant team coaches, who will keep players and their parents/guardians informed. However, where possible there will be consultation with the Wellington United Development Coach - particularly regarding any permanent team changes.
- If there is no current Wellington United Development Coach appointed or is not available for any of the purposes set out in these Guidelines then their role will be filled by the current Wellington United Coaching and Development Officer, or if that role is not filled or if that person is not available, by the Wellington United Junior Club Chairperson or their nominee.
- Disputes:
- The decision(s) of the selection panel in accordance with these guidelines will be final, subject only to this Dispute provision.
- If there is an difference of opinion or dispute regarding the interpretation of these Guidelines, or if further guidance is required in relation to any aspect of the trial/selection process (including details not covered by these Guidelines), then those issues should be resolved by the current Wellington United Coaching and Development Officer, or if that role is not filled or if that person is not available, by the Wellington United Junior Club Chairperson or their nominee.
- If there is any difference of opinion or dispute regarding any decision by the Wellington United Coaching and Development Officer then the final decision will be made by the Wellington United Junior Club Chairperson or their nominee.
- Disputes determinations shall follow whatever process, and take into account whatever information, that person charged with reaching the decision considers fair, reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances.
- Trials may also be used to assist with selection of the other teams in the grade, where team selections may be also take into account a wider range of factors.
- Players wishing to trial MUST be registered with Wellington United Juniors.