Coaching Manual for Junior Coaches at DHC - Doncaster Hockey ...

Draft 26/10/2004SELECTION POLICYDoncaster Junior Hockey is keen to provide hockey for all players at an appropriatestandard. Players should have the opportunity to play in the highest grade possible if theyhave sufficient skills. They should play in a team where they are more likely to use alltheir skills.Generally our policy is for players to play in their own age group but occasionallycircumstances may make it more appropriate for a player to play out of their age group.Such a decision would be made after discussion with the player and parents.In Age groups where Doncaster has teams in A or Pennant Grades a selection processwill be carried out. For other teams (Under 9 and District teams) players will beallocated 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 coordinatoris advised prior to the date for the selection trials.A Selection Panel will be formed for each age group consisting of the age group coachesand nominated selectors if required. The Panel will be looking for physical attributessuch as speed, strength, agility, endurance, power and flexibility; and skill attributes suchas technique, tactical awareness, potential, coachability, positional qualities and specialistskills.The Panel will take into consideration:• Previous form (e.g. last year for those who played at Doncaster)• Attendance at training• Performance at training and practice games• Performance in games• Match game availabilityIf players or parents are not happy with the result of the selection process, then pleasefeel free to discuss with the coaching staff. Any problems regarding selections or playingshould be referred in the first instance to your coach, or subsequently to the coach of thesenior team in your age group. If the matter is still unsatisfactorily addressed it should bebrought to the attention of the Junior Committee.It is important for players and parents to remember that the selection process issometimes painful for both players and officials. Some players set themselves unrealisticgoals. Frequently an athlete’s own assessment, or more commonly, their parent’sassessment is very subjective. Our aim with this policy is to be as objective as possible.