Selection Policy

Objective
The objectives of the Selection Policy are to:

1. Field the best possible teams by selecting the best possible combination of players available so as to ultimately win matches and succeed in the league.
2. Provide appropriate platforms for progression for aspiring players especially aspiring young players.
3. Comply with all league rules including “Fair Selection”

Selection Process
Core squads are chosen by the Team Captains in consultation with Club Captains and Coaches prior to the start of the season and then reviewed at the midway point. Squads are refined on a weekly basis based on player availability and the selection criteria listed below.

Players primarily play for Felixstowe Hockey Club and should be willing to play for any team they are selected for each week. Movement within the teams should be an accepted part of selection and players should not expect to be guaranteed a place in a particular team.

Selection criteria

• Selection aims to be objective and in so doing will consider a number of criteria. Commitment to league matches and attendance at training are considered key criteria, however these are not barriers to selection and the club recognises that players have other commitments and needs to balance. Selection is not an easy task, player attributes listed below cannot often be easily measured and the club has an ever-growing number of talented players some of which also have other conflicting commitments.
• Selection will be based on merit and will endevour to be as fair and as reasonable as possible, without compromising what is considered to be in the best interest of the Club, Team and Player in that order.
• Club Requirements indicated must be met with player attributes (in no particular order) consider as a blend in the best interest of the Club and the Teams.

• Paid up membership.
• Up to date match fees.
• Adherence to the Felixstowe Hockey Club Code of Conduct.
• Requirements of league rules.
• Medically fit.

• Commitment to availability on Saturdays.
• Attendance and effort at training.
• Prompt/ pro-active/reliable communication.
• Enthusiasm and positive attitude.
• Willingness to learn, be flexible, and to adapt.
• Potential to develop / improve.
• Experience, skills and ability.
• Fitness and pace.
• Punctuality.
• Discipline and respect - All players are expected to conduct themselves on and off the pitch as ambassadors for Felixstowe Hockey Club.

• It is the responsibility of each individual player to ensure availability information is kept up to date on the website.
• No information will be regarded as unavailable.
• Captains/Managers are busy enough and it is NOT expected for them to need to chase individual players to establish their availability.
• Failure to confirm availability may mean that an individual player risks missing out on selection for their regular team, or perhaps at all, on that date.
• It should also be recognised that availability and selection are not the same thing. Selection can only begin once player availability is known.

• New players to the club will start at an appropriate level decided by the Team Captains in consultation with the Coaches.
• If players are to be permanently promoted to a team, the higher team captain will inform them of that decision.
• If core team players are to be selected for a lower team it is up to the higher team captain to inform him/her of the decision and they should be selected for the next senior team. Reasons should be provided as to why the action was taken. Captains should be positive and emphasize the strengths that the player demonstrates and areas where there is room for improvement.
• Weekly changes should be notified by the higher team captain and include basic feedback. This should happen before the team sheet is published to avoid unnecessary disappointment and confusion.