Knox Junior Football Club
Grading Policy
For a player to be eligible for this process they must be registered with the
Knox Junior Football Club (KJFC) for the current season.
1. Grading Policy
1.1.1. Under 8 to Under 10 age groups, inclusive, KJFC will encourage all players to play with friends and schoolmates, subject to ensuring adequate numbers on all team lists.
1.1.2. Under 11 to Under 17 age groups, inclusive, KJFC reserves the right to organise players in appropriate teams to provide an environment in which players can be both competitive and continue to develop their football skills.
1.1.3. Where two sides are formed in the same age group there should be an equal spread of numbers where possible.
1.1.4. Team selection will be based on the EFL Grading Process – Where two sides are formed in the same age group, the team graded the highest will have a more advanced list of players, however KJFC will endeavour to ensure that both teams will be as competitive as possible in their respective divisions.
2. Under 8 to Under 10 Age Groups
2.1.1. KJFC recognises that in the “non-competitive” age groups the emphasis is
placed on participation and enjoyment with friends. Additional goals are the development of football skills and playing in a team environment.
2.1.2. Where there are two or more sides in the same age group (Under 8’s & Under 10”s) the teams will be spread out through the EFL divisions, taking into account ground allocations. The Football Department will liaise with the EFL in respect of the appropriate placement of each team.
3. Under 11 to Under 17 Age Group
3.1.1. KJFC will provide all players from Under 11 to Under 17 the opportunity to develop their football ability and play at the highest level within the EFL.
3.1.2. KJFC will attempt to achieve this by grading players and teams to ensure that they play at the most appropriate level.
4. Selection Panel
4.1.1. A selection panel will be formed for each age group which require grading.
4.1.2. The selection panel will consist of the appointed team coaches and overseen by an independent, experienced/qualified member of the Football Department appointed by the Football Operations Manager/Committee. A person can be on more than one Selection Panel.
4.1.3. The Football Operations Manager will oversee this process.
5. Team Selection Criteria
5.1.1. The selection panel will observe and assess each player on the following, but not limited to, criteria;
a) The previous season performance – votes, attitude, attendance at training (Advice can be sought from the previous season’s coach)
b) The playing ability of the player – this is not just a consideration of skill alone but whether they are a ball getter, timid or playing maturity;
c) What position(s) they play/considered for;
d) Whether, the player may be better served playing down a grade to improve their skills;
f) Enable the player to play in a position that they would not play in the higher team;
e) Enable the player to excel at a lower level which will enable them to enjoy their football and gain greater confidence for years to come
f) Be of greater overall value to a team in a lower level;
g) Attitude;
h) Work ethic;
i) Attendance at training sessions
j) Team Balance – For instance there is little point in selecting 22 players who are all midfields. Each side needs a Ruck, backs, forwards and ball getters.
6. Match Practice
6.1.1. Match practice will be used to assess and observe the players football skills, ability to read the play, competitive skills, work ethic, and ability to get the ball, follow instructions and play within the team structure.
6.1.2. Players will be played in a variety of positions to determine the most suitable position and team for the individual player.
7. Team Selection
7.1.1. Team selection will be made after the following considerations are made;
a) The players performance at training and practice matches;
b) Requirement of the coach and their desired game plan;
c) Team balance referring to point 1.1.4 – “KJFC will endeavour to ensure that the teams are as competitive as possible in their respective divisions”.
8. Communication to Players
8.1.1. As soon as possible after team selections have been made, players will be notified via e-mail sent via their respective coaches simultaneously.
8.1.2. Players who were in the previous season a member of the “red team” and for the current season have been graded into the “black team” will be notified by the club and the reason for the decision prior to the teams being announced.
8.1.3. As part of this communication KJFC will, under no circumstances, “compare” players and will only provide feedback in respect of the individual player.
9. Grievance Process
9.1.1. KJFC will reserve the right not to act on rumour, gossip or hearsay and if a player is unhappy with the selection process they can raise the issue with their coach directly or in writing (letter/e-mail) to the Football Operations Manager. Coaches reserve the right to refer a family directly to the Football Operations Manager.
9.1.2. In communicating with the aggrieved player, in writing, KJFC will reserve the right not to “compare” players and will only provide feedback in respect of the aggrieved player.
10. On-going Grading
10.1.1. To ensure fairness to all players, the grading process will take place each year to the give the opportunity for KJFC to re-grade players based on their individual development.
11. Support Staff
11.1.1. To ensure all players have the opportunity to be selected for the advanced team, appointed coaches should not appoint support staff such as team manager, assistant coaches, runners until after the teams have been selected. Coaching support staff positions will not be taken into consideration when grading players. These positions will be filled after the grading process has been completed.
The Committee of the Knox Junior Football Club
Date: 03/02/2013