Team Selection Policy
This team selection policy seeks to outline the objectives and process for team selection within the club.
Objectives and Responsibilities:
The following objectives underpin the club selection policy:
- To ensure the enjoyment of all players within the club through equal participation.
- To balance the development of all players to the maximum of their ability and the fielding of competitive teams at each level of the competition with the clubs overarching aim of friendship and fun.
- To select teams based around player and parent requests, where this is possible and to clearly communicate the reason where requests cannot be met.
- To place players in teams and grades appropriate to their current or future skill level and development.
- To give all players a fair go on the court – as close to equal time as possible.
- Team selection aims to field teams of an average of 8 players, however, at times this may not be possible.
The Team Selection Committee is often required to adjust teams for reasons outside of the clubs immediate control, such as friends moving and or changing schools or players electing to take a season off to pursue other interests / returning from having done so.
The primary focus in team selection will be on the individual player. The club, while considering all factors including previous or newly formed friendship groups, will attempt to place each player in the most appropriate team for the ongoing development of their fundamental skills and team play.
As well, the club is directed by the Southern Basketball Association to field competitive teams in each grade. While this is also a function of the grading policy of the club and the SBA’s grading process, it also means ensuring that if two teams from the club are playing in the same grade that they are not unduly balanced and that each player in every team fielded by the club is playing at their most appropriate grade.
Questions and Queries:
The purpose of the team selection policy is to publicise the process of team selection within the club. While every endeavour will be made to ensure that the process is open and transparent, questions and queries should in the first instance be directed to the Age Level Coordinators.
Dispute Resolution:
In cases of dis-satisfaction regarding team selection, queries should in the first instance be directed to the Age Level Coordinator. If unable to be satisfactorily resolved at this level, player / parent requests can be placed in writing to the Club President for consideration by the Team Selection Committee.
The Club President can be contacted via email to president@mentonemustangs.com.au
Summary:
The team selection process is a challenging one, trying to balance the placement of children in the best team for their ongoing basketball development, whilst also ensuring team and friendship groups are maintained, not to mention a host of other considerations.
The Age Level Coordinators are responsible for large groups of children and will attempt to represent each player / parent and their requests within the team selection process. While the club attempts to satisfy all requests given the size of the club and the many factors to be considered this is not always possible. Friendship groups are an integral part of the club, but such consideration need to be balanced against player skill development, team composition and full participation by all. Because of this not all requests can be met.
The Age Level Coordinators are experienced in team selection and composition and will often be parents, coaches or team managers themselves. As a result they understand the many situations that can arise at the change of each season and will do their best to work openly and transparently with the players / parents.
Equally it is important for players / parents to recognise the difficult role that the Age Level Coordinators have and all parents are asked to be understanding and respectful of decisions and of the individuals involved.
Grading:
Summary:
The grading process is a challenging one, trying to balance the placement of teams at appropriate grades commensurate with their ongoing basketball development, whilst also trying to meet SBA requirements and the SBA process as a whole.
The Age Level Coordinators are responsible for many teams within their age groups. While the club attempts to promote the appropriate grading of all teams there are many factors to be considered both within the club and externally within the broader SBA and the process may not always produce the right answer. In such instances, the Age Level Coordinators will advocate having the matter addressed, but consideration of things such as player skill development, overall team composition and the competitiveness of the grade also need to be considered. Because of this not all requests for change can be met.
Dispute Resolution:
In cases of dis-satisfaction regarding grading decisions, queries should in the first instance be directed to the Age Level Coordinator. If unable to be satisfactorily resolved at this level, player / parent requests can be placed in writing to the Club President for consideration.
