Policies

Team Selection Policies

Introduction

These policies have been produced to clarify the team selection process, and are based on AFL / Football Victoria policy. It is Club policy to support our coaches in any reasonable decisions they make. The Club requires our coaches to adhere to the following policies as far as practicable.

Club Objectives

Participation & enjoyment
Retention & development

Team Selection Policies - Age Groups U9 Through To U12

In these age groups, the emphasis is placed on participation & enjoyment. Additional goals are the acquisition of football skills & the nurturing of physical & emotional development & well-being.

Where two sides are formed in the same age group, regardless of their divisional standing, it is the policy of the club that the two sides will be picked by the coaches to form two ‘equal’ teams. The Committee will assist the coaches to select the sides if required.

Our league policy allows for 24 players to play in an under age match in these age groups. The League requires, and the Club expects, that all players be permitted to play on average a minimum of three quarters / game as far as practicable.

Team Numbers – Age Groups U9 Through To U12

Initial allocation at Tackers based on school groups to achieve equal numbers in 2 teams.
Players from same school can be split (to achieve balance) provided at least 2 (preferably more) go together.
Players to stay with their team through U9 –U12, except:
Movement of player between teams is ok however must be via the list manager; i.e. not by the coaches or parents.

Note:

All players at pre-season in every age group U9 –U12 to train together until allocations made.
New players must be allocated to a team by the list manager.
Friendship groups will be respected having regard to team balance

Team Selection Policy - Age Groups U13 Through To U17

The Club aspires to provide players the opportunity to play in the highest level within the league. A Club’s grading is determined by the performance of these age group teams in matches over the season. A greater emphasis is placed upon individual and team performances.

Where there is a single side in any age group selection of the side is the responsibility of the appointed coach.
Where two sides are formed in the same age group and in different divisions, coaches are empowered to select teams. This is to be based on the Coaches judgement and perception of players’ abilities, potential, development, attitude, commitment and the need for team balance1. The committee will assist the coaches select the sides if required. Refer Team Selection Process below.

Where two sides are formed in the same age group and in the same division, it is the policy of the club that the two sides will be picked by the coaches to form two ‘equal’ teams2. The committee will assist the coaches select the sides if required.

Special Needs
The Club appreciates there may be extenuating circumstances, and that some players may wish to be in a particular side. Such requests should be made through the List Manager in accordance with the Club conflict resolution procedures.

When implementing the team selection policy it also the club’s objective to:

Achieve balanced teams, where balance is measured by each team’s positions on the ladder within their division, and
Avoid having 2 teams in the same division.

Team Selection Process – Age Groups U13 Through To U17

All players in U12 (going into U13) and above, to be rated at the end of each season by their coach: Refer ‘Coaches Evaluation of Players’.
All players U13 – U17 to train together (in age groups) in pre-season and for the first 4 weeks.
Coaches to select 2 teams based on team selection criteria & announce prior to practice match.
Coaches to review assessments and selections throughout practice match and first 4 games.
All players to be advised that:
- Movement between teams is possible in the first 4 weeks (within YJFC by laws).
- If a player is “promoted” he plays min 2 weeks in that team.
- No player HAS to play in the higher graded team.

Note:

Coaches to watch “other” team for as many games as possible especially at end of previous season (to assess player development & rating)
Team selection by outgoing, new & returning coaches, coaching director & football manager.
Team selection criteria as set out in policy above. These need review so do not discriminate
Need to stress that the 2 teams are ‘equal’

Playing within Age Group

The IJFC policy is that all players are to play in their age group. Current players playing out of their age group are encouraged to revert to their correct age group as soon as practicable. All Tackers, U10 and new players to the club are to play in their correct age group. The club adopts this policy for the following reasons:

Health and safety of the players
In recognition that football development experts consider it is desirable from a player development perspective
It is the preferred position of the YJFL
It is non-discriminatory as it applies to all
It provides clarity and certainty for players and parents, and
It is administratively sound

The club recognises that in the first instance this policy may not suit some players and parents as it may prevent a player from playing with his classmates by virtue of age difference. However the club believes that the above reasons far outweigh this consideration.

The executive committee may consider individual player applications to waive this rule but only if exceptional circumstances exist.