Under 15s Twickenham Rugby Football Club
Contents
Preface 3
Selection Policy 4
Inclusiveness 4
Competition 4
Qualification for Selection to Play 4
Fixture List 4
Selection 4
Non-League Match day Selection 5
League / Festival Match Selection 5
Notification of Selection 5
Method of Selection 5
Unhappy 5
Preface
As we move to Division 1 and our players become more demanding and responsible there will be a grown need to give even more clarity on the selection policy.
The following document hopefully gives this and is laid out so as to make clear for all.
Regards Terry Clouter
Head Coach
Selection Policy
This policy is intended to give clear guidelines on selection for matches so that all are aware of our agreed selection processes.
Inclusiveness
Every player should have the opportunity to play in matches against other clubs at the appropriate level for their ability. To this end we wish to help each player reach their potential by understanding their own skills and to always have a focus on their own development.
When winning is kept in perspective sport produces players who enjoy being skilful, who strive for excellence, who dare to risk error to learn and who develop with practice and constructive feedback.
Competition
Positive competitive experiences have a major part to play in the developmental process. However, our aim is not only to achieve team success but also significantly improve the skill level of every player. We have a responsibility to maximise the potential of those youngsters who demonstrate the potential to play at the highest level. It is hoped that this policy will go some way in helping to achieve this.
Qualification for Selection to Play
Be fully paid up members of Twickenham RFC
Be registered with the RFU.
Be properly equipped to play (i.e. in possession of team kit, boots and a mouth guard)
Have attended training regularly and demonstrated they can play safely and know the laws for the level of the game they are to play.
That any medical matters are reported and registered so the clubs medics are aware to ensure best care for the player
Fixture List
There are currently a total of 17 matches this season made up of 6 League matches and 10 non-league matches, there are also 10 training sessions on Sundays with a number of training sessions held on Wednesdays.
The details of fixtures are set out in the Fixtures & Results section on the Twickenham RFC web page.
Selection
It is parents view that to maintain a healthy age group, to retain and to attract talent that they want the age group to be inclusive with the non-league matches but want the age group to reach its full potential by winning league matches. The parents therefore have asked that the coaches select those players who the coaches think will win the match.
Non-League Match day Selection
We intend to play mixed ability teams throughout the season, we know this means we may not be as successful in those matches but it does mean that all players will have a very good level of ‘game time’ over the season.
League / Festival Match Selection
The Leagues governing body limits the number of players allowed in a squad and therefore we are unable to select and play all players in our age group in these league matches.
Selection will always be based on the below:
1. Perceived skill and playing experience
2. Coaches view of capability
3. Size and strength
4. Fitness
5. Attendance during the season
6. Attitude
7. Effort and commitment
8. Player safeguarding
The precise weighting given to each of these criteria is left to the discretion of the coaches and the parents have stated that they want the final decision regarding player selection to rest with the head coach of our age group.
Notification of Selection
The Team Manager typically will contact the players by email prior to the Sunday match on behalf of the head coach, but selection will probably be discussed at the training session prior to the match.
Method of Selection
Those who advice the head coach will be those parents and coaches that have rugby qualifications. The Head Coach will as agreed by the parents make the final selection.
Unhappy
If a player or parent is unhappy with a selection decision they should take it up with a member of the coaching team after the match and when any coaching/player debrief has ended. The coach will then be able to give the considered attention to the situation and ensure it is brought to the attention of the other members of the coaching team.
Every effort will be made to come to an acceptable solution, however in the unlikely event that you don’t resolve the matter with them, please get in touch with the Chair of the Junior Section.
Under 15 Selection PoliciesPage 4