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Sunday 8 February 2009
Trials Policy

W.S.A.F.C. JUNIOR CLUB
TRIALS POLICY
Rev. 4: 8th Feb 2009

Policy Statement

It is recognised that trials are an essential element in team selection, and that trials can generate strong opinions. The purpose of this policy is to provide minimum standards for management of trials.
Above all else trials must:

  • Be fair (and seen to be fair) to all concerned (players, parents & caregivers, coaches)
  • Enhance the reputation of the club and promote goodwill within the club
  • Promote development of players to their maximum potential
  • Promote success in competition


Junior Teams (6th to 9th Grade)

At this level the player’s enjoyment and participation in the game is far more important than forcing a highly competitive environment upon them. This point has been recognised worldwide, and the differing growth and development of players in this age group makes grading for a season team almost pointless. Typically players prefer to rejoin their team from the previous year, or join their friends and/or school colleagues, and this preference is provided for whenever possible.

8th & 9th GRADE DEVELOPMENT SQUADS
During the course of the season 8th & 9th grade coaches will be invited to submit names for players to be involved in a Development Squad . This squad will be involved in some additional training sessions and interclub tournaments. The nominations will be based solely on the coaches assessment. If there is an excess of players (more than 30 per grade) the Junior Club Captain or nominee will select the 30 players from the nominations with a trial based on small sided games.

In addition various tournaments run by clubs offer the opportunity for the more talented and enthusiastic players to test their skills in a more competitive environment. Selection of players for tournament teams will recognise the importance of exposing as many talented players as possible to tournament competition, rather than ensuring only the strongest team is entered. Team selection will be relatively informal, typically lead by the grade coordinator in consultation with coaches and managers. Where possible the Junior Club Captain (or another person delegated by the Junior Club Captain) may assist in selection of players to form a pool from which tournament teams are formed. In 9th Grade, the Junior Club Captain may take a more active roll in trials, and may help with coaching of the team during their preparation for a tournament.

Teams are graded for 10th grade and above. Grading recognises that competition in youth teams is more intense, and maximum benefit is gained when players are playing with and against those of similar ability. Grading requires a trial to be run at the start of the season.

7 a Side Youth Teams (10th -11th Grade Boys , 10th – 12th Grade Girls )

ONLY PLAYERS WHO WANT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE TOP 3 GRADED TEAMS SHOULD TRIAL.
PLAYERS WHO DO NOT TRIAL WILL USUALLY BE PLACED IN THEIR PREVIOUS SEASONS’ TEAM. Any player wishing a change should make contact with their grade coordinator.


The following guidelines apply to management of trials:
  • Organisation of trials is the responsibility of the club captain, with assistance from the grade coordinators.
  • Coaches will have been invited to submit names of players they consider worthy of trialing from last years teams.
  • All players nominated by a coach must be accepted for trialing (assuming support from both player and parent/guardian.
  • Trial dates will be advertised with at least one week’s notice.
  • Typically the selector will be the Junior Club Captain or a Coaching Coordinator.
  • The trial will occur as small-sided games under referee control, with the exception that selectors are free to sub players at will, and to swap players between teams.
  • At the trial the selector will assess each player’s ability on the day.
  • At the conclusion of the trial the selector will meet with the coaches to discuss the selectors notes and agree the make up of the squad, giving significant weight to their trial play, but also taking into account circumstances prevailing on the trial day, historical record, comments from previous coaches, and any other information considered relevant by the selector.
  • For 10th – 11th Grade Boys the selector will select a 30 player squad. Consideration will also be given to any players unable to trial but placed in such teams in the previous season. This squad will have sufficient numbers to form three teams. An ‘A’ team coach will be appointed who will train this squad for two to three weeks then pick an “A” team based on positional requirements, performance in practices and practice games.

11 a side Youth Teams (12th & 13th Grade Boys & 13th Grade Girls)
Details of the trials will be as above with an AB squad of 28 players being selected. The A team will then select players from this group.

Youth Teams (14th -17th Grade)
Formal trials will cease from the 14th grade and will be replaced by team tryouts where necessary.
Given the knowledge of players on the part of the club by the 14th grade most teams are settled and players are playing at a suitable level.
Any players new to the club or who wish to be considered for a higher level team should make contact with first team coach and be available for assessment at the AB squad training.

PRESEASON TRAINING FOR METROPOLITAN LEAGUE TEAMS. 13 -17 Grade.
Preseason squad training will take place for these teams at the discretion of the appointed coach. These will be advertised for any player wishing to be considered for such team.
Players with exceptional talent may be requested to play up a grade to ensure they are appropriately challenged in order to advance their skills. Such requests will be made in the best interests of the player’s development, and without consideration for the impact on the team they may be leaving.
Trials will conclude by allocating players to teams. Players who did not trial will be placed in teams according to historical knowledge of the players ability.

The grade coordinator will be responsible for advising players and coaches of their respective Teams.

The Grade Coordinator will also be responsible for responding to questions raised, and for managing and resolving any disputes in a timely manner. If judged necessary the Junior Club Captain will become involved in dispute resolution, and will make a decision if resolution cannot be reached between the parties.