W.S.A.F.C. JUNIOR CLUB
TRIALS POLICY
Rev. 3: 14 December 2006


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.

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.



Youth Teams (10th Grade and above)

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.
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 trialling (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 team(s), giving significant weight to 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 – 12th Grade Boys the selector will select an A/B squad. This squad will have sufficient numbers to form two 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. The final team squad will not be announced until a week prior to the start of the season.
•    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.