Administrators - What to do now

As an administrator you are responsible for ensuring all members and officials (e.g., coaches) understand the basis for selection. To do this you should circulate team selection criteria and processes to all members well in advance of timelines.

If an athlete is unhappy about the outcome of team selection trials:

• Schedule a time for the selectors and/or coach to sit down with the player (and parent/s if applicable) to discuss the matter:
  • avoid an emotional public confrontation.  This might mean saying “I can’t discuss this with you now, but let’s sit down tomorrow afternoon and discuss it then”.  This gives the athlete (and parent/s or guardian/s) time to calm down.
  • make sure you follow up with the discussion (i.e. don’t just fob them off to get out of an awkward situation!).
• Acknowledge that the athlete is disappointed and upset.
• Refer to the selection criteria and point out where the athlete didn’t qualify.
  • Focus the discussion on areas where the athlete needs to improve and explain how they can do so.
  • Be constructive and focus on positives, not negatives.
  • Look to the future and explain how they can improve their chances of selection next time.
  • Point out the athlete’s strengths and identify the skills/qualities selectors regard favourably.
• Consider setting up a sub-committee or panel to review the decision if any of the following occurred:
  • the selection was made by one person
  • relatives of the person were involved in the decision
  • criteria and processes other than those agreed to prior to selection were used; and/or
  • there is an allegation of discrimination (e.g., someone alleges they missed out because of their race or religion).
• Appoint members who did not take place in the original selection process and preferably who have experience in selection and the respect of athletes.
• Communicate in writing the outcome of the review committee or panel decisions.
• Be aware that the person complaining may be able to take their complaint to an anti-discrimination agency.