Administrators - What to do next

• Find out whether your state or national sports organisation has a policy on junior team selection. If they do, check that your club’s practices are consistent with them.
• Adopt or develop a policy next season that clearly outlines junior team selection principles. In creating this document consider:
  • younger participants, i.e.
    • small sided matches which encourage maximum participation and allow for better grading and aligning of teams and opponents
    • rotation through all positions
    • the introduction of equal playing time for all younger age groups and a minimum playing time per participant (e.g., 80% of the total match time or the same amount of time on the field per participant for the season rather than per match). It may be easier to have players miss one whole game, than sit out long periods every game.
  • player numbers, (e.g., if you have two teams within the one age group you could either enter them in different divisions or ensure they are evenly matched).
• Communicate in writing the basis of team selection policies for a coming season to all parents, players and coaches.
• Develop and promote team selection criteria and procedures for representative games.
• Make sure you have a well publicised and consistent process for dealing with team selection issues.