As a coach you are responsible for ensuring young players are provided with positive supporting experiences and that team selection guidelines are appropriate to the age and development stage of the children you support.

If you coach your own child and their friends do not show any favouritism or bias in team selection.

If someone complains about junior team selection:

• Listen to any concerns by players or their parents and try not to be defensive.
• Explain your club’s junior team selection policy which should emphasise participation over competition.
• If your club doesn’t have a policy (or you tend to select the best players) be prepared to change what you do. You should rotate players through positions and give equal time in the game.
• Set up a system/roster to keep track of positions played and time in the game. Ask another parent to be responsible for the roster so you can concentrate on coaching the team.
• Reiterate your clubs team selection and junior sport policy  with your players and their parents. Don’t be pressured by parents or players who believe winning is the priority.