UC NETBALL SELECTION POLICY

Updated 5 September 2022


TEAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Introduction

Pursuant to its Constitution, UC Netball has the power to, amongst other things, determine policies and procedures for the management of netball and the selection of UC Netball teams and squads.

In keeping with those powers, UC Netball approves the following policies and procedures, governing selection practices for representative squads and teams under its auspices and control (Policy & Procedures).

This document replaces all previous selection policies, procedures and guidelines issued by UC Netball for squads and teams.


Objectives:

To select the best team (and/or squad) of netball players eligible to represent UC Netball at all scheduled fixtures.

To maintain a team in the premier competition and a strong representation of teams in higher grades (Senior, Senior Reserve and 2nd Grade).

To consistently play high quality, skillful netball.

To continually develop and support players.


Squad/Team Management:

  • The UC Netball Club Captain approves and appoints all coaches and managers on behalf of the UC Netball Committee for UC Netball squads and teams. The appointment of these officials is a matter for UC Netball and the appointed officials concerned.
  • UC Netball appointed team coach/es and all management personnel must fully comply with the team policies and procedures.
  • The selection panel for each squad/team shall be appointed by the UC Netball Committee.
  • For all Senior Reserve, Senior or Premier teams, a selection panel of at least three people will select the team.  However, panel members may serve on multiple panels. A majority vote of the selection panel will determine the selection of each team.  However, the selection of squads/teams is still deemed to be a selection made by the full selection panel.
  • For all other teams, the UC Netball appointed team coach/es will have the final decision on the selection of the squad/team
  • The selection panel may not comprise of any person who has a family member eligible for that particular squad/team.


Selection Procedure:

Trials dates will be advised to players and advertised on the club website and/or Facebook.

Players will be required to complete an official Trial Registration form on the UC Netball website. Completion of said form is considered acceptance of all UC Netball policies and procedures.

Trials will continue to be held until teams are selected and confirmed.

UC Netball reserves the right to exclude players from attending further trials if the triallist is deemed to be below the required skill level.  In this event, UC Netball will announce at the conclusion of the trial those that are invited to continue in the trialling process.

There will be no feedback provided following the first trial. However, feedback will be given on request following subsequent trial(s) 

All players who register and attend trials will be selected in a team.

Where the selection panel deems a “callback” trial is required, attendance to said trial will be by invitation only.  Only those who have attended regular trials will be eligible to attend callback trials except where an exemption has been granted by the Club Captain.  Exemptions will typically only be granted to players who have played for UC Netball however the Club Captain has full discretion on such matters.

Triallists invited to callbacks will be notified either at the preceeding trials and/or on the UC Netball website/Facebook page.   

At the completion of trials, selected players will be notified via UC Netball Website/Facebook, and/or phone call within 48hours of the completion of trials.


Selection Process:

The trials programme will be designed by the coach/es in conjunction with the selection panel of each grade and may consist of skills/drills, fitness testing and trial games which may be conducted by invited coaches or personnel.

Players who are not available, for trials, trainings or fixtures, due to extenuating circumstances MAY be granted dispensation, on application, for selection in any UC Netball team.  Dispensation must be applied for by way of emailing the Club Captain ([email protected]) prior to trials commencing.

Players will only be selected on the understanding that they will be available for all fixtures and trainings arranged for the team for the current season (except due to representative netball conflicts). Completion of the trial registration form is considered confirmation of a players availability for the season.


Player Responsibilities & Eligibility Criteria:

At the time when selecting players for UC Netball squads/teams the appointed selection panel shall apply the following player eligibility criteria and other applicable considerations:

- Completed the UC Netball trial registration form

- be financial to the club

- be under the stated age as at 1 January in year of selection (U21s Only)


Post-selection players must:

- fully comply with all policies, rules, regulations and procedures of UC Netball

- build and maintain the required level of fitness  


All players are required to contribute towards expenses to be determined each year by UC Netball via a subscription.

Players will be removed from a UC Netball squad/team at any time, if in the reasonable view of UC Netball, they have displayed inappropriate behaviour or conduct, unsatisfactory attitude, lack of commitment, non-compliance with training requirements, financial requirements, or non-attendance at UC Netball events.

UC Netball has the right to determine, at its sole discretion, when it will select or re-select any UC Netball squad/team and no player has a right or expectation of on-going selection at any time.

Any replacement of an injured player should be discussed between the selection panel, with the first consideration being player welfare.


Appeal Process:

If a player disagrees with a selection decision covered by this policy, procedure and process, she may appeal that decision to the UC Netball Committee in the first instance. Such appeal must be made in writing to the President at UC Netball within 7 days of the official announcement of squad/team selection by UC Netball.

Where a player appeals to the UC Netball Committee, such appeal shall be determined by the UC Netball Committee in accordance with its rules/constitution and may include meeting to negotiate a resolution between the parties or seek assistance of professional advisory.

The decision of the UC Netball Committee will be binding on the parties, and no party may institute or maintain proceedings in any Court or Tribunal other than as specified in this policy.

An appeal to the selection decision may only be made on the following grounds:

- The documented selection criteria was not properly followed and/or implemented

- The decision made was affected by lack of good faith or transparency.

Providing the appointed Selection Panel has properly considered the criteria and considerations set out in this document and have exercised their discretion and judgement in good faith, then the appointed Selection Panel will have fulfilled all of its obligations under this policy and procedure.

Except to the extent set out in this Policy and Procedure, the decisions of the appointed Selection Panel shall be final and binding. The appointed Selection Panel shall also be under no obligation whatsoever to provide reasons for its selection decisions, although it may elect to do so, at its discretion.


Policy Amendments/Dispensations

Any applications for dispensation for exemption to the current policies, procedures and processes may be made to UC Netball. Each application will be dealt with on its own merit and dispensation will not be unreasonably withheld. Applications for any dispensation or exemption to current policies, procedures and processes must be submitted 5 days prior to the date that any dispensation, should it be granted, is to take effect.

This policy, procedure, process may be cancelled or amended by the UC Netball Committee as and when it sees fit. Any variation or amendment will be advised in writing by the President on behalf of UC Netball.

This policy, procedure and process (including any variations or amendments) will be available on the UC Netball website.