The selection of club squads is carried out by a Selection Panel. The selection process will be completed as early as possible each week to enable flexibility to cover for injuries and unforeseen disruptions before fixtures so a reasonable adjustment can be made.

The Panel aims to work to the following timetable:

• Tuesday 10pm – selection of 1st team squads
• Wednesday 12pm – selection of 2nd team squads
• Wednesday 6pm – selection of all other squads

Players are encouraged to discuss their selection with their Team Captain initially who will raise any concerns with the Panel.

Selection Structure

Men’s Team selection will be undertaken by the Men’s Selection Panel comprising of the Director of Hockey, Coaches, Junior Lead Coach, Hockey Development Lead and all team captains.

Ladies Team selection will be undertaken by the ladies Selection Panel comprising of the Director of Hockey, Coaches, Junior Lead Coach, Hockey Development Lead and all team captains.

Selection Aims

• On behalf of Lindum HC, it is the duty of the Selection Panels to construct, with the players available, the most balanced teams, playing the best standard of Hockey that they can. Selection will be based on merit given the requirements of the Club, the individual Teams, and the development of talent.
• The Selection Panel will endeavour to be as fair and reasonable as possible, without compromising what it considers to be best for the Club and the Teams. It is important that Members recognise that if they are asked to move up or down a team it is intended to be in the best interest of the Club.
• Competition for places is welcomed as a tonic to the Club, and should inspire players to seek to improve their fitness levels and attend training regularly. It is reasonable for the Club to expect everyone to want to make selection into a team, and to expect everyone to endeavour to make selection into a team.
• It is reasonable for the Club to promote the development of committed young players and to see their inclusion into appropriate teams.

Availability

It should be recognised that Availability and Selection are not the same thing. Selection procedure can only begin once accurate information regarding player availability is gathered.

Members will be required to inform The Club as a whole (not just an individual Captain) of their availability.

It is the responsibility of each individual player to ensure his / her information is kept up to date.

It is NOT expected of Captains to pursue individual players to establish their availability.

Players are advised that failure to confirm availability through this medium, and in a timely manner, may mean that an individual player risks missing out on selection for their regular team, or perhaps at all, on that date.

The Selection Panel may choose to accept an alternative mode of communication in extenuating circumstances.

All players should be aware that selection will take place with the aim of improving the overall level of club hockey and providing the best level for them. It is assumed that Lindum HC players will be willing to play for whichever team they are selected for.

Movement within the teams should become an accepted part of selection and players should not expect to be guaranteed a place in a particular team. This should be borne in mind when players return from injury or other lengthy absences (2 weeks or longer). Players should not assume they have been selected in their favoured position or team / squad. The selection of players will be to ensure the strongest team / squad is available and players are requested to assist with this process.

New players to the club should start at an appropriate level decided by the selection process.

If players are to be promoted from a team the higher team captain will inform them of that decision. If players are deemed to be selected for a lower team then they should be selected for the next senior team. It is up to the captain who de- selected the player to inform him/her of the decision and the reasons why it was taken. This must happen before the team sheet is published and should not form a discussion point during training itself – discussions regarding selection should take place in advance of training where possible. Captains should be positive and emphasize the strengths that the player can bring to their new team and areas where there is room for improvement.

Selection Procedure

• The Selection Panels will meet (or otherwise liaise) in line with the requirements indicated by the Club.
• Team Selection will be drawn from the collated information on Member Availability obtained from each captain. Selection will be decided from the 1st X1 Teams downwards. It is expected of players to acknowledge the need for the Club to put the requirements of its highest teams first. Quality of selection within higher teams should not be compromised to assist lower teams, in line with League directives.
• It is intended to confirm Team Selections by predetermined deadlines. Team Selection confirmation will be shared by each Team’s captain. It is recognised that occasionally changes within teams may be required at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness / injury). These changes will he handled by members of the Selection Panel and will be communicated with the individuals involved directly.
• It is the Clubs intention to take, whenever possible, a predetermined number of players to each game as a squad for each team.

Men’s Team Squad number Ladies Team Squad number

• Men’s 1st XI 14 Ladies 1st XI 14
• Men’s 2nd XI 13 Ladies 2nd XI Yorks 12
• Men’s 3rd XI 13 Ladies 2nd d XI East 12
• Men’s 4th XI 12 Ladies 3rd XI 11
• Men’s 5th XI 11 Ladies 4th XI 11
• Men’s 6th XI 11 Ladies 5th XI 11
• Development 11 (3 adults)

Player Selection Related Grievances

Should a player have a query with the selection process, they should see their captain, Director of Hockey or the Hockey Development Lead. Players are kindly requested to be polite and respectful when making enquiries regarding their own selection; the selection of other individuals will not be discussed with a third party. The decision of the Director of Hockey is final.

Players returning from absence / illness / injury

The Selection Committee will take into account individual and personal circumstances of players returning to competitive hockey following absence for whatever reason.

Refusal of Selection

If a player refuses to play for a team selected and the selection process has been followed the player shall be suspended from competition for a minimum of 2 games and invited to discuss the selection process with the disciplinary committee

Club Member Requirements

• Paid up Membership as of 31st October (agreement made up to 30th December)
  • By this we mean keeping up with the minimum expected monthly payments
• The best interests of the Club

Player Attributes

• Commitment to availability on Saturdays
• Attendance and effort at training
• Prompt/ pro-active/ reliable communication as requested by Club or Captains
• Punctuality
• Experience and Skills
• Enthusiasm and positive attitude
• Willingness to learn, be flexible, and to adapt
• Position the team requires filling. (i.e. best players for any chosen system)
• Potential to develop / improve
• Discipline- in terms of playing ability, and also respect for the umpires, the opposition and team mates. N.B.- All players are expected to conduct themselves on and off the pitch as ambassadors for Lindum Hockey Club

Document Last Updated: 9th August 2023