Senior Selection Policy

The purpose of this policy statement is to confirm to all senior players the criteria and process involved in selecting teams. This selection policy is for the benefit of all players and selectors alike and is designed to enable the selection process to operate as smoothly as possible. At the heart of this policy is the notion that every player aspires to play at the very highest standard their ability allows. As the club grows with the introduction of new members, juniors and the continual commitment of existing members, it is necessary to ensure that the club not only fields competitive sides, but also affords reasonable opportunity for members to meet their own cricket expectations.

In relation to selection based on age the club will only consider this when looking at the long term benefits to the club and where based on the other criteria both players are of even ability and meet the other selection criteria.

The selection committee will not always be able to please all players. If a member has a grievance with the selection decision, they need to address these concerns directly with the Chairman of Selectors. Selection will be made in the best interests of team/club and decisions will not be based on personal relationships.

Selection Panel

The selection panel will comprise of the Chairman of Selectors and all senior team captains. All captains (or their designated representatives), will be required to attend selection meetings. These will be held after training on Tuesday and Thursday in selection weeks.

Selection Criteria

Training

Attendance – All players are required to attend training sessions scheduled by the Coach/Captain. Standard sessions will be Tuesday and Thursday nights, 5.15pm to 7.30pm, weather permitting. If members are unable to attend, it is the members’ responsibility to advise the Coach/Captain/Chairman of Selectors, of their situation and attend when possible. A lack of communication will be seen as detrimental to selection.

Where a player has a legitimate reason for non-attendance at training sessions (such as work, family or medical reasons) and has conveyed this to the Selection Panel, it is the panels' prerogative to exclude their training attendance and select on form and other selection criteria.

Attitude & work ethic

It is expected that all members will approach training sessions in the same way that they would approach a game. All members are expected to work hard during training and support each other at all times. If this does not happen at training then it will not happen during a game. No player is to leave a training session without notifying the coach prior to their absence. Any player carrying an injury, and unable to train, will be required to assist the coaching staff as directed.

Attire

It is expected that all players will attend training with the proper attire. A club training shirt or white cricket shirt and shorts or tracksuit pants is acceptable. Board shorts (and similar) are NOT acceptable. Suitable footwear is to be worn at all times.

Match day punctuality

All players are required to arrive at least 60 minutes (or earlier if directed by the Captain) before commencement of a game. Constantly late players will affect their selection prospects unless prior arrangements have been made with the team Captain. The club endeavours to accommodate all reasonable circumstances providing the member communicates with the Selection Panel.

Performance

Form is the primary criteria in the selection policy as this allows the club to field its most competitive sides for any fixture. However, this does not mean that for one good/disappointing performance that promotion/demotion is applied. Where possible, members will be given a reasonable time to perform in any particular grade.

Team balance is critical for all grades when selecting teams. There will be instances where changes will be made, and these will not be based on performance, but purely to achieve team balance and may require the Selection Panel to promote/demote players on that basis. Credence will be given to winning teams and therefore changes would be less likely.

If players are performing well in lower grades, they are to be encouraged to continue that form and apply pressure on players in higher grades. A point to note is that individuals playing well will lift their teams' spirits and this in turn assists the club to prosper.

Behaviour

Players should adhere to the club Member and Player Codes of Conduct at all times. Members that bring the club or the game into disrepute will be required to appear before the Disciplinary Committee and may face disciplinary action.

Club/Team support

Cricket is a team sport and it is expected that members will work together at both training sessions and on game day to help set up and pack away all equipment. Equipment is required to be packed away in the storage room at the back of the pavilion, not inside the club or change rooms. It is unreasonable to leave these duties to a limited few. This includes but is not limited to, setting up boundary cones at home games, setting up scoreboards, setting up furniture and returning it after the game, returning club equipment to the storeroom, etc. It is also requirement that members attend club organised functions, and endeavour to introduce new members to the Club.

Further, as the juniors are a fundamental part of our family it is expected than seniors actively participate in, and provide encouragement towards the junior component of the club via their agreed roles and responsibilities.

Junior Selection in Senior Matches

Junior player candidates for senior cricket can only be selected on the following basis:

Parental permission is obtained
A junior players’ responsibility is to junior cricket first and foremost. Our philosophy is that juniors should compete at their age-appropriate level in the first instance. Playing senior cricket as a junior (although a great experience) is a privilege and not a right.
A junior player should not take the place of a fully financial non junior player in a senior side on a regular basis.
The senior grade a junior player is to be selected for will be based on ability. This will be decided by the Coaching Coordinator, current junior Coach, Junior Co-ordinator and Chairman of Selectors. Once a grade / level is decided the Chairman of Selectors and Captain of the applicable senior side will decide where the player is selected.
Junior players should not play more than two games per weekend.
If a dispute occurs between captains over which level / grade the junior player is selected for the Chairman of Selectors has final say.