Selection and Deselection Policy for Men's Hockey

This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the performance programme squad for Men’s Hockey.  

This does not cover selection for an individual event, team or match as that is at the professional judgment of the Lead Coach or Director for that sport. 

Performance Athlete Code of Conduct statement: 

I understand for selection to the squad I will need to demonstrate that I have the appropriate and necessary skills and commitment, and that my performance, fitness and lifestyle are at the required level.  I understand that selection involves complex judgements about the attributes of individuals and their potential contribution to a team or squad. 

Selection Process To the Men’s Hockey Squad: 

Selection is the responsibility of the Head Coach for the performance programme. 

These criteria will be used to select athletes to the squad.  Selection decisions should be fair, transparent and equitable. 

Skills Required 

Athletes will have good technical abilities to be able to receive, pass and carry the ball in attack, while also defend. 

Athletes will have good tactical awareness of a variety of presses and outlets as well as other phases of the game – Counter Attack, Counter defence, Unit play, High line, deep defence, etc 

Commitment  

Athletes will commit to the programme fully, with exception for commitments related to, but not exclusive to Academics, Sport or Work. 

This includes pre-season training, in-season weekly training and matches for BUCS (if eligible) and EHL as well as gym and other support services requirements (testing etc) 

Performance  

Athletes will perform at a level that enhances the Squad training and Games consistently over a period of time that enables development, growth and outcome objectives to be met. 

Fitness 

Athletes will be required to train at the appropriate intensity level for the duration of a training session and match. This may be ascertained through objective fitness tests or monitoring by other means (GPS, Strava etc). 

Lifestyle 

Athletes will commit to a lifestyle that doesn’t detriment themselves, or those around them, from a health and sporting perspective. You will actively seek out a balanced and proactive lifestyle that encourages self-growth and benefits the squad on and off the pitch. 

Attitudes and Behaviours 

Athletes will act and behave in a way that does themselves, the Squad, the Club and University proud. A proactive, can do attitude, is something we are aiming to achieve from all members of our squad. 

Review process (e.g. termly, monthly, annually) 

Following the selection of the performance squad, formal reviews will take place annually, however following any infringements we reserve the right to review this sooner. 

Expectations 

If unable to make training, 24 hours notice must be given to the coach leading the session. 

Arriving to pitch sessions 20 minutes before to take part in pre-training mobility sessions 

If an athlete is not happy with the selection decisions these steps may be taken:

A. Non-selection

  1. If an athlete is not selected, they may seek honest and constructive feedback from the Head Coach in the first instance.
  2. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their non-selection to the Performance Manager.
  3. Information will be gathered from the Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in that performance programme.

B. Deselection from the squad

  1. The Head Coach will inform the athlete of the reasons for deselection, based on the criteria set out for the relevant sport.
  2. The athlete can expect honest and constructive feedback, including what would be required for them to be considered for selection again.
  3. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their deselection to the Performance Manager.
  4. Information will be gathered from the Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in that performance programme.

C. Appeal

  1. If an athlete believes the selection or deselection process has not been followed correctly, they may appeal to the Performance Director.
  2. Information will be gathered from the Head Coach and the athlete. The appeal will be reviewed by the Performance Director and the Director of Sport.