Selection and Deselection Policy for Men's Rugby
This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the performance programme squad for Men’s Rugby.
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 Rugby 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
Players within the men’s rugby performance programme are expected to be performing consistently above the level of an academy u18 player.
We expect high levels of communication, commitment and integrity from performance squad players.
Commitment
Performance squad players are expected to be at all performance squad training sessions dependent on the squad they are playing in that week. This will usually be 3 training sessions a week and a game. Given the structure of our season, availability for either training or fixtures on a Saturday is expected.
Players are expected to be on-pitch 10 minutes before the start of any given training session. Failure to do so will result in the individual not being allowed to partake in that session.
Performance squad players are expected to be at the coached gym sessions provided by S&C coaches. However, it is important that they must prioritise lectures and seminars above this. Where there is a clash they must communicate this with the Head of S&C (Matt Cooke), either by providing advanced notice of sessions that they will consistently miss or by messaging at least half an hour before for any last minute changes of availability.
When asked, players will be expected to train and/or play in non-performance squad fixtures/sessions.
Performance
On field performance will be consistently reviewed by coaches. We expect players to consistently review their own performance as well. All fixtures and training are available to view and we expect players to review both individual and team performances.
There is no specific deselection criteria around performance. Athletes will be consistently aware of how coaches view their performance in training and fixtures and individualised feedback will be available.
Fitness
Follow strength and conditioning programmes provided by Men’s Rugby Head of S&C unless otherwise told (i.e. if told to follow S&C programme by contracted club etc.)
Athletes are expected to use the services available to them, from S&C to nutrition to physio support, to enable them to be in the best physical place possible to train and play.
Lifestyle
Feeding into the above, athletes are expected to conduct their lifestyle in a manner that enhances and does not detract from their ability to perform. Through being mindful around recovery and preparation athletes should be in the best place possible to perform.
Minimum expectations set by the players themselves include no alcohol consumption for 48 hours before any fixture.
Athletes are educated regularly around the importance of sleep to recovery and therefore should factor this into all lifestyle choices.
Attitudes and Behaviours
Men’s Rugby performance squad players are expected to be excellent representatives of both the club and the wider university. They should always, whether on specific rugby duties or not, conduct themselves in a manner that would appropriately represent the university. We expect this to continue post-graduation given that your time at Loughborough will always be highly regarded at any future club.
They are expected to be supportive of the club as a whole and demonstrate to all players within the club the values that we demonstrate on and off the pitch.
Review process (e.g. termly, monthly, annually)
The performance squad is reviewed on a regular basis, usually monthly during season. Being selected for a performance squad team (National 2 or BSR) does not necessarily mean that player is immediately part of the performance squad. Consistent selection and demonstration of the above expectations will be required before a player would be considered.
Consistently failing to meet the above standards will lead to deselection. Being late to sessions and therefore not being able to train will naturally impact upon selection for that week. Consistently failing to train as part of the performance squad will lead to deselection.
If an athlete is not happy with the selection decisions these steps may be taken:
A. Non-selection
- If an athlete is not selected, they may seek honest and constructive feedback from the Director of and/or Head Coach in the first instance.
- If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their non-selection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
- Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in the performance programme.
B. Deselection from the squad
- The Director of and/or Head Coach will inform the athlete of the reasons for deselection, based on the criteria set out for the relevant sport.
- The athlete can expect honest and constructive feedback, including what would be required for them to be considered for selection again.
- If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their deselection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
- Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or 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
- If an athlete believes the selection or deselection process has not been followed correctly, they may appeal to the Performance Director.
- Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The appeal will be reviewed by the Performance Director and the Director of Sport.