Selection and Deselection Policy for Tennis
This document outlines the selection and deselection policy for athletes within the performance tennis programme, outlining programme expectations and standards.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all athletes understand the commitment and behaviors expected of an athlete within the performance programme. By signing the Loughborough Sport Code of Conduct athletes agree to comply withthe standards and expectations outlined in this document.
This document does not cover player selection for an individual event, team or match, those decisions will remain at the professional judgement of the coaching team.
Selection Criteria
Selection is the responsibility of Head Coach Tom Kisiel. Selections are not determined by one single factor but are made on the professional judgement of the Head Coach against the following criteria.
Playing Ability
The playing level of the athletes will be considered against the following criteria:
- ATP or WTA ranking in both singles and doubles
- Current Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) and or World Tennis Number (WTN)
- The player’s ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of their game style
- The competitive profile of the player in the 12 months prior to selection
- Athletes who showcase long term potential
Commitment and Behaviour
Athletes are expected to demonstrate behaviours that align with the programme’s values and show their commitment through consistent, purposeful actions, and selection will consider the following factors.
- Athletes are expected to adhere to the minimum expectations of attending one on court session per day (Mon – Fri) and two coach led gym sessions per week
- Athletes who can demonstrate their commitment to Individual tournaments with a recommended 60+ matches played over a 12-month period
- Athletes who demonstrate a growth mindset and take responsibility for their own individual development plans
- Athletes who commit to the expectations as outlined in this document
- Athletes whose behaviour consistently has a positive impact on others and the programme as a whole
Lifestyle and Fitness
Athletes must understand that their off‑court decisions directly influence their on‑court performance with selection determined by the following considerations:
- The athlete’s physical condition upon arrival on the first day of preseason, demonstrating readiness to train and compete at a high level.
- The athlete’s ability to manage their time effectively enabling them to thrive as a student‑athlete, balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of high‑performance
- The athlete’s overall commitment to their physical development, including strength, conditioning, mobility and recovery habits.
- How well the athlete adheres to injury‑management protocols and return‑to‑play processes, demonstrating responsibility for their health and readiness.
Programme Expectations
Commitment
Athletes selected to the performance tennis programme are expected to demonstrate the following commitment
- Attend one of court session per day (Mon – Fri) and two coach led gym sessions per week
- Represent the University in all competitions unless agreed with the Head Coach otherwise
- Attend all planning and review meetings both team and individual
- Attend all schedule appointments with Inter-disciplinary team
- Be responsible for leading their own Individual development plan including meeting their agreed match count target
Athletes are expected to arrive at sessions with a minimum of two rackets strung, with shoes on ready to start the session at the designated time. Communication regarding lateness or absence should be made to coaching staff as early as possible.
Communication
We expect athletes to be proactive in their communication, taking responsibility for informing staff early and consistently about factors that mayimpact training, performance or availability
- Maintain professional and respectful communication with coaches, support staff and teammates
- Respond to communication from programme staff within a 24-hour timeframe (exceptions made for weekend/holiday periods)
- Communicate clearly and transparently, ensuring coaches have accurate information about their schedule, wellbeing and any issues that may effect availability and or performance
Lifestyle & Behaviour
Athletes are expected to consistently demonstrate behaviours that enable them to maintain strong academic standards while meeting the demands of high‑performance tennis.
- Engage in all aspects of the performance tennis programme, ensuring they are giving their best efforts to all training sessions and matches
- Complete prescribed strength and conditioning and prehabilitation and rehabilitation programmes
- Maintain appropriate nutrition, recovery and sleep habits to meet training and match demands
- Meet academic deadlines and communicate proactively with academic departments around planned absences
- Act in a manner that positively represents Loughborough Tennis
Programme Values
All athletes are expected to embody the values of the programme and display behaviours that align to the values both on and off the court.
- Committed — demonstrating dedication to training, competition, and team standards
- Coachable — showing openness to feedback, willingness to learn, and adaptability in training and matchplay
- Competitive — displaying a strong desire to perform, improve and compete at the required intensity in all environments
Breaches of expectations
Failure to meet the expectations outlined in this document may result in action being taken by the programme staff, possible outcomesmay include:
- Informal or formal warnings
- Additional review meetings
- Suspension from training and or competition
- Removal of performance programme privileges
Deselection
Athletes may be deselected from the performance programme if they fail to meet the expectations outlined in this document. Reasons for deselection may include but are not limited to:
- Performance no longer meeting the required standard
- Poor attendance and or engagement
- Failing to meet agreed programme expectations
- Behaviour that negatively impacts Loughborough Tennis
- Acting outside the programme values
Where possible athletes will receive feedback regarding their continued involvement in the performance programme during an Individual meeting and will be a given a timeframe for review before deselection occurs. However, where the reasoning for deselection is deemed serious athletes maybe deselected from the programme with immediate effect. Following deselection athletes will be supported through the process and if appropriate will be advised what would be required for future consideration.
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
- 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.