Selection and Deselection Policy for Women's Football

This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the performance programme squad for Women’s Football (Loughborough Lightning & BUCS 1 Teams). 

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. 

*This document covers selection for the performance squad across the season in addition to the selection and deselection of matchday squads 

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 Women’s Football (Loughborough Lightning & BUCS 1) 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 

  • Demonstrate the required technical & tactical competencies outlined in the Performance Squad Induction (Game Model) 
  • Demonstrate the required technical & tactical competencies deemed necessary by the Head Coach & Assistant Coach of the Performance Squad (Individual Competencies) 

Commitment  

  • To the values & behaviours outlined in the Performance Squad Induction 
  • To best of one’s ability, commit to the devised-on pitch and off pitch training schedule & fixture schedule between the months of July 2026 and June 2027. Minimum two of three on pitch training selections a week with one of these two being Friday to be eligible for match selection. * Subject to extenuating circumstances.  
  • To represent both Lightning & BUCS 1 Football Teams in accordance with club registration policies – players that choose to play externally with another team in the same division or higher than the Performance Squad (Lightning), will only be able eligible to play for BUCS 3s and below. 

Performance  

  • Demonstrate the required technical, tactical and social competencies outlined in the Performance Squad Induction  
  • Demonstrate the values & behaviours outlined in the Performance Squad Induction (values & behaviours) 
  • Perform in accordance with the squad’s performance objectives 

Fitness 

  • Demonstrate the required physical competencies outlined in the Performance Squad Induction (SPSS) 
  • To meet all conditioning work requirements set by HC & S&C (Three Gym sessions per week in person or recorded on Bridge App, following and completing set programmes, completing fitness testing as prescribed by HC & SC).  

Lifestyle 

  • To the values & behaviours outlined in the Performance Squad Induction 
  • To best of one’s ability, commit to the devised training schedule & fixture schedule between the months of July 2026 and June 2027 

Attitudes and Behaviours 

  • To the values & behaviours outlined in the Performance Squad Induction 
  • To respect and abide by all competition rules 
  • To respect and abide by all University rules and regulations  
  • Abide by any NGB League requirements in relation to behaviours and attitudes across the women’s game 

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

  1. 3 PDP reviews for each individual per season 
  2. Conversations with coaches are available post-game not before the game and post selection 

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 Director of and/or 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 a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (N.J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  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 a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (N.J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  4. 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

  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 Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The appeal will be reviewed by the Performance Director and the Director of Sport.