Selection and Deselection Policy for Women's Hockey

This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the performance programme squad for Women’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 Women’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 and transparent. 

Skills Required 

The athletes will have the ability to take responsibility for own learning and performance as well as working with the coaches to help develop themselves as people and players  

The athletes will have good technical abilities to be able to receive, pass, pre-scan and carry the ball in attack, while also defend both individually and while working together. 

Understand the Loughborough attacking and defensive frameworks BUT also how they can bring their own skills and ability to these frameworks. 

Able to review own performances and development, engaging and leading with IDP and coach feedback processes  

Working as part of a team to help those around them and make choices that support the development of the team as well their own personal development. 

Commitment  

They are professional students and should aim to commit to the program as fully as possible while balancing other important aspects of their lives. 

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) 

Demonstrates strong teamwork and positively contributes to the ‘CLAP’ culture and standards of the team. 

Aim to go above and beyond for the team and individual development utilising the support in place 

Performance  

Constantly looking to push themselves and develop their game week in week out ‘winning isn’t enough’ 

Able to sustain performance levels throughout the whole programme 

Develop the ability to deal with pressure by trusting our processes and backing themselves to perform  

Fitness 

Able to perform to a level appropriate to your position within the programme and recover suitably. This can be assessed and monitored by objective fitness tests/GPS data. 

Aim is to always try to improve physical conditioning, there is no ceiling- we want to consistently raise the bar 

Lifestyle 

Consumes a diet that fuels performance and contributes to achieving physical and performance targets.  

Prioritises rest and recovery in order to be in the best physical and mental condition for each training session and competition.  

Attempts to find a balance between sport and other aspects of their life e.g. study, work, relationships, family so that you grow as a person and a player 

Attitudes and Behaviours 

Behaves in a way that projects a favorable image of Loughborough University, Loughborough Students’ Union and their partners. 

Able to maintain an attitude that benefits the individual as well as the team. 

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

End of October (6-10 week block) 

End of January 

1-1 feedback and meetings weekly/bi-weekly 

Expectations 

Absences from training must be communicated with the lead coach no more than 24 hours in advance. 

Arrival at training must be 15 minutes prior to the session start time. 

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.