Why
do we have trials?
- Club Growth
- Our club has grown significantly over the past few years and is
predicted to grow even further in the years to come. For Juniors we are
now fielding more than one team in most divisions.
By running a fair and transparent trial and
selection process, we ensure all players have the chance to make a team that
matches their ability.
- Competing at right level
- By selecting players of similar ability in the same teams, we are
ensuring our teams are competing at a level in which all players are
capable.
- Training and Coaching
- Our coaches will find planning and running training sessions much
smoother if all players are at a similar ability level.
- Attracting talent to club
- Clubs with correctly graded teams tend to perform better, which plays a
part in attracting future players
Selectors
and coaches will be evaluating each player based on merit under four distinct
areas –
Technique,
Tactics, Speed and Attitude.
What
will help me / my child at the trials?
- Be physically and mentally prepared for
the trials; good sleep the night prior, good food and plenty of fluids.
- Bring all the necessary equipment i.e.
shin pads, drink bottle, stick, mouthguard; arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- Bring a never give up attitude; be
positive and have fun.
- Encourage your child to use their voice
during drills and games to encourage other team members in a positive way;
and let team members know where they are on the field -enabling strong
team work. This also applies to our Senior players, acknowledging the
importance of team work and positional play.
- In particular for our Juniors, (and not
for trial day - encourage your child and educate them on how to be
attentive. The coaches only have them for 1.5hours of training each week -
listen to the coach and ask appropriate questions, pay attention to what
the coach asks, and try to be the best you can be. As coaches
we all love kids who listen and try to the best of their ability.
Like
any competitive sport, hockey is more enjoyable if you are playing alongside
and against players of similar ability. We conduct trials to have the best
teams for the different levels within the turf /grass competition. As such
there are no guarantees for individuals that they will be selected in the same
grade as in previous years. We believe this to be fair for both existing and
new members. As per previous years there will be external selectors on a panel
to select the teams for 2023.
Lastly,
if you or your child fails to make the team they were hoping for, please manage
your / their disappointment and not
become angry. Ask the coaches for feedback, ask what areas you / your child
could improve in.
*Note:
the one exception to our trials process is our Masters teams; who are collated
based on a mix of ability and friendship groups.