Policies

Playing for MPNA in representative netball is a privilege, not a right. As a general principle, the rep selection process aims to be independent and to eliminate any scope for influence or favoritism. Our goal in selection is to place athletes into viable teams where every available player who has the ability or potential to play representative netball is given this opportunity. Note that this means some prospective players may not be selected. Selection to an MPNA representative team is for a period of approximately 12 months from Selections in Sept/Oct through to the end of the following August which includes one full playing season. Selection trials are mandatory for both new and existing rep team players.

​

1. Selection Criteria

Key selection criteria for prospective rep players (including those already playing rep in the previous season) are prioritised by:

• 1.1 Trial Days:

  • 1.1.1 Performance on ‘that day’ only.

  • 1.1.2 Skills, ability, game-sense

  • 1.1.3 Foundation skills: ball handling, footwork, specialist skills

  • 1.1.4 Fitness: speed, change of direction, strength / power

  • 1.1.5 Mental skills: recovery from mistakes, ability to re-focus, accountable, leader / creates change, works as a member of a unit

  • 1.1.6 Decision making skills

  • 1.1.7 Team balance - Are the best individual players the best combination?

  • 1.1.8 Style of play: Need different styles of players so there is the option to change the style of play in a match i.e.) attacking vs defending midcourt; long vs close shooter, impact players

  • 1.1.9 Commitment, attitude and work ethic

  • 1.1.10 “Coachability”: ability to focus, listen and learn

  • 1.1.11 Potential for development

• 1.2 Team Selection:

  • 1.2.1 Ratings from selections will form the basis of the teams however movements may be made dependent on Team Balance and required positions.

  • 1.2.2 Match Play - In the final week of pre-season & the first training in January (compulsory) athletes will be given the opportunity to take the court in match play which will assist the coaching panel with the final team placements.

  • 1.2.3 Athletes will be assigned to the team that is most appropriate to their level of skill relative to balance and playing requirements of the respective teams.

  • 1.2.4 Team balance is an important but often misunderstood consideration: all teams need to be balanced in terms of relative height, specialist skills and SELECTIONS POLICY strengths, and ability commensurate with receiving reasonable court time. This sometimes means that a player may be selected in a team to ensure team balance while another player of similar ability may be selected in a higher or lower team.

• ** NB: Whilst coaches may have been tentatively allocated to age groups and teams coaching positions will be finalised post player allocation to teams to ensure players needs are put first1.1 Players will be played in positions that meet the needs of the team at the time.

​

2. SELECTORS

• 2.1 Panel of selectors elected by the Head Coach and approved by Executive Committee.

• 2.2 No parent/relative of a player may select within the age group of that player. This includes both squad selections and team selections.

• 2.3 Each court will have 2 panels available

  • 2.3.1 Where available up to 2 independent selectors

  • 2.3.2 Where available 2 coaches/MPNA representatives

• 2.4 The 2 panels will sit separately of each other to ensure that there can be no influence from the current coaches who may be aware of players from previous years / other competitions

• 2.5 The aim will be to have the same selectors available across the 3 trial dates however this may not be feasible and MPNA reserves the right to allocate selectors as they deem appropriate.

• 2.6 If it occurs where a parent/relative of a player is coaching in the same age group the coach will be removed from the entire Team Selection and all other age group coaches, Head Coach & MPNA executive member will be present to finalise decisions.

• 2.7 Where votes on athletes for selection are tied the Head Coach will cast the final vote

​

3. SELECTION TRIALS & SELECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 3.1 performance “that day” only

• 3.2 each selector on panel writes notes and rates each player using netball trials app or where paper is used this is provided directly to squad coordinator for entry into system.

• 3.3 where required coaches reports will be requested and provided to assist with prior knowledge and other performances of potential players. These will be provided in writing and will include skills / weaknesses Improve / potential attitude / commitment attendance / group dynamics can be requested where players are not able to be separated on paper.

• 3.4 Selection panel’s decision is FINAL

• 3.5 Each selector will accept that the group decision may differ from individual selectors’ and past coaches views

• 3.6 Strict adherence to MPNA policies and procedures will be maintained

• 3.7 Selectors are to declare conflicts of interest

• 3.8 Confidentiality: Do not discuss decisions, conversations regarding selections

• 3.9 Hand over all notes at the conclusion of selections

• 3.10 COLLATION of all selection information provided is completed by the Squad Coordinator and the Head Coach. Each panels results will then be calculated and compared separately and final decisions will be made with the Head Coach, Squad Coordinator and/Or a Member of the Executive Committee along with the respective coaching team to ensure a transparent outcome for all.

​

4. TRIALLING ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES

• 4.1 INJURED / UNAVAILABLE PLAYERS:

  • 4.1.1 To submit explanation and medical certification (where appropriate) to squad@mpna.com.au. They must also still register to netball trials to be considered for a position

• 4.2 COMMITMENT:

  • 4.2.1 Other commitments during season to be declared prior to position being accepted

• 4.3 DISCLOSURE

  • 4.3.1 Athletes will be required to declare if they are trialing at other locations. This assists with planning as there is a large number of athletes trialing.

• 4.4 DISPUTES & APPEALS

  • 4.4.1 The squad team selection policy, as with all published squad season information, makes it very clear that team selection has a number of criteria that are taken into account.

  • 4.4.2 There are no provisions made for selection into rep teams for reasons of friendship, previous year grouping, or a player’s or their family’s perception of his/her ability compared to others.

  • 4.4.3 Accordingly, MPNA does not offer a complaints mechanism for this

  • 4.4.4 Selection panel’s decision is FINAL

  • 4.4.5 No verbal discussions will be undertaken

  • 4.4.6 Players who do not make the final squad may request written feedback on their individual selection performance / coaches reports to squadcoach@mpna.com.au

    • 4.4.6.1 This request must be in writing

    • 4.4.6.2 The response will be a written summary of information available.

​

​

======== END OF POLICY ========