CENTRAL COAST FOOTBALL
Representative Player Selection Criteria
In keeping with Central Coast Footballs commitment to transparency in operation, we are please to present new criteria and processes for identification of Representative Players.
Copies of the documentation are freely available from the Central Coast Football website ( http://www.ccfootball.com.au/lightning/home/Talent_ID ) including copies of Coach / Manager Application forms and Player Evaluation Forms.
It is hoped that by establishing structured guidelines on how players are identified into representative programs it will provide more equity and fairness in the selection processes.
Mark Boyd (CCF High Performance Manager) took the time to briefly explain the process involved. "Basically speaking, I do not believe that OPEN TRIALS provide an objective method of player identification. We have large numbers of players attending who realistically are not of the appropriate level of ability. Trials also place the player in rather an uncomfortable and stressful environment which affects their performance. We also do not get to observe other important characteristics of the players, such as their temperament, commitment level, personality and do not know whether they respond to coaching or not.
The new process is based more on "Scouting" the appropriate age groups and identifying players from club games and other programs. It also has provisions for recommendations / evaluations from club coaches and interactivity with the Lightning Program.
Players who are identified through this process will be done so over a longer period of time, and many will be invited to come in and work for a couple of weeks at a time with Lightning age groups. This allows coaches the opportunity to see how the players compare with those already in Representative programs and gauge their ability level, it also provides an opportunity to COACH and see if the player demonstrates an aptitude for learning.
Open Trials are in many cases traumatic for many of the players (And Parents) who attend, it is disheartening for those who are rejected - the amount of players who left Lightning trials last year in tears was concerning to say the least. I believe that our newly introduced processes will be more thorough and less traumatising for the players, which provides a more positive experience.
Of course no matter what process we employ, and how thorough we are in our methodology there are still going to be opinions from parents and coaches as to which player is better than the next.
Here's a realistic view for consideration.... If we had 10 coaches identifying from 45 different players, all of the coaches would have between 8 - 10 of the same players identified on their lists. That's because the best players stand out and possess characteristics that we can all easily identify. The remaining 6 - 8 members to be selected into the squad would be a lottery, as the coaches will see different characteristics in their own selections (This is opinion). That is why the appointed coach needs to have the majority of say in determining his or her final squad.
95% of the enquiries or differences of opinions I have with concerned parents is about players who are fringe players or players who narrowly missed selection (Those not in the top 10 rated players). Unfortunately we are all entitled to an opinion, it does not necessarily mean either party is wrong or right, hence the necessity for a determination to be made by the coach who will be working with the players.
With this in mind, I am hopeful that the incidence of these discussions will be limited as we will be much better advised as to who the better players are.
"I look forward to the opportunity to interact with your club personnel, I hope that you will do your best to assist our appointed coaches with their difficult task of player identification."
Yours in Football
Mark Boyd (High Performance Manager)
Here is a Code of Conduct developed by the young participants at a Central Coast Coerver Workshop held on 15th November 2006
Acceptable Code for Players
1. It is our responsibility to maintain our Gear & Equipment at all times, not mum and dad.
2. We must ensure we Respect everyone from team mates, opponents, officials, spectators etc.
3. We must always Support & Encourage everyone.
4. We must ensure that our School Work is always done on time and ensure our grades do not fall behind.
5. Ensure we eat a healthy diet so our body has the correct fuel to perform at a high level. So we eat more of Fruits, Cereals, Nuts, Vegetables, water, eat in moderation such foods as Meats, Pastas. In other words, yes eat, but moderate helpings "do not over eat". Eat less Sweets, fizzy drinks, foods high in sugar, fatty foods such as McDonalds etc.
6. We need to put in 100% effort & maximum attendance at all times, so we can benefit and gain maximum learning from all that we do.
7. We must communicate well with our teacher, coaches, parents, officials, team mates and all that cross our path.
8. It is our responsibility to do the Home Program; it is not up to mum or dad to fill it in for us.
Not Acceptable Code for Players
1. We must not mistreat our Gear & Equipment.
2. We must not chat back to anyone that is trying to help us or teach us in anyway. That includes our team mates, officials etc.
3. We must always pay attention as not doing so it is very rude.
4. Bullying is not acceptable in any shape of form.
5. Swearing or lying is a form of disrespect and bullying, thus not allowed.
6. We must always strive to play fair as foul play is not part of the game in sport or life.
7. Never give up, always try harder.
8. Eating unhealthy is not good for my body and it slows down learning capabilities plus makes me tired.
Acceptable Code for Parents as seen by our players
1. Please support everyone not just your own son or daughter.
2. Please encourage all of us that include coaches, my team mates, officials, other parents etc.
3. Please respect everyone even my opponents.
4. Please get me to training on time ‑ we call this Taxi on time.
5. Please feed me healthy foods especially before and after activities.
6. Always be honest with me as this is how I can learn, if I play bad just tell me the truth and help me.
7. Pay fees on time.
Not Acceptable Code for Parents as seen by our players
1. Please do not question decisions as everyone makes mistakes.
2. Do not disrespect anyone such as teammates, coaches, teachers, officials, opponents etc.
3. Please do not yell out instructions as this confuses me.
4. Try not to organise my gear but more so help me by questioning me.
5. Smoking & Drinking is bad for you, please keep away from the fields or anywhere near me.
6. Foul language is a form of bullying, not allowed.
