GSWP 34 – Trials Standardization and organization

Dear Selectors and Staff.

With the upcoming trial I would just like to standardise our approach in terms of selection.

The appointed A team coach and manager sets up the pool, provide balls, caps, selection lists, team lists and run their age groups trial on the selected date. GSWP will provide the big black marker pens to write the number on the players.

The selection process:

The age groups coaches and managers select with other co-selectors, normally the teachers and part time coaches of players taking part in the trial. Any reasonably knowledgeable person (including a parent) may be a selector and does not need to be invited to select. Only one selector per school is allowed. If there is more than one selector they may consult or select together but have only one vote at the end of each match.

It is important to note that the coach carries the responsibility of making his team perform and that his choice should reflect the type of water polo he prefers to coach. The coach has to explain to the co-selectors what he is looking for before the trial starts.

All players in the trial are subjected to a swim test.

Players then play in teams that are put together before the selection date in either their first or second choice position. The players are only known by their trial number which is written in triathlon style on their upper arm and back. Players play in neutral caps and swimwear and may not wear caps or swimwear that link them to a particular school.

All players MUST be observed by the selectors and play a minimum of a total 20 minutes of active game time in the water. (Thus 2 matches of 10 min each)

The selectors are provided with a list (GSWP TRIAL SELECTORS FORM) and has to indicate a rating from 1 – weak, 2 – acceptable, 3 – good. After every match the scores from each selector is recorded by the A side’s manager. Only the top 40 highest scoring boys may be discussed for the squad of 30. Selectors do not try to rate every player but only the weak (1) and good ones (3), the rest get a (2).

Players who cannot make the first round of trials may be entered into the squad based on there being fair grounds for missing the trial as well as a recommendation of their schools water polo MIC that they are of suitable level to be considered for the squad. If an MIC feels strongly about a player being unfairly cut from the selection that player may be included in the squad with a written motivation by the MIC.

The A team is made up from the required quota players and players of merit. The A team coach selects his A team from the squad chosen in the first round after a number of practices with the squad.

The Colts team coach may then make changes to the remaining squad if the make up of his team is compromised such as not enough centre forwards, colts players etc. The Colts side is made up out of the required quota players as well as at least 9 players that are 1 year younger than the age group. The Colts side will play in the A section.

The B team is selected if there are enough entrants that will play in the B section. The coach/manager for the B side will be appointed only if a B team is selected. The B side must consist of the required quota players and at least 9 players from a Co-Ed or small monastic school.

The manager must also hand in all the selectors selection lists together with the trial application forms which will be kept in a central register by the chairman/ secretary.

The manager will receive photocopies of the trial forms and keep them for his own file.

The manager also checks to see that the selected squad is of the correct age, quota, area, not post matric and SSA registered.

The selection oversight committee looks at players that are excluded from the team before the final team is announced.

The selection oversight committee is made up of the Chairman. Vice Chairperson, Coach, Manager and 2 independent persons that knows the age group.

The committee specifically looks at players that might have been overlooked at the second selection.

Another factor that is looked at is the percentage of players from a specific school vs the results of that schools age group against tier 1 water polo schools in general. The rule of thumb is that the majority of the players should come from the top 6 tier one water polo schools.

Other factors that are looked at is personal bias from coaches with regards to specific players they may have a personality conflict with.

Coaches also have to keep in mind that they have to indicate 2 non traveling reserves which consist of 1 quota payers and 1 merit player. These players are on standby and may practice with the squad and receive kit but they will only travel to the competition if there is an injury.

That’s all from me...let’s do it right and fairly.
See you at the pool!

Yours in polo

Marius Buys
Chairman
21 May 2008