
Grading Policies Juniors 2017 - 2018
1.0 INTRODUCTION
At the beginning of each new football season the Caboolture Sports Football Club (CSFC) Junior Boys/Girls Competitive teams (Under 12 to Under 16) are graded into teams in different divisions based on ability level.
The grading process gives all players the opportunity to demonstrate their talents to a variety of unbiased selectors thus giving all players (irrespective of the team they played with in the previous season) a chance to play in the highest division in the new season. The Club holds this as important in providing equal opportunity to all players.
The club philosophy is to grade players through the club Grading Selection Panel (as per 4.0)
Player’s abilities can change dramatically during a 12-month period. A player who is graded into a “Top” team in one season must try out again in the following years to win a position in the “Top” team. This is the best format to maintain equality of opportunity.
Care must be taken to cater for those who have average ability (or less) but still love the game. It adds to their enjoyment if they are playing with and against players of similar or equal ability. This gives each child the chance to fully participate, enjoy the experience and develop to his/her full potential as a player. Past experience has shown that it is frustrating for any individual to play in a team which is clearly above or below their level of ability. Grading must help all players of all abilities.
The Executive Committee has the care and, to some extent, control of the Club and its members/players. It is the Club (rather than individuals) that enter teams into various competitions.
The grades of teams in Junior Competitive Boys/Girls at CSFC are as follows:
“Top Team”- (U12 Div 2, U13 Div ?, U14 Div 1, U15 Div 1, U16 Div?) Graded
“Other Team”- (U12 Div 5, U13 Div 5, U14 Div 4, U15 Div 3) Non-Graded
“Third Team” – (Where an age group has enough players to field a third team) Non-Graded
2.0 OBJECTIVE
The grading policy is designed to address a number of player and club needs, some of which invariably conflict. The fundamentals of the grading policy are designed to ensure:
That a clear process for the grading of new and existing players is provided each year.
· The possibility of bias is minimised by using an appointed Grading Manager to be the arbiter of the trial process. This is the Caboolture FC Director Of Coaching
· All players have the maximum opportunity to play in a competitive environment, appropriate to their skill and ability.
· Players learn from their peers and develop an appreciation and love of the game.
· Support of a club culture that takes priority over individual team culture.
· Players, coaches and parents alike, have FUN, enjoy the season, and return to the
club year after year.
3.0 PLAYING PHILOSOPHY
3.1 Competitive Games
Junior Competitive competitions are as the name suggests of a competitive nature. The Junior Competitive teams have moved from the Mini-Roo “Skills Acquisition” phase of football to the “Game Training” phase. Teams play in a weekly home and away competition with points awarded depending on the results of the game; Win – 3 points; Draw - 1 point; Loss - 0 points. Teams are ranked on a ladder depending on their points tally with the highest ranking team being awarded the “premiership”. Following the regular season a “Finals” competition is held involving the top 4 ranked teams of each division with Semi Final games played between the teams and the winners advancing to the “Grand Final”. The winners of the Grand Final will be awarded the Champions Trophy.
It is expected that team officials and parents will not let their own ambitions spoil the enjoyment that the players gain from playing the game of football. Although these principles dominate our approach to junior sport, the club also recognises that this is the best time for football players of the future to progress from learning the basic skills of the game to learning how the game is played. For this reason, the club encourages Junior Competitive coaches to attend the recognised “Game Training” Coaching Course which is funded by the club. No charges will be placed on to any prospective coaches.
3.2 TEAMS
3.2.1“TOP TEAMS” (GRADED TEAMS)
As players progress through their teenage years, the game becomes more competitive and winning assumes a higher priority. To accommodate these changing attitudes all “TOP TEAMS” teams are allowed greater flexibility in the areas of team composition and playing time. Although the “Game Training” phase of football is about working to achieve a successful game day result, winning should not be at the expense of the club’s values.
The concept of the “TOP TEAM” is to assist in developing players and establishing a culture and expectation of success for those players that wish to further their football careers and to ensure the Club’s future competitive success.
Playing time is at the discretion of the team coach and will be based on a player’s ability, attitude and commitment to training and game attendance.
3.2.2 “OTHER and THIRD TEAMS”
The concept of the “OTHER and THIRD TEAM” is to provide an opportunity for non-graded players to compete in a team environment that provides opportunities of equal development, playing time and enjoyment. Although it is recognised that a player’s ability may begin to partially determine playing time, all registered and financial players who regularly attend training sessions must be given “ample and fair” playing time. “Ample and fair” playing time is defined as approximately one half of a match. With the continuation of the interchange player rule, there is no reason why players should not have ample playing time in all matches.
3.3 CONDUCT, PARTICIPATION and PERFORMANCE
The club believes that all Junior Boys/Girls Competitive teams should be competitive and we therefore endeavour to appoint only experienced, qualified coaches. However, the primary objectives are to encourage and educate players and teams rather than placing emphasis on winning individual games and producing league champions. Although ultimately Football Brisbane determine which level of competition teams competes in CSFC endeavours to have the “OTHER and THIRD TEAM” compete in a division within their age group suitable to the level of football of the respective team.
4.0 GRADING SELECTION PANEL
4.1 GRADING MANAGER – Head CDO at Caboolture FC
The Grading Manager is responsible for co-ordination of the grading progress.
4.2 AGE GRADERS – Junior Boys/Girls CDO and TOP TEAM Coach
Age Graders assist the Grading Manager in assessing players’ skills. The nominated person should have a good knowledge of the game and the skills required in order to differentiate player skill levels. Persons nominated to coach in a particular age group are able to apply to be age graders. Age graders can be appointed on the day of grading by the CSFC executive. In the interests of obtaining a broad overview of player standards in a specific age group all selectors are encouraged to observe as many matches as possible of that age group over the course of the preceding season.
4.3 GRADING ASSISTANTS
Grading Assistants provide help with the grading session to co-ordinate players, equipment and paperwork. No experience necessary.
5.0 COACHING/MANAGER NOMINATIONS AND ROLES
Coaches and Managers interested in volunteering for the following year are able to make Application from the completion of the current season.
TOP TEAM Coaches applications are advertised on the website
All coaching and managing appointments will be overseen by the CSFC CDC and recommended to the Executive Committee for ratification and appointment.
6.0 GRADING
6.1 GRADING DATES
Grading/Trials for Junior Boys/Girls TOP TEAMS will be held during the month of November. Dates will be posted on the Caboolture Facebook page, Caboolture Sports FC website Calendar, and advertised externally of the Club. On the Caboolture Sports FC website, all grading times and dates are placed on the calendar TAB at the top of the Home page.
6.2 GRADING REGISTRATION
All players wishing to participate in grading/trials must register prior to the commencement of grading/trials. Registration is submitted via an online form on the CSFC Website –
For Boys
http://www.caboolturefc.com.au/junior-boys-u12-u16-caboolturefc or can be accessed under the “Juniors” tab and then clicking on the Junior Boys U12-U16 on that drop down menu.
Or Girls
http://www.caboolturefc.com.au/junior-girls-u12-u16 or can be accessed under the “Juniors” tab and then clicking on the Junior Girls U12-U16 on that drop down menu.
Players will be forwarded a follow up email to confirm details.
All players who wish to play in the TOP TEAM of an age group must register to participate in the Grading/Trials for that team
6.3 GRADING PROCESS:
Grading will be conducted in a phased process with each phase consisting of different Passing Practices, Game Training and Grading Games. After each phase of grading players will be advised if they are successful in proceeding to the next phase of grading by way of personal advice from a member of the Grading Selection Panel and an email to the parent of the player confirming whether they had been successful or unsuccessful in reaching further phases of grading. This will be emailed within 24 - 72 hours after the grading phase is completed.
The grading of each player not only takes into account skill, but also attitude and work ethic.
At the conclusion of the grading process, the Grading Selection Panel shall meet to review and discuss the formation and allocation of individual players to each team.
6.4 GRADING EXPECTATION
All players are expected to be registered prior to commencement of grading.
All Players are expected to be punctual, wearing football boots with shin pads and bottle of water.
All Players are expected to attend all sessions of the grading phases.
All players are expected to be graded and play in the age group in which they are registered. The only exceptions are:
If the age group has a surplus number of players beyond the coach’s requirements and the age group above can accommodate those players; or
If in the previous season, a player was granted permission to play up an age group, that player may elect to do the same the following season.
Exceptions are at the discretion of the Grading Selection Manager and in consultation with the players and their parents.
Where practicable, any members of the Grading Selection Panel shall not undertake an active role in the grading of their own child. External assistance should be sought, in such cases.
6.5 UNSUCCESSFUL GRADING
If a player does not make it to the next phase of grading and has received an email
stating that they have been unsuccessful they will subsequently then be advised what team options CSFC can offer the player. Although every effort is made to provide teams options as soon as possible these options may not be known until after sign on in January February next year.
7.0 GENERAL
7.1 GUARANTEE
At no stage will CSFC provide a guarantee to any individual player or parent to place a player in a team that they believe would be best for their own personal gain or based on their belief of what may be best system via an experienced team. The panel will ensure all players receive fair and equal opportunity.
7.2 FEEDBACK
Player and parent expectations may differ with the Grading Selection Panel and although CSFC encourages any request for feedback regarding unsuccessful players it will not enter into debate about or comparison between individual player’s ability or selections either with the Grading Selection Panel or its individual members.
7.3 RIGHT OF REVIEW
Grading selection is the responsibility of the Grading Selection Panel and all selection decisions are final. Should players or parents be unhappy with grading decisions, they should forward their concerns to secretary@caboolturesportsfc.com.au
