EASTLAKE CRICKET CLUB PLAYER SELECTION POLICY Introduction 1. One of the most important issues within a Cricket Club is that of player selections. The Selection Committee, through their best endeavors, seeks to pick the strongest team for all Grades. There are times, however, in which players hold different views to the Selection Committee. 2. The purpose of this Player Selection Policy is to provide players with an understanding of the guidelines that shape the Selection Committee when determining each Grade team throughout the season. 3. An open communication policy regarding selections helps build understanding and a strong culture within the Eastlake Cricket Club. Selection Committee 4. The Selection Committee comprises the Chairman of Selectors, the Head Coach, and each Grade Captain (or their designated Vice Captain if Captains are unable to attend a Selection Committee meeting). Selection Process 5. The Selection Committee will meet after training on the Tuesday night preceding each round. Captains are to ensure that all previous game details are updated on MyCricket no later than 12:00pm each Tuesday so that the Selection Committee can review individual and team performances. If the Selection Committee is unable to physically meet, Captains are to submit preferred team selections and known unavailable players to the Chairman of Selections no later than Tuesday afternoon so that initial team selections can be drafted for discussion. Teams will be finalised at the commencement of the Thursday training session. 6. Captains are responsible for notifying any player who has been moved from the previous Grade team (up or down) prior to team announcements at the Thursday training session. The Chairman of Selectors will announce each Grade team at the conclusion of the Thursday training session. The Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that teams are updated on MyCricket no later than 12:00pm each Friday. 2 Version 3.0 – 14 September 2021 Guidelines for Selection 7. The Selection Committee is committed to applying a set of guidelines to the selection process so as to maintain consistency and fairness. The following factors will be considered for each and every player during the selection process: ➢ Consistent player performances (with each player given the minimum of two matches in any one Grade to perform, unless unforeseen and/or mitigating circumstances results in a players’ promotion or demotion); ➢ Balanced teams; ➢ Attendance, application and attitude at training & during matches; ➢ Commitment to the Club’s Values and expectations relating to on and off-field behavior, punctuality and responsibilities (as stipulated in the ECC Code of Conduct); ➢ Individual player development; and ➢ Finals qualification requirements. 8. Furthermore, apart from exceptional circumstances approved by the Selection Committee and in particular the Chairman of Selectors, a player will be deemed ineligible for selection if the player: ➢ Is un-financial (or has failed to have a fees payment scheme approved by the Committee); ➢ Repeatedly fails to attend training without adequate explanation; ➢ Fails to arrive at a game prior to the scheduled commencement time (as stipulated by the respective Grade Captains) without adequate explanation; ➢ By their actions, is deemed to have brought the Club into disrepute on or off the field; or ➢ Is injured or impacted by a medical condition and would be playing against the recommendations of medical staff. Unavailability 9. It is central to a strong club that players play as many games as possible. Grade cricket requires a season-long commitment. Players should not expect to play at the highest levels of grade cricket if they wish to take weekends off without sound reason. 10. All players are expected to notify their Captain and the Chairman of Selectors (preferably by email) of any situation that will affect their availability to play as soon as practicable, preferably at least one round prior to their unavailability. At a minimum, this notification is to occur prior to any Selection Committee meeting. Failure to comply with these requirements will be factored into for future selection. 11. The Selection Committee considers the following reasons as acceptable for a player being unavailable for selection: ➢ Representative duties; ➢ Injury or illness (including to comply with COVID-19 related public health orders); ➢ Work commitments and/or work-related circumstances; ➢ University or High School exams; ➢ Unforeseen family obligations (e.g. illness, funerals, urgent family support); or ➢ Planned family obligations (e.g. weddings, christenings). 3 Version 3.0 – 14 September 2021 12. It should not be assumed that an acceptable reason for being unavailable will result in an immediate reinstatement to the Grade last played by the player. Any absence creates opportunities for another player, who if deemed by the Selection Committee to have performed in the ‘replaced’ player’s position, may remain in the position until such time as they are promoted or demoted as a result of performance and/or other circumstances. 13. The Selection Committee considers the following reasons as unacceptable for a player being unavailable for selection: ➢ Weekend trips to the coast; ➢ Buck’s / Hen’s weekends; ➢ Music concerts / events; or ➢ Other similar social activities. 14. While it would be fair to assume that an unacceptable absence would lead to a player being dropped, the process is not automatic. The Selection Committee will consider all circumstances on an individual basis. Selection Appeals Process 15. Any player who is dissatisfied with a selection is encouraged to firstly speak with the Captain of the Grade they have been selected to play in. If unresolved, the player can speak directly with the Chairman of Selectors in order to seek further clarity regarding the reason(s) for selection. As previously described, open communication is key to building understanding and a strong club culture. 16. If a player is still dissatisfied after speaking with the Captain and Chairman of Selectors they have the right to withdraw from the team they have been selected in (thereby excluding them from that particular round). 17. Should a player elect this course of action they will be deemed ineligible for selection for the following round. The player will be eligible for a lower grade for the round after