INTRODUCTION

Throughout the season, selection can be one of the most important and contentious issues for a club and for individuals. It can be the source of much discussion and debate.
Because of this, Kings Hill Cricket Club has a Selection Policy so that the selection process is transparent and fully understood by all players and guardians.

SELECTION OBJECTIVES

The objectives of selection are to balance the following needs of the Club:

To select the strongest, competitive and balanced XI for each team
For the club to have regard to its future by promoting and developing youth where possible
To be fair and consistent in the treatment of players
To use friendly cricket to give all members as much game time as possible during the course of a season.

It must be recognised that sometimes these objectives are not compatible with each other and that balancing them may be different for each XI. The selection committee will not always be able to please everyone, and all players must understand that the club’s interests and then the interests of the team will always come before their own. No one is guaranteed a spot in any given side and given that the selectors have the full support of the club committee. All decisions made in accordance with this policy will be final.

Teams will be selected in order, commencing with the Saturday First XI, Saturday Second XI, Saturday Third XI and Saturday Fourth XI. Where possible, prospective players on the verge of promotion to the team above as well as players who, in the selection committee’s opinion, have the potential to compete at the next level should be considered.

The Sunday KVL XI / Friendly XI will comprise a balance of experience and youth, providing the opportunity for young players, including juniors, to play senior cricket in an encouraging and supportive environment.

The overall goal is to balance the teams to continue building upon the club’s growing profile and respective league promotion goals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following factors will be considered by the selection committee when selecting senior teams and individual players.

Ability - A player’s ability is the most important factor in determining which team they play in. No one benefits from a player playing in a team in which they are either too good or simply not able to contribute.
Form - This is a critical factor but not the only one. A player’s performance will be assessed over several matches, not just a single performance and the quality of opposition will also be considered.
Availability - Players with consistent and committed availability will be given preference where two players have similar claims for selection.
Training - Although training is not mandatory at our club, performances and hard work during training sessions will be considered.
Future Development Potential - Young players who have the potential to play adult matches may be given preference in selection. This does not mean however, that older players will automatically make way for younger players regardless of performance but rather in a situation where two players have similar claims for selection, preference should be given to the development of younger players.
Team Balance - A captain is entitled to have team balance, both in relation to the spread of batsmen and bowlers in the team as well as the type of batsmen and bowlers.
Attitude & Work Ethic - It is expected that all players will approach training sessions in the same way that they would approach a game. Players are expected to work hard during training and matches. They should support each other on all occasions..
Self-manage Availability - Players will need to provide availability via Pitchero by 5pm on Tuesday before a game. We ask that all players or guardians update availability at the earliest opportunity indicating ‘Attend’ or ‘Decline’ so the committee can establish availability for the set of fixtures.
Behaviour - All players must always adhere to the Kings Hill Cricket Club Code of Conduct when representing the club both on and off the field. Players bringing the club or the game of cricket into disrepute will jeopardise their chances of future selection. Players on the disciplinary list will not be considered for selection until outstanding matters are resolved.
Payment of Fees - Only players who have paid their fees by the due date or who have a payment plan approved by the club may be selected.
Supporting the Team/Club - Cricket is a team sport and it is expected that players will work together at both training sessions and on match day to help set up and pack away equipment, boundary markers, sight screens etc.

COMMUNICATION OF SELECTION DECISIONS

Selection will take place after training on Wednesday evenings, prior to the teams being announced and communication of this decision will be made via Pitchero.

Under no circumstances is a player’s selection to be communicated to anyone before they have been advised.

Players will receive communication informing them of selection via Pitchero. Players should respond at the earliest opportunity.

Fixture and selection information will also be visible on our Play-Cricket website.

COMPLAINTS & GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The selection committee exists to help and provide support and will always be available to listen should players have any complaints, suggestions or constructive criticism regarding the selection process. All issues of this nature should initially be addressed to the Chairman.

SELECTION COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

The selection committee will consist of the following:

Chairman of Selectors (Matt Blewett)
First, Second, Third, Fourth & Sunday Team Captains
Head Coach (Miles Richardson)

The role of the Chairman of Selectors will be to ensure that the selection policy is implemented and possibly mediate a deadlock.