EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
Over the last few years Dorset & Wilts RFU had seen the introduction of District teams at u14s and u15s and the formation of the School of Rugby. This, in turn, has lead to more occasions where trials have taken place, in order to select players both to the District squads and for the School of Rugby. This has coincided with a marked improvement in the results achieved by the younger County sides, with significant numbers of players going on to the South West Division or even to represent England at various levels.
Selection at each of these trials was obviously working with a high degree of success, which had lead to ever-increasing competition for places. This highlighted the need to raise the awareness of our selection policy and, for our younger age-groups to point out that there is a world of difference between the Districts / County squads on the one hand and the School of Rugby on the other hand. A formal Selection Policy was therefore introduced for the u13 – 18s age-groups and has proved to be such a model of good practice that it is now being adopted for all County teams, from the youngest sides to the Senior XVs, including Girls’ and Women’s teams.
The selection policy of Dorset & Wilts. RFU Limited (“Dorset & Wilts.”) is now available on its web site. The policy has also been distributed widely to players, clubs, teachers, schools, coaches and administrators. It is the responsibility of all prospective team members and their coaches, parents and teachers to read and make sure they understand the policy and how it operates. If anyone has a specific query in relation to the intended meaning or operation of the policy, they should contact their team coach or manager, the Chair of Coaching, the Chair of Selectors or the Hon. General Secretary for the time being.
By way of assistance, the following provides a summary of the meaning and operation of the policy.
Selection Philosophy
Dorset & Wilts teams will be selected with the following overriding objectives:
(a) to achieve a good team performance in representative matches; and/or
(b) to identify and prepare players for the transition into elite programs, including
(but not restricted to) the School of Rugby and/or the RFU Academy system.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for County teams, a nomination form must be completed and signed by or on behalf of prospective team members. Each nomination form involves a declaration that prospective team members will be bound by the selection policy and by the appeal process, which is set out as part of the selection policy. Players should also be registered in accordance with RFU requirements; and, for players under 18 years of age, the appropriate form of consent will be required as well. Please refer to the current Instructions, to the nomination forms, to the Youth Registration form and to the Consent. Independent schools may carry out their own trials first in order to identify candidates for nomination to Dorset & Wilts.
Prospective team members must meet the criteria for eligibility published by the RFU from time to time, both as to age and otherwise, summarised as follows: -
A player is qualified to represent Dorset & Wilts RFU by residing, or being born, or attending a school or registered to play rugby for a club in Dorset or Wiltshire.
Squad size
Dorset & Wilts. can select a squad of up to the published number of players for a particular team to play a representative match, but may also name a number of First Reserves as well.
Selection at the discretion of the selectors
The final squads and team positions and any First Reserves will be awarded at the discretion of the selectors (clause 1 of the policy).
Players, coaches, teachers and parents should ensure they understand the way the process of discretionary selection works.
Clause 2 sets out specific matters that the selectors may consider in exercising their discretion. Those matters are, as always, not to be regarded as selection criteria as such. They are matters that the selectors may take into consideration, together with other factors or matters not listed that are in the opinion of the selectors relevant to the selection of the team.
Announcement of the team
Players who have not been selected for a team should, whenever possible, be told on the day of the selection event in question. However, in order to allow time for coaches and selectors to give feedback to players who have not been selected, the squad (which may include any discretionary additions to it) might not be announced for up to 72 hours thereafter.
Appeal process
The appeal process is set out in clauses 19 to 33 of the selection policy. All players, coaches, teachers and parents should familiarise themselves with the process, including the grounds of appeal. Again, if there are any queries in this regard, please contact the Chair of Coaching or the Chairman of Selectors or the Hon. General Secretary for the time-being.
School of Rugby
This is as an elite program, separately funded by the RFU. The School of Rugby program is designed to identify and support the development of some young players who are perceived to have talent and potential, between the ages of 13 and 16.
The program is the start of a single elite player development structure working solely on the core skills of young players, without subjecting them to the pressures of having to prepare for the next rugby match.
More details are published by the Rugby Football Union as the Schools of Rugby Handbook or Operations Manual from time to time.
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Details of “How Do I Join” are contained in the School of Rugby Handbook, which is to be found at http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/dw/SoRHandbook.aspx
Please note: the handbook is subject to annual amendment as each year’s program is finalized.
Dorset & Wilts. RFU Ltd - an Industrial & Provident Society, No: 30484R
Registered Office: Ashleigh, Salisbury Street, Devizes, Wilts. SN10 1QA
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