Wonga Park Cricket Club – Senior Selection Policy 22/23

Selection Panel

A Chairman of Selectors (COS) is elected / appointed each year by the cricket committee, in conjunction with the Wonga Park Cricket Club (WPCC) board. Further, the COS, in conjunction with the relevant grade Captain and the Senior Coaches, select each grade team for each round. For each team being selected, the Captains of the grades above and below (where applicable) provide input.

Rationale

It is the aim of the selection panel to select a side in each grade that has the best possible chance of winning that match. Therefore, selection in all grades must be earned and maintained by each player. Selection is to be fair and consistent in this manner.

Over the longer term, the development of first-grade standard cricketers will allow the club to win a greater percentage of their games. All players are considered to be available for selection in any grade.

Selection of sides will be picked in order from 1^st XI down. This will ensure that all sides have the strongest team available to play.

Notification of Selections

Players that are demoted or promoted will be advised by a member of the selection panel or a Captain prior to publication of the teams for the next round if the player is present at club when teams are announced.

Teams will be announced as soon as possible before the start of a new round (Thursday pm for Saturday games) and then published through the club’s communication channels. In the event a player is unhappy or wishes to discuss their grading they should engage the relevant team's Captain or Chairman of Selectors. If the player still feels as if they have been unfairly treated, they are to discuss any grievances with the Senior Coaches.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel will consider the following criteria when choosing the sides:

Team balance and requirements to win

All selections will be made with a view to securing a win. WPCC seeks to select the best 11 players in each grade to secure victory.
The team balance will vary depending on the opposition and format of specific games (two-day, 50 over etc.)
The selection panel will endeavour to match individual players’ level of talent and cricket experience with the grade in which they are selected.

Performance

A player’s performance in previous rounds will be the main determinant of their grading. Runs scored, wickets taken, and consistency and the quality of their fielding will be the primary criteria.
Other factors include: the ability to score runs under pressure and in different game circumstances, can apply pressure consistently with the ball, awareness and ability to execute roles, and contributes positively to team spirit and motivation in the field.
Consistent high performance will be the basic criteria considered for a promotion to a higher grade.

Attitude

A player is actively encouraged to share in and celebrate the success of others, compete to the final delivery and demonstrate at all times a commitment to their own performance and that of the team.
Players are to always act in a positive fashion, demonstrating the WPCC WAY.
Consistently attending training, being punctual on match days, appearance and presentation at these games and contribution to club events is expected from all club members.
A player is expected to behave in a manner that always reflects well on himself and the club. This applies both on and off the field.

Commitment

A player is expected to come to training and actively work hard, demonstrating discipline at training.

They should seek to develop physical and mental skills, address weaknesses and develop strengths. They should also seek the assistance of the coach and senior players to further their abilities.
Players are expected to hold a level of fitness that enables them to bat, bowl and field to a high standard for the full duration of match playing hours.
The ability to not be able to excel in the field may be of disadvantage in higher grade selection deliberations.

Availability

Players must inform the selection panel if they are unavailable for a match. Players are encouraged to provide a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice.
It is not in the best interests of the club for players to make themselves unavailable for anything other than a key work, family, or study commitment.
The reason for the absence may be a relevant consideration for the selection panel, as may the duration of the absence. (i.e. an absence due to work, school, study, or family commitments will be treated more favourably than an absence due to a holiday).

No guarantee is given that the absent player will resume in the same grade.