1. Purpose
This policy sets out the principles, criteria, and process for
selecting players to represent the Association in representative netball
squads/teams. The aim is to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency,
while building strong, committed squads that reflect the values and long-term
objectives of the Association.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all players nominating for representative
squads, teams, selectors, coaches, and Association officials involved in the
selection process.
3. Principles
- Fairness and
Transparency –
Selection decisions will be made in line with published criteria and
communicated clearly.
- Merit and Performance – Players will be
selected based on ability, performance, attitude, and commitment.
- Development and Depth – Consideration
will be given to player development, future potential, and maintaining
depth across age groups.
- Team Balance – Selection will
also reflect positional requirements, versatility, and team cohesion.
- Commitment to the
Association –
Priority will be given to players who demonstrate ongoing commitment to
the Association and its programs.
- Retention of Existing
Players –
Where players are of comparable ability, preference will be given to those
who are existing Association members, to ensure depth and stability in the
long term.
4. Eligibility
To be eligible to trial, players must:
- Be a registered member
of the Association in 2026.
- Meet age and competition
requirements as set by governing bodies.
- Be financial and in good
standing with the Association.
- Commit to training,
competition, and representative obligations.
- Not be subject to
disciplinary sanctions.
5. Selection Criteria
Players will be assessed on:
- Performance – Demonstrated
ability in match play, trials, and training.
- Skills and Fitness – Technical and
tactical skills, decision-making, and physical conditioning.
- Attitude and Teamwork – Commitment to
training, coachability, leadership, and ability to work within a team.
- Positional Balance – Ability to fill
required positions and contribute to team balance.
- Commitment – Willingness to
attend trainings, matches, tournaments, and other representative
obligations.
- Ongoing Involvement – Demonstrated
commitment to the Association in prior seasons.
6. MDNA Player Development Considerations
- New players who have not
played previously in MDNA’s Saturday competition are welcome to trial and
may be selected if they demonstrate clear merit. The Association
recognises the importance of developing and retaining MDNA’s long-term
players based on the level of Association-wide investment in performance.
- Where performance and
potential are similar, preference will be given to existing players who
have shown commitment over time.
- A minimum of 80% of
selected players in each representative age group must have competed in
the Association’s Saturday netball competition in 2025. A maximum of 20%
of selected players may be drawn from outside the Association to address
positional or skill gaps.
- This ensures the
Association builds depth, loyalty, and stability across representative
pathways.
- The Selection Panel
retains discretion to make selections outside of the specific provisions
of this policy where exceptional circumstances exist.
7. Selection Process
- Trials – Selection will
be based on performance at scheduled trials, unless exempt due to injury
or other approved circumstances.
- Selectors – A Selection
Panel appointed by the Association (comprising independent selectors,
coaches, and/or committee representatives) will oversee the process.
- Deliberation – Selectors will
consider trial performance, past performance, and other relevant
information.
- Notification – Squads will be
announced publicly after the selection process completes.
8. Player Commitments
Selected players must:
- Attend all training
sessions and matches unless excused by the coach/manager.
- Adhere to the
Association’s Code of Conduct.
- Represent the
Association in a positive and professional manner.
- A non-refundable
acceptance fee of $100 will be payable within 14 days of being named in
the squad.
9. Appeals
- Players who wish to
appeal a selection decision must do so in writing within 48 hours of team
announcements.
- Appeals will only be
considered on procedural grounds (i.e., process not followed), not on the
basis of disagreement with selectors’ judgment.
- An Appeals Committee
will review and make a final determination.
10. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains fair,
relevant, and consistent with the objectives of the Association and any
governing body requirements.