Club policy regarding junior players in senior competition

Waverley Hockey Club have a selection policy in place to further protect the interests of both the young players themselves, as well as the hockey club itself. A summary of the main aspects of the policy is included below, whilst the finer details can be discussed with the Junior-Senior Liaison Officer upon request.

• It is advised players are at least 14 years of age as of January 1st to register for senior competition that year.
• Upon registration for senior competition, junior players will be given the opportunity to play for a senior team in at least 75% of the remaining rounds of that competition.
• Junior players will not be discriminated against in senior competition with regards to team selections and field-time irrespective of age, fees, or the playing of an additional (junior grade) match in the same round.
• It is preferable that junior players will play the majority of their senior games in a team which features at least one “peer” player, of similar age and experience level. Whilst we aim to make the senior playing experience competitive, fun and social, there is no guarantee that a player will be selected to be with friends or other players of the same age.  If a player wishes to play with a friend, it may require them to drop down a grade so they can play together.
• All players that are of junior age (U16 or below) must be available to play for Waverley in a junior competition (including training) as a priority over playing in a senior competition.
• Senior coaches may invite juniors to train with a team that is a higher grade than they are selected to play in. This is an opportunity for that player to be exposed to a quicker pace and higher skill level.
• Juniors will be selected under the same criteria of the senior unit
• Juniors can be exempt from training with the senior group twice a week given they are making up the session through juniors or school hockey. This should be communicated with the coach. Attending junior training should be the priority over training with the seniors.

As Juniors playing in a seniors completion, you will be expected to be playing at least 2 games per week, and therefore must put plans in place after consultation with your coaches to ensure that you manage yourselves (regarding injury prevention, fatigue, and nutrition) accordingly.

 

For more Information, or for questions or concerns, please contact our Hockey Director at on-field@waverleyhc.org.au