Selection and Deselection Policy for Men's Football

This document sets out the selection and deselection process for inclusion in the performance programme squad for football and futsal. This does not cover selection for an individual event, team or match as that is at the professional judgment of the Lead Coach, Coaching Staff or Director for that sport. 

*This document covers selection for the performance squad across the season in addition to the selection and deselection of matchday squads. 

Performance Athlete Code of Conduct statement: 

I understand for selection to the squad I will need to demonstrate that I have the appropriate and necessary skills and commitment, and that my performance, physical robustness and lifestyle are at the required level.  I understand that selection involves complex judgements about the attributes of individuals and their potential contribution to a team or squad. 

Selection Process to the Football/Futsal Squad: 

Selection is the responsibility of the Head Coach for the performance programme. 

This criteria will be used to inform the selection of athletes into the squad.  Selection decisions should be fair, transparent and equitable. 

Skills Required 

  • Coachability: posses a learning mindset, appreciates the process and attempts to apply learning in compeititon in a positive manner.  
  • Excellent basic skills and performance of these in pressured situations. 
  • Ability to read the game (tactical understanding) and make winning contribution to the team performance. 
  • Ability to think and work independently/ be self directed without needing coaches’ input to achieve high standards.  
  • Reviews and reflects own individual, unit and team performance and has an awareness of strengths and weaknesses.  
  • Ability to perform our key actions, consistently well, with sustained intensity.  
  • Understand and learn the tactical game plan for each match set out by the coaching team.  
  • Ability understand and fufill the tactical role in the team, taking on instructios to contribute to team game model, plan and identity. 
  • Understanding and full commitment within all of the game moments, in and out of possession and transitional phases of play.  
  • To know all set pieces and strategy plays e.g. corner, throw and free kick expectations. 

Commitment  

  • Demonstrates strong teamwork and positively contributes to the culture and ethos of the team. 
  • Is committed to all team, individual and group sessions. 
  • Be respectful, positive and build a reciprocal learning focused relationship with coaches to carry out instructions. 
  • Possess a learning mindset and have a strong desire to improve and drive the standards within the team. 
  • Be competitive, be the best version of you on and off the pitch to drive standards, culture and performance.  
  • Buy into the holistic approach to your development e.g. nutrition, strength and conditioning and performance analysis.  

Performance  

  • Consistently train and compete at the highest level and standards possible.   
  • Work as an indivudal, unit and team to achieve your shared goals. 
  • Understand the short, medium and longer term plan.  
  • Control the contollables.  
  • Prepare and manage yourself holistically to win. 

Physical/ Robutness  

  • Possess a mindset to work hard and push themselves to their physical limits.  
  • Understands and is willing to be educated on the importance of S&C. 
  • Achives or goes beyond set physical targets, testing benchmarks or screening.  
  • Undertakes and applies themselves to all physical programme training. 
  • Agrees to completing additional training if physical levels are below whats required.    
  • Completes and engages with all tasks set e.g. wellness reporting or educational workshops. 
  • To meet all conditioning work requirements set by HC & S&C (Three Gym sessions per week in person or recorded on Bridge App, following and completing set programmes, completing fitness testing as prescribed by HC & SC).  

Lifestyle 

  • Leads a lifestyle that contributes towards performing at the highest level. 
  • Adhears to a diet that supports and enables high performance.  
  • Prioritises rest and recovery in order to be in the best physical and mental condition for each training session and competition.  
  • Strives to balance between sport and other aspects of their life e.g. study, work, relationships, family. 
  • Does not engage in any activity which would be detrimental to health and/or performance.
  • Be the best ambassador of the “Loughborough Way” player and upholding our core values. 

Attitudes and Behaviours 

  • Violence will not be tolerated.  
  • On time means 5 minutes early.  
  • Respect and value the opportunity at Loughborough and our philosophy.  
  • Be respectful and considered with your communication with teammates and staff. 
  • If you disagree with a coaching decision please find the right time and manner to bring this up. These meetings will often happen away from a high pressured scenario and away from others.  
  • Always be positive about the team, university, programme and brand, especially in public, in the media or on social media.  
  • Do not share without permission any club documents, strategies or policys.  
  • Make time for the fans, show respect and humility.  
  • Always treat the referee with respect, no matter what.  
  • Be professional on social media – you are representing yourself, the programme and the university.  

Review process (e.g. termly, monthly, annually) 

  • IDP Meetings through the season 
  • Any non-selection queries should be directed to the coach on a non matchday or matchday -1 unless the coach has contactd the player. The Head Coach will make themselves available pre-training on Monday or Thurs 

 

If an athlete is not happy with the selection decisions these steps may be taken:

A. Non-selection

  1. If an athlete is not selected, they may seek honest and constructive feedback from the Director of and/or Head Coach in the first instance.
  2. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their non-selection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (N.J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  3. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in the performance programme.

B. Deselection from the squad

  1. The Director of and/or Head Coach will inform the athlete of the reasons for deselection, based on the criteria set out for the relevant sport.
  2. The athlete can expect honest and constructive feedback, including what would be required for them to be considered for selection again.
  3. If the athlete believes the sport has not followed due process, they may refer their deselection to a member of the Performance Leadership Team: Neil Greig (N.J.Greig@lboro.ac.uk) or Mark Jarram (M.Jarram@lboro.ac.uk).
  4. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The matter will then be reviewed by members of the Performance Leadership Team who are not directly involved in that performance programme.

C. Appeal

  1. If an athlete believes the selection or deselection process has not been followed correctly, they may appeal to the Performance Director.
  2. Information will be gathered from the Director of and/or Head Coach and the athlete. The appeal will be reviewed by the Performance Director and the Director of Sport.