Junior Age Level Policy
FOR JUNIOR PLAYERS WISHING, OR BEING REQUESTED TO PLAY IN A DIVISION HIGHER THAN THEIR DESIGNATED AGE LEVEL
It is the policy of Hockey Burleigh to insist on juniors playing in their designated age level irrespective of ability.
This policy is in place to promote leadership and mentoring of less talented players and improve the overall quality of that age group.
Hockey Burleigh do not want to impede the development progress of any players, and as such will, where available, find additional games for players wishing to play at a higher level. Higher levels may be one, two or many levels above their respective current age group but their inclusion MUST NOT be at the detriment of incumbent players in that team.
Should game times clash in the round then it is expected that the player will play in their designated age level, NOT the higher level.
In the case where a younger age group has a full team list and the older age group is short, and the levels are playing at the same time or at a time where it is not possible for a player to play both games, then an arrangement can be made between the coaches to play one or more players up to help out the team which is short numbered.
As with any policy there may be special extenuating circumstances where an individual for some reason simply cannot play in their designated age group.
In such instances a decision to grant the application may be decided by a vote of the Hockey Burleigh Junior Committee as a whole. This is to alleviate the burden of pressure placed on the Junior Coordinator or any single Hockey Burleigh official by the requesting parent or player.
Eligibility to compete at a higher level:
To be eligible to play in a higher level, the players MUST;
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nominate by notifying the Club/Junior Coordinator or Team Coach of their desire to play in a higher age level.
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obtain consent from their parent or guardian.
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play in their designated age group in that same round.
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attend training sessions as requested by the team coach.
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demonstrate the relevant SKILL level required by the coach to compete at this level.
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possess the required physical ability to compete against older stronger players.
If the above criteria is met, the coach or team manager may invite the player to train with the team on a week to week basis, Nomination is not an automatic indication of acceptance to train or selection. Coaches and team managers will inform players of their requirement.
NOTE: Selection to play in “ADDITIONAL" teams will be based on “MERIT”, “SKILL” and very importantly, “PHYSICAL ABILITY” to compete at that higher level. Selection is at the discretion of the team coach on a week by week basis. This may also mean that players even younger obtain selection ahead of older players also wishing to play up. i.e. An U13 player may get selected ahead of an U15 wishing to play in U17.
Coaches are volunteers committing their time to help our kids. Parents are requested to not place undue pressure on coaches by questioning selections.
In the unlikely event that a parent/player feels they are not being favorably looked upon when selections are made should communicate with the club secretary who will take necessary investigative action.
FOR JUNIOR PLAYERS WISHING OR BEING REQUESTED TO PLAY IN A DIVISION LOWER THAN THEIR DESIGNATED AGE GROUP
It is the policy of Hockey Burleigh to insist on juniors playing in their designated age levels irrespective of ability.
This policy is in place to promote leadership and mentoring of less talented players and improve the overall quality of that age group.
However it is certainly the case that for a number of reasons some players do not have the necessary skills or physical ability to play in their respective age group. These instances may be for example, a new inexperienced player to the sport, a physically disabled or handicapped player. In special cases, once written permission is sought from the Hockey Burleigh Junior Coordinator by the parents and in turn approved by the GCHA, permission may be granted. It is expected that once the player is competent enough to take place in their designated age level they will immediately do so and cease playing in the lower level.
DUAL REGISTRATION POLICY
On occasion it occurs that some clubs may not field teams in every age division. As such, from time to time Hockey Burleigh receives requests from players who are current members of other clubs wishing to play in Hockey Burleigh teams above their designated age group. Eg. The player wants to play both U13 and U15 but cannot at the same club because that club does not field an U15 team.
It may also occur that the request is from a player who’s parent club does not in fact have a team in their designated age group but the player is capable of playing in the higher group at that club. Eg. The player wants to play both U13 and U15 but cannot at the same club because that club does not field an U13 team.
It is Hockey Burleigh policy to consider such applications on their merits and in the event that such a request be granted, it will be on the conditions that:
1. Written request be submitted to the Hockey Burleigh Junior Coordinator
2. Their inclusion does not prohibit an incumbent sole registered Hockey Burleigh player from playing in that team, even if that Hockey Burleigh player is also playing up an age division.
3. They have the approval from their ‘parent’ club.
4. They have approval from the GCHA.
5. They become financial Hockey Burleigh members.
6. It is in the interests of the competition as a whole. (It is not in the interests of Hockey Burleigh to procure players at the detriment of other clubs.)
7. The decision to play be decided by a vote of the Hockey Burleigh junior committee. (This is to alleviate the burden of pressure placed on the Junior Coordinator or any single Hockey Burleigh official by the requesting parent or player.)
Note: Should an application be denied then it is not the responsibility of Hockey Burleigh to provide the applicant with a detailed explanation for reasons of confidentiality.