Team selections are to be made in consultation with a minimum of three (3) individuals whenever possible, including:

• Regional Coaching Director,
• Team Coach,
• GCHA Director (minimum of one),
• and/or independent selectors appointed by the Regional Coaching Director.

Team Selection Process:

1. Eligibility: To be considered for selection, applicants must complete an online nomination form and pay the non-refundable nomination fee on the GCHA website before the first trial date.
2. Registration: Players must be registered primarily with GCHA or have GCHA listed as their Association of Origin through the Hockey Queensland registration portal.
3. Age Group Participation: While players are encouraged to compete in their designated age groups (e.g., U14) for fair competition, we recognize that some clubs may not have a team in certain divisions. Players from such clubs remain eligible for selection regardless of their usual age division.
4. Attendance: Each player must attend at least two (2) out of the three (3) selection trial days. Excused absences, such as illness or prior commitments, will be considered if communicated to the Regional Coaching Director before the trial.
5. Selection Trials: Trials will be held over three (3) sessions, involving warm-up drills, game skills assessment, and trial games. Sessions will last 1.5 hours and may be held on turf or grass fields, with U12 trials on grass if turf is unavailable.
6. Team Announcement: Teams will be announced via email and posted on GCHA’s social media platforms the week following the third trial date. Selected players must confirm their selection by paying a non-refundable $200.00 deposit upon receipt of an invoice.
7. Shadow Players: Shadow players are encouraged to attend team training sessions and may be called upon at any time to join the team, providing valuable backup and support when needed.
8. Tournament Fees: The remaining tournament fees are due two weeks before departure. Payment plans can be arranged through the GCHA administrator.
9. Withdrawals: Selected players who withdraw from the team after paying the full tournament fees will receive a refund minus the $200.00 deposit, provided they provide sufficient reasoning in writing to the Regional Coaching Director.
10. Team Composition: Teams will typically comprise 15 players, which may include 2 goalkeepers, though selectors retain the discretion to adjust the team composition as necessary.

The Regional Coaching Director, selectors and coaches will assess players based on their fundamental skills, team skills, positional understanding, attitude, and potential. The evaluation process during trials will include direct observations, skill assessments, game performance, and interactions with teammates. Final selections will be made considering all factors to form balanced and competitive teams.

Selection Criteria:

The following serves as a general guideline for selectors and coaches to consider when assessing players for selection.

Subsequently, in no particular order:

Fundamental Skills: Players who consistently exhibit highly developed fundamental skills.

Team Skills: Players who selflessly support the team, foster a positive environment, communicate effectively on the field, and interact positively with teammates.

Understanding of Positional Play: Players who grasp the offensive and defensive demands of their positions and are adaptable to various positional requirements.

Attitude: Players who demonstrate determination, receptiveness to instructions and objectives, and display respect and support towards their fellow players and coaching staff.

Potential: Players who exhibit promise for future development.

Selectors and coaches take into account, but are not restricted to, the following factors when making their decisions:

• Their direct observations of players during all activities at the selection trials.
• Player performances in local competition games.
• Conversations with club team coaches regarding attitude, team skills, and developmental potential.
• Regular attendance at training sessions.
• Feedback from teammates regarding teamwork, communication, and supportiveness.
• Demonstrated improvement and dedication over time.
• Ability to adapt to different game situations and strategies.
• Overall contribution to the team dynamic and culture.

Coaches may request additional sessions if field time is available and subject to budgetary constraints. Some training sessions for representative teams may be held on grass fields (if accessible), as certain tournaments feature games played on grass.

Coaches and team managers will receive information regarding the ‘Code of Conduct’ and their responsibilities towards junior players.