Pennant Selection Guideline

Pennant Selection Guideline Document No. CRC-MG-GD-002 Rev. 0

Approval and Revision Status

Draft issues of this document shall be identified as Revision A, B, C etc.

Upon initial issue (following Executive approval) this shall be changed to a sequential number

commencing at Revision 0. Revision numbers shall commence at Rev. 1, 2 etc.

Rev

No.

Description of

Revision

Date Authored and Reviewed by

E Issued for internal

review

03/02/2020 Authored by Brian Blagaich

F Reissued for

internal review

12/02/2021 Name: Brian Blagaich

0 Initial Issue 26/02/2021 Reviewed by

Name:

Name:

Approved by Position: PRESIDENT

Name: Brian Blagaich

Signature

Position:

Name

Signature

Current Approved: 26/02/2021 Uncontrolled if Printed

CRC – MG-GD - 002 Revision: 0 Page 1 of 12

Table of Contents

1 PURPOSE OF THE DOCUMENT ................................................................................................ 2

2 PENNANT GOALS ..................................................................................................................... 2

3 SELECTION COMMITTEES – MENS AND LADIES ...................................................................... 2

3.1 Committee’s composition: ................................................................................................. 2

4 ELECTION OF BOWLS CAPTAINS ............................................................................................. 2

5 CHAIRPERSON OF SELECTORS ................................................................................................. 3

5.1 Chairperson of Selectors essential criteria: ....................................................................... 3

6 SELECTION COMMITTEES – MENS AND LADIES ...................................................................... 4

6.1 Selection Committee essential requirements: .................................................................. 4

6.2 Member aggrieved ............................................................................................................. 4

6.3 Selection Standard ............................................................................................................. 4

7 SELECTION PHILOSOPHY (GOALS) ........................................................................................... 5

7.1 Selector’s essential requisites: ........................................................................................... 5

7.2 Continuity of Selection process: ........................................................................................ 5

8 SELECTION CRITERIA AND STANDARDS .................................................................................. 6

8.1 Selection Eligibility ............................................................................................................. 6

8.2 Selection Criteria ................................................................................................................ 6

8.3 Selection Criteria to be considered during selection: ........................................................ 6

9 COMMUNICATION .................................................................................................................. 7

9.1 Player to Selectors: ............................................................................................................ 7

9.2 Selectors to Player: ............................................................................................................ 8

10 THE APPEAL PROCESS ......................................................................................................... 9

10.1 Player Dissatisfaction: ........................................................................................................ 9

10.2 Player Appeals:................................................................................................................... 9

10.3 Independent Committee: .................................................................................................. 9

11 GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT AND ENDORSEMENT............................................................... 9

12 PLAYER CONCERN FORM .................................................................................................. 10

13 PLAYER COMMENT FORM ................................................................................................ 11



1 PURPOSE OF THE DOCUMENT The purpose of the Pennant Selection Guidelines document is to define a structured

and equitable process upon which the Cockburn Bowling and Recreational Club Inc (“the

Club”) Selectors may use to determine the selection of the Pennant teams.

It will also assist the club members/players (“the members”) to see and understand that

the selection process is based upon a subjective assessment and a number of written criteria

which the Selector’s may consider during selection.

2 PENNANT GOALS The selectors in consultation with the players should set goals for each pennant team

during the season.

The major goal of the Club is to achieve excellence in lawn bowls and strive to be the

most successful club in Western Australia. This will be proven by highly competitive

performance of teams representing the club in all Divisions.

The minimum goal of the Club is to maintain the current standing of pennant teams in

their respective grades.

3 SELECTION COMMITTEES – MENS AND LADIES The Selection committee/s (“the Committee”) for the Mens and Ladies Divisions are

sub-committees of the Club.

The Selection committees shall comply with the current Constitution and By- Laws of

the Club.

3.1 Committee’s composition:

Mens Minimum of three (3) eligible representatives

Ladies Minimum of three (3) eligible representatives

4 ELECTION OF BOWLS CAPTAINS The Mens and Ladies Bowls Captains are elected annually at the Bowls Annual General

Meeting, based on nominations. No person shall be entitled to hold a position on the

Committees if the person has been convicted of or imprisoned in the previous five years

– Ref Clause 16 of the Constitution.



5 CHAIRPERSON OF SELECTORS

5.1 Chairperson of Selectors essential criteria:

a) Shall be elected by the Selection committees chaired by the respective Bowls

President

b) In situations of late withdrawal of players after official team have been announced

the Chairperson shall be responsible (through consultation with the appropriate

selector whenever possible) for re-arranging sides at their discretion in the best

interest of the teams.

c) Shall be responsible for overseeing the selection process to ensure it is fair,

equitable, and free from bias, and discrimination and in accordance with the club’s

Pennant Selection Guidelines.

d) Be entitled to attend Selection Committee meetings when considered appropriate.

e) Shall provide an unbiased “two-way, open communication” representation

between the players and selectors to resolve player selection concerns.

f) Does actively participate in team selection.

g) Shall act as mediator prior to any appeal process being requested in any unresolved

disputes between player and selectors.

h) Shall liaises with Bowls WA on pennant issues.

i) Shall provide Selectors with an up to date list of eligible pennant players.

j) Is the first contact for players with selection concerns or issues

Page 4 of 12

6 SELECTION COMMITTEES – MENS AND LADIES

6.1 Selection Committee essential requirements:

a) Shall nominate and approve the Divisions in which the club will be participating in for the

current playing year.

b) Shall select the team members for the Club Pennant Competition.

c) All members of the committees shall have equal voting rights within their respective

committee.

d) Shall provide the Chairperson of Selectors the right to present on behalf of players any issue

of concern with regards to selection.

e) Shall attempt to settle any concerns/disputes in connection with pennant selection, prior to

going through the appeal process.

f) Shall meet with the Club coach at least once per month to discuss progress of player

development and potential.

g) Shall communicate through the Bowls Captain to the Management Committee.

h) Shall have the option to co-opt additional eligible club members to assist in selection,

providing all elected panel members and the club Management Committee are in agreement.

i) Shall, where necessary, provide a clear and concise explanation of their subjective selection

process to a player who has expressed a concern with his/her selection.

j) Shall, where necessary, provide a recommended process by which the player can

improve/rectify any concerns the selection committee may have with a player.

k) Shall meet weekly during the Pennant season at a convenient time to allow for

posting of the selected team members on the notice board and Club website, by no later than

Tuesday evening of the pennant week.

l) Shall arrange transmission of Pennant results to Bowls WA in a timely manner.

6.2 Member aggrieved

If any member is aggrieved with the actions or decision of the Selection Committee and that

decision or action cannot be satisfactorily resolved, the member has the right of appeal to an

independent committee, (the appeal process is detailed in this Guideline document).

6.3 Selection Standard

To improve the selection standard within the club and provide credibility to its decisions, it is

highly recommended that members of the Selection Committee attend and attain a training course

certification prior to the commencement of the pennant season.

The recommended course, at this time, is provided by Bowls WA titled “Selection Module”.

Page 5 of 12

7 SELECTION PHILOSOPHY (GOALS) The Club has established a very good reputation within the West Australian bowling community

for its sportsmanship, competitiveness, success, and first-class facilities. We shall continue to build

upon this reputation and ongoing success in the coming years.

The club aims to select the best possible teams to represent the Club in the various Pennant

Competitions and Divisions to achieve its stated goals.

The Club shall continue to actively foster the game of Lawn Bowls and promote good fellowship

among club members and guests.

7.1 Selector’s essential requisites:

a) Possess good people management skills

b) Have very good communication skills

c) At all times exhibit good ethical standards

d) Have a sound knowledge of the game and rules

e) Specific knowledge or a sound appreciation of player skills and abilities

f) Familiarity with the functions and needs of players in representative teams

g) An ability to recognise when a conflict of interest may arise in the selection process

and appropriately address the situation.

h) Select the best possible pennant teams to represent the Club in the nominated Pennant

Divisions, with the aim of winning the Division and subsequent promotion, whilst also

considering where the Club needs to be (divisional position) in future years.

i) Give consideration to selecting team members that best represent the Club in terms of

sportsmanship and people management.

j) Endeavour to keep teams and divisions that are successful and compatible as stable as possible.

However, players need to be aware that changes to their role within a rink or a division may

be required due to players being unavailable or for issues with form or performance.

k) Treat every player with respect and of equal importance regardless of playing position.

l) Consider the success of ALL divisions of equal importance.

m) Provide the opportunity for players that demonstrate potential to move up through the

divisions.

7.2 Continuity of Selection process:

To assist in providing continuity in the selection process it is recommended that at least one current

selector remains on the selection committee in the following year.

Page 6 of 12

8 SELECTION CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

8.1 Selection Eligibility

Full financial members without disciplinary restrictions who make themselves available may be

selected to represent the Club in Pennant Competitions.

8.2 Selection Criteria

The Club shall adopt a selection criterion based primarily on a Subjective process (Judgmental,

based on opinion) but shall also include any measured Objective process (Measurable, based on

facts) where considered necessary.

It is recognised that selection in bowls is very subjective, nevertheless the selectors have the

discretion to interpret the selection criteria and apply them in their best judgement without bias or

favour.

8.3 Selection Criteria to be considered during selection:

a) Commitment and Attitude - towards the goals of the Club pennant success, and positive

attitude towards fellow players and guests.

b) Performance – ability, competitiveness and current form as demonstrated in off-season inter-

club and intra-club events.

c) Feedback – based on information gathered from score card analysis, divisional results, and

team manager/member reports.

d) Physical fitness – suitability for a particular role.

e) Team balance and Compatibility - player interaction will other team members will be

considered. However, it needs to be recognised that rinks and divisions need to be balanced

to provide the best possible chances of success for the Club. Therefore, it may not always be

possible to accommodate player requests or desires to stay within specific rinks or divisions.

f) Individual aspirations - will be recognised as far as possible and will be considered should

the opportunity for divisional promotion or to a desired team role arises.

g) Training – To improve and develop a player’s skills, a willingness to train is an important

aspect and will be favorably looked upon by selectors in the selection process.

i. Unavailability- of a player in a particular week or period of weeks from their rink or

division does NOT automatically mean they will be reselected in the same rink or division.

If warranted, the replacement player may retain their spot. In addition, players who limit

themselves to whom they will or will not play with, or position they will or will not play

in, risk adversely affecting their selection outcome.

NOTE: Players that are not available for selection in any given week, must complete the

availability sheets provided as soon as possible.

ii. Post selection – policy dictates that should a player become unavailable after selection;

the selection committee is responsible for finding a replacement player for that rink.

Changes to the team in this circumstance requires a minimum of two Selectors to agree

the change. iii. Replacement players – will be selected from any of the club’s available players regardless

of division/rink. The selection will be based upon the above-mentioned criteria.

iv. Misconduct – Misconduct or unacceptable people management behavior on or off

the bowling green that brings the reputation of the Club into question will not be tolerated

by the Selectors. Such misconduct may result in the player being suspended or

repositioned.

Page 7 of 12

9 COMMUNICATION

9.1 Player to Selectors:

Players shall be provided with the opportunity to meet with the Selection committee and/or the

Chairperson of Selectors to discuss any issues that may arise, the process shall be as follows:

a) The only grounds of appeal against a selection decision will be where an aggrieved player

can provide evidence that the decision of the selectors is not in accordance with the stated

selection criteria, is based on information which is factually incorrect, or was influenced

by bias and the decision is grossly unfair or unreasonable.

b) Completion of a written request detailing what the issue is, why it is an issue, and

optionally, how to resolve the issue. (see section 12)

c) Present the written request to the Chairperson of Selectors prior to privately meeting with

the Selectors. The Chairperson shall attempt to resolve the matter prior to escalating the

issue with the Selectors.

d) Should the matter not be resolved the player may when invited attend the weekly

Selectors meeting to discuss the issue in private, and hopefully arrive at a resolution .

e) NOTE: Raising or engaging in disputes with individual SELECTORS IMMEDIATELY

BEFORE OR AFTER A MATCH, OR AT THE BAR OR PENNANT BOARD IS NOT

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR, Players who do this run the risk of incurring disciplinary

action.

f) If the matter remains unresolved the player may then, within 24/48 hours, commence an

appeals process where the matter will be addressed by an independent committee, whose

decision will be final and absolute.

g) Under no circumstances should the player contact any of the Selectors directly to

discuss contentious issues outside of the private meeting room.

h) Players must recognise that the selection process is a subjective process and the Selectors

have the right to interpret the criteria as they so wish.

i) If a player is going direct to an away pennant game, they shall ensure their name has

been placed on the appropriate notification board.

Page 8 of 12

9.2 Selectors to Player:

The Selectors shall communicate with players in the following manner:

a) Seeking verbal and/or written feedback from divisional managers/players with regards to

specific player/rink performance and people behaviour.

b) Seek regular feedback from the club Coach with regards to player development and potential.

c) Notification of selection will be placed on the Club TV monitors/website or Club notice board

immediately after the weekly selection meeting. This shall be completed by no later than

Tuesday evening of the pennant week.

d) Players are expected to fulfil their nominated playing position for the coming week. If they

are discontent with their selected position, they should seek an explanation from the Selector’s

via the Chairperson of Selectors as detailed above (section 9.1 Player to Selectors).

e) It is the player’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the division/rink they have been

selected in prior to pennant day.

f) Selectors will not notify individual players of changes unless there has been a major

reorganisation of the rink or division. Or unless there has been an unexpected withdrawal of a

player and a need for replacement found.

g) Note: Raising or engaging in disputes with individual PLAYERS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR

AFTER A MATCH OR AT THE BAR OR PENNANT BOARD IS NOT APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR,

Selectors who do this run the risk of incurring disciplinary action

h) Where a player has raised an issue with the Selectors the Selectors shall advise the Player of

the resolution, with a clear and concise explanation of the reason for the decision.

i) If the player is not informed of the decision, the Selectors shall advise the Chairperson of the

Selectors of the resolution, with a clear and concise explanation of the reason for the decision.

The Chairperson will then advise the player of the Selectors decision, and reason for the

decision.

Page 9 of 12

10 THE APPEAL PROCESS

10.1 Player Dissatisfaction:

Players that are not satisfied with the decision of the Selectors or feel that the selection process

has been compromised has the option to appeal the decision within 48 hours of the selector’s

decision. The appeal process shall follow:

a) Mediation process

b) Failing this, the appeal may then be taken to an independent committee.

10.2 Player Appeals:

The appeal shall be in writing and addressed to the Chairperson of Selectors, who will then

arrange for a mediation meeting with the Selectors.

10.3 Independent Committee:

Should the matter remain unresolved the player may request the Chairperson of Selection to

take the issue to an independent committee whose decision will be final and absolute.

11 GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT AND ENDORSEMENT

This Guideline has been developed in consultation with the Mens and Ladies Selection

Committees of the Club and endorsed by the Management Committee of the Club.

It is recommended this Guideline be reviewed every year by the Mens and Ladies Bowls

Captains in consultation with the respective Selection Committees.

References:

Rossmoyne Bowling Club Pennant Selection Guideline 2015

Doubleview Bowling Club Selection Policy and Guidelines

Pennant Selection Guidelines by F Osborne

Bowls Australia Selection Training Module

Wanneroo Bowling Club draft of Club Selection Policy Guidelines

Page 10 of 12

12 PLAYER CONCERN FORM

COCKBURN BOWLING CLUB

Player Concern Form TO: Selection Committee

FROM: …………………………………………………

CURRENT PLAYING POSITION: …………………………………………………

DATE: …………………………………………………

Explain what is of concern ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain why you have a concern, and provide an example ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain how you suggest the issue be resolved ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name ………………………..

Signed…………………………

Date:……………………………

Page 11 of 12

13 PLAYER COMMENT FORM

COCKBURN BOWLING CLUB

Player Comment Form TO: Selection Committee

CURRENT PLAYING POSITION: …………………………………………

DATE: ………………………………………… Explain what you wish to comment on ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain why you want to make a comment, and provide an example

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………...………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain how you suggest the comment be addressed ………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name ………………………..

Signed…………………………

Date:……………………………

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Pennant Selection Guideline

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