Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading Policy
The Cronulla Caringbah Sharks JRLFC grading policy is designed to give all players, parents, coaches and managers a clear understanding of the club’s selection or grading process. Use of the Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading Policy will ensure that grading of teams is undertaken in a consistent manner and that the players, coaches & parents have an expectation of the outcome of grading. The Club will show commitment to promoting fairness, consistency and transparency in the selection process. It is, therefore, the objective of the club, where possible, for all players to play in a team for their age and in a grade best suited to their ability.
Who is graded?
At Cronulla Caringbah Sharks grading only applies from the ages of Under 9 – 18s subject to the need for grading. No grading takes place in Under 6’s to Under 8’s.
The Club recognises that individual players have different motivations for playing Rugby League ranging from highly competitive to social recreation. Through appropriate grading and player placement, the Club aims to cater for all players and believes that everyone can benefit from the grading process.
Whilst the Club encourages all players to take part in the grading/player placement process, it is not compulsory. Players will have the opportunity to play with friends in non-graded teams whenever this is possible in conjunction with the grading process. It is however encouraged that parents and coaches support the process of positioning their kids in line with the appropriate skill level where possible.
It is important to state that once grading has been completed, players will be dispersed evenly throughout the grades where possible. Any new player joining the club who wishes to play at a higher level must complete the grading process.
Grading players in U9 – 18 Boys
The grading of players will be performed by independent and flexible grading techniques and personnel. Grading will be managed by the Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading Committee, ppointed by the Club Committee in conjunction with the respective team coaches.
The following assessments can be considered when grading takes place:
Coach’s End of Season Assessment
The coach’s assessment is not only a skill assessment but also an assessment of attitude and work ethic. Coaches have the advantage of seeing how players develop throughout the season so they are able to assess the full season of play rather than a few end of season games or trials. Coaches will provide a graded list for each player in the team based on this assessment the Grading Committee will take the key players for each team who may need to be regraded.
Pre Season Training / Grading Sessions
The Grading Committee shall conduct the training sessions that will suitably assess the competency of the players. As a guide, training sessions will consist of:
Warm-up
Skill Based Drills
Small sided game/s (players rotated)
Assessment by Trial (If required)
After registration and before the season begins, trials for those players who wish to be graded will be organised by the Grading Committee. Trials enable selectors to see the range of technical skills and game skills across the entire age group and they allow newcomers to the club to be assessed. Trials can be an important means of selecting a team with a range of skills not just a group of individuals. The trial process is outlined below.
How Trials Are Conducted
Trial dates, times and selectors are organised by the Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading Committee for each age group. There will be at least two selectors for each age group and no selector will have a child playing at that age. Consultation with current coaches of each grade will also make up part of the selection criteria.
At the trial, each selector shall independently evaluate the players who are trialling and after each trial date, they should convene to discuss their observations. At the end of the trial period, the selectors should reconvene to determine a ranking of players for each team.
Selection of Teams
The basis of selection will consist of the coach’s assessments from the previous year, team balance with respect to player positions, the attitude of the player to grading and training and the willingness and ability of the player to receive instruction and team spirit.
The objective of the selection of teams is to group the top-ranked players in that age group together, and to therefore form the highest-ranked team.
Notification of Grade and Appointment of Coaches
As soon as possible after final selection, teams and their recommended grading shall be published. If coaches have already been assigned, they will receive player details. If a coach is to be a parent of a child playing in the same age group, coaches will not be determined for each team until the grading process has been completed.
Appeals
If any player or parent is not satisfied with the grading the player receives, they can make a submission in writing to the Cronulla Caringbah Sharks President requesting a review of the players grading, outlining why they think the grading is not correct. The President will consider this submission in consultation with the grading committee to make a final decision on whether or not to change the player’s grading.
Grading Under 10 – Opens League Tag
The Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading JRLFC acknowledge a number of factors in the League Tag competitions will affect a girl’s participation
Competitiveness V Enjoyment
League Tag can be predominantly a second sport for the Girls
Players are not restricted to their own age (play up a grade to play with their friends)
Best format to increase participation
The Cronulla Caringbah Sharks Grading committee will consult with the Girls League Tag Coordinator and in consultation with the Coaches determine the best practice in each age taking into consideration the above factors. If there is a need to Grade teams the same selection criteria will apply as the League however with the use of Tags.
Any questions please let me know. Thanks.
Todd Ganderton
President Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks JRLFC
0414 648 569