National Team Selection Protocol 2019

The formation of the National Team is one of the first key steps that the Bhutan Volleyball Federation (BVBF) is taking towards the development and promotion of volleyball as an elite sport.

It is critical that the selection of the National Players are carried out in a transparent and fair manner, ensuring that only capable, talented athletes with potential for further development are selected. There is pride in being the National Team of Bhutan, and therefore, the selected players must be worthy of representing the country. Therefore, the National Players selection protocol is developed and designed to ensure that the National Players are selected on their talents and skills in a fair and transparent procedure.

As is the practice worldwide, the National Coach is responsible for and provided with the authority of selecting the National Players. The National Coach shall following the selection protocol and criteria in his or her selection procedure and the final decision will be taken by the National Coach. The management of the Bhutan Volleyball Federation will be involved in the selection process only to ensure that the selection protocol is followed, and when there are valid issues raised by the Athletes Commission of Bhutan (ACB).

The National Coach will be directly accountable for the performance of the National Team which shall impact his or her performance.

Protocol and Criteria

The primary selection of the National Players will be done after the end of every league competition. Players will also be removed and replaced throughout the year.

For a player to be considered for selection, the following criteria will be followed:

1.  Player Status

In order for a player to be considered for selection, he must be registered with a club, and actively participate in the league competitions organized by the BVBF.

2.  Performance in Leagues

Player performance during the league competitions will be assessed by the National Coach, considering only the best performance for selection.

3.  Sportsmanship

a.       Behavior

Players must display behavior reflecting good sportsmanship that positively contributes to the team’s morale and image of the BVBF. Players with behavior deemed to negatively impact the team’s morale and tarnishes the image of the National Team (and the BVBF) will be assessed against the player.

b.      Discipline

Player’s discipline record, for example, attendance during club team training, will be assessed by collaborating with the club coaches. Other discipline habits such as the consumption of addictive chemicals (alcohol, cigarettes), police cases and social habits will also be taken into consideration.

4.      Fitness

Players must remain fit to be considered for selection into the National Team, especially during the league competitions. Only fit players who actively participate during the league competition will be eligible for selection.

5.      Position and Role of the Players

As the game of volleyball requires players who play in different roles and positions, the roles and positions the players play in will impact their chance of selection in the National Team. Only the required number of players will be selected in each position and role.

6.      Citizenship

Only Bhutanese citizens with a valid CID will be eligible for selection.

Expulsion from the National Team, and Replacement of Players

The National Coach has the authority to evict players from the National Team, of the following clauses apply.

1.      Failure to Maintain Training Attendance

The National Players are required to maintain a minimum training attendance of 90 percent. If a player fails to maintain the minimum training attendance, the coach has the right to remove the players from the National Team. However, genuine justifications may be considered by the coach. The coach has the full authority to determine the status.

2.      Violation of article 1.3 of this protocol

Players who fail or violate the clause 3 (Sportsmanship) of the selection protocol and criteria of this guideline will be subject to removal from the National Team. The National Coach has the full authority to determine this status.

3.      Removal and Replacement

A National Player can be removed and replaced by another player, if deemed necessary. The reasons can be any of the following:

i.                    A different player, not in the team, is performing better than the particular player in question.

ii.                  If the player is injured and cannot recover in time for training.

iii.                If the player is unable to attend trainings or competitions due to conflict in schedules.

iv.                If the player cannot maintain fitness.

v.                  If the player is not registered with any of the clubs.

vi.                If the player goes against the coach.

vii.              If the player requests for exclusion from the National Team.