Selections Process

Rugby-Readiness

Players who are deemed not (yet) rugby-ready by coaches will not be selected for competitive matches, even if there is a spot to round out a roster of 23.  It is a matter of safety, for everyone on the field, that players are able to perform key aspects of the game, particularly those around contact.  Players who are deemed as not rugby-ready are encouraged to come to practice and work on their contact skills.  Our coaches are invested in getting everyone minutes and will not hold players back once they are safe/ready for match-level contact.  A brief list of these competencies is below:

• Complete a safe tackle (including wrapping, tackle height, etc.)

• Run into contact and receive a tackle

• Safely enter and contribute to a ruck

• For forwards/set pieces:

  • Lift and/or jump in a line-out without putting yourself or someone else at risk of injury

  • Maintain scrum body positioning through crouch, bind, set, and drive

Selections/Rostering

Only 23 players can be rostered on match days (an international rule), thus, there may be weekends when not every person who is a "yes" will find their name listed for selections.  Players who are not selected should not be discouraged; we have four league matches this fall with plenty of practices in-between.  Everyone, regardless of selection status, should attend if available to support their teammates and continue learning the game.  If your name is on the roster, you WILL see playing time; coaches will not disrespect a player by having them kit up and then never see minutes.

For transparency, below is a list of things that are taken into consideration for selections, in no particular order:

• Availability/SimplerSport compliance

• Practice attendance

• Skill level and rugby-readiness (see below for list of "rugby-ready" competencies)

• Competition for a position

• Starter vs. impact sub

• Team chemistry