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Back in 2006, a decision was taken to introduce player grading from the U13 age group and above. The committee is aware that many players, parents and coaches hold strong views about the pros and cons of player grading. This is also true for members of the committee and there was considerable discussion before a vote was taken to introduce grading.

Player grading has been an unresolved issue for a few years, as the club has increasingly been under pressure to field two teams at the same age level.

The committee does not believe it is necessary to introduce grading for the U9 to U12 age groups. For these age groups BJFC will continue with the current practice of fielding 2 teams of similar skill levels.

As a club, we think it’s important to emphasise that the overwhelming reason for introducing grading is to enable players to be competitive within their own team (i.e. to group players of a reasonably similar skill level so that everyone gets a kick and therefore enjoys the game). It was felt that ensuring each player enjoys their football experience will improve retention, particularly from the U13 age group, which seems to be the point where players begin to leave the club or the sport.

Process for grading

Below is a brief overview of the process we propose to use for grading players. Please note that this approach allows a level of “self-selection” by players who want to play for our club, but may prefer not to take part in a competitive selection process.

All registered players in an age group train together for pre-season, e.g. the U13 squad of up to 48 players.
During pre-season training, players may elect to “try out” for the higher division team for that age group. There is no compulsion to “try out”.
Where players have elected to “try out”, selection into the higher division team will be based on ability and skill.
The coaches for that age group will work co-operatively with the BJFC Coaching Committee to select the teams.
Where necessary, the BJFC Coaching Committee will have the final say in selection decisions.

By publicising the process we want to ensure parents and players are fully aware on how the club approaches grading. We will keep you posted via the web site as we further develop our policy.

Jason Barlow
BJFC President

Complaints Process

From time to time we understand that disputes can arise in a game as passionate as football.

We seek to resolve all issues to the satisfaction of the members and Committee in a timely fashion. All members have a responsibility to participate in reasonable actions to resolve issues and therefore we ask that you assist in this by following the procedure outlined below.

Procedure

Any person wishing to raise an issue shall do so, in writing wherever practicable, to the first point of contact below:
Complaint/Issue First point of contact
Football or team related Coach, Team Manager or where this is not feasible, a Committee Member
General nature Committee Member
As soon as possible after an issue has been reported, the Coach, Team Manager and/or Committee Member and the claimant, must meet and try to resolve the matter. The Coach and/or Team Manager may at any time call on Committee Members for assistance.
For football or team related issues, where the initial parties cannot resolve the issue, the Coach and/or Team Manager should refer the matter to the Committee through a member of the Coaching Committee, President or Secretary as soon as possible.
If, after 14 days, the matter is still not resolved, a Committee member who is not a party to the dispute, or another suitable independent person will be appointed by the committee as a mediator. The mediator will work with the parties to resolve the issue within 10 days. Please note the consent of the Committee must be obtained before any external parties are involved in the resolution of Club issues and only the Club President is authorized to make public statements on behalf of the Club.
If the mediation process does not result in the dispute being resolved, the parties may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 or otherwise at law.
Where a dispute involves serious breaches of the club code of conduct the committee may take disciplinary measures against a member of the club.

Any football or team related issue reported to the Committee, where the Coach and/or Team Manager has not been given the initial opportunity to resolve any such issue, will be referred back to the Coach and/or Team Manager.

All persons must take reasonable actions to avoid situations that could cause serious injury or harm to the health of players, officials or the public. If any hazard is identified the Committee is to be informed as soon as possible.

In the interest of the safety of junior players the Committee of Management reserves the right to request a stop and/or abandonment of any game that players of the Berwick Junior Football Club Inc. may be participating in.

Principles in resolving disputes

In attempting to resolve any issue, all parties should take into account the following factors:

The extent of the issue, ie, if it is likely to have a wider effect in the Club.
The number of players or teams affected.
Whether appropriate temporary measures are possible or desirable.
The expected time before the issue can be addressed.
What resources may be needed to resolve the issue.

Jason Barlow
BJFC President

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