Junior Club Selection Policy

Club Philosophy and Goals

The primary philosophy of GPS for its Junior players is to develop in each player and foster in them the enjoyment of playing rugby union in a safe environment.

GPS Rugby Club goals for the Junior Program are to:

  • Conduct the club in a manner fair to all participants,

  • Develop players by improving their skills,

  • Make individuals into team players,

  • Promote team work and friendship,

  • Encourage effort and reward good sportsmanship

Returning Player Policy

Returning players are players that have played in the previous rugby season at GPS. These will have priority over new players provided returning players register by the 23rd February 2020 (U10+) and 8th of March (U6-9).

Team Allocation Policy

The Junior Coordinator has the sole responsibility to create teams. The Junior Coordinator will create under 6 to under 11 teams based on the Returning Player Policy, sibling alignment, as well as same (and different) schools. From under 12 and above, players will be Graded into teams, please refer to our Grading Policy below.

Grading Policy

Any form of Grading for teams from under 6 to under 11 is not allowed under the Rules of the BJRU. Grading will occur in age groups from under 12.

There will be greater input from coaches and greater accountability in the selection of graded sides. Two age groups will definitely be graded in 2020 – U12 and U13 (the latter will depend on numbers).

The development of players in these age groups can vary greatly and size, weight, strength, skill and emotional maturity are all important considerations for the safety of GPS Juniors players.

Grading will assist all players as it is designed for players to play at levels most suited to their ability. The graded teams will be put into the most appropriate level after the BJRU grading process.

The purpose of grading is also to provide an opportunity to players who wish to play in higher divisions and develop higher skill levels in teenage Rugby.

In summary:

  • Grading will start from under 12. Usually there are three or four Under 11 teams (with 12 players on the field in under 11) merging into two-three teams in under 12 (with 15 players on field). This is will also help find a balance of these teams (and the many new players!)

  • Grading will take place during training in the first four weeks at the start of the season.

  • The Selectors will be parents and coaches of the age groups being graded as well as coaches from the senior club and senior players with coaching experience.

  • The Selectors will consider a player’s skill level, fitness, size, attitude, preferred position and alternative position as well as any special consideration (e.g. siblings same age etc) that may be relevant.

  • The Selectors will make up all teams within an age group based on players’ preferred positions and alternative positions, teams’ balance and numbers.

  • Coaches who have volunteered to coach will be offered roles (where their children end up – in most cases) after players have been graded and teams have been allocated.

  • The Selectors team selection will be final, as there is no appeal for grading selections.

  • Players will not be regraded throughout the season unless directed by the Junior Coordinator. 

  • If a player wants to voluntarily move down, the Junior Coordinator will assess the situation and be open to discussion.

  • Players that register after grading has happened or who do not participate in grading, will be assessed by the Age Co-ordinator or Selectors. The Junior Co-ordinator will allocate the player to a team.

  • Players will be regraded at the start of each season for ages U12 and up

  • The Club reserves the right to not grade a particular year if there is no clear benefit to teams.