2010 PRE-SEASON TRAINING / GRADING

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

Pre-season training is not compulsory; however, players who are wishing to be considered for the 'top' teams in each age-group (U11-16) are highly encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible to increase their fitness level. 

It is highly desirable all players wishing to be considered for BJL selection (new & existing players) attend pre-season training.

All pre-season training for U11-16 players will take place at our training facility at Tudor Park, Clarks Road, Loganholme as follows:

Age-Group	Days	Dates	Time
U11's / U12's	Tuesday & Thursday	19 January 21 January 26 January 28 January 2 February 4 February	5:00pm - 6:30pm
U13's / U14's	Monday & Wednesday	18 January 20 January 25 January 27 January  1 February  3 February	5:00pm - 6:30pm
U15's / U16's	Tuesday & Thursday	19 January 21 January 26 January 28 January 2 February 4 February	7:00pm - 8:30pm

Please note - Pre-season training will still take place on the Australia Day Public Holiday (26 Jan)

GRADING:

THE GRADING PROCESS EXPLAINED:

Introduction:

The biggest cause of anxiety for parents and players is the process of grading players according to assessed abilities.  For this reasons it is important that all members understand the club’s grading process and policy.  Although parents’ opinions are welcome and appreciated they may not always influence the outcome.

What is grading:

Teams playing in the divisional competition are nominated to participate in the various divisions based upon player ability.  Players need to be graded into teams depending upon individual ability, skill & maturity.  Where the club have a sufficient number of players to field teams in multiple divisions; all players in those particular age-groups shall participate in the grading procedure.  All players playing in the Under 11 age-group and above will be graded.

Why grade players:

The Football Brisbane Incorporated (FBI) divisional competition is a competitive junior league.  It is structured by age-group and corresponding division classification – the lower the division number the higher the assessed ability of the players. The structure is designed to:

(a)  Provide all players with appropriate levels of competition;

(b)  To ensure all players participate principally for fun and fitness and in a division appropriate to their skill level so that they can compete on equal terms; and

(c)  At the same time provide a competition for players who wish to take their participation in football to a more competitive level.

At Loganholme endeavour to ensure teams are entered into an appropriate division; taking into account each players ability.  This will allow players the freedom and confidence to develop skills, free from the pressure of trying to meet expectations that are not appropriate to their skill level.

How will players be graded:

Players in each age group will be grouped at random.  Players will be assessed on their ball skills, game play, attitude and potential.

Grading will generally take place over a 2-3 week period with players attending two sessions per week.  Sanctioned grading games will also be used to assist in grading players into an appropriate division.

Players who do not attend grading sessions or arrive at the club after grading is completed will be assigned to a team at the discretion of the Grading Committee.

Who will grade players:

Players will be assessed by the Director of Coaching, his assistants and other coaches (not associated with the respective age-group) who have elected to be part of the process.

Grading assessment appeal:

Appealing a player’s assessment is available to parents and players.

The Director of Coaching and other coaches should not be approached should you not be in agreement with their assessment of your child.

Should you wish to avail yourself of the appeals process you must put your concerns in writing and address the letter to the Loganholme Coaching Coordinator.

The appeal will be addressed by the Coaching Coordinator, Management Committee and members of the Grading Committee.  You will be informed in writing of the outcome.

Following grading:

Once grading has been completed players will be allocated into teams based on the FBI system (i.e. division one, division two etc.).  Once team composition has been finalised teams will be nominated with FBI and in 2010 will compete in a series of grading games prior to the commencement of the competitive section of the season.  Teams may be re-graded based on performance during the trial games.