Nottingham Moderns RFC is a community rugby club and exists to promote and facilitate the playing of rugby union across mini, junior, ladies and senior men's groups.

The policy below applies to the selection of players for the Senior Men's teams. Selection will be based on the club's values as a member’s club and will adhere to applicable RFU guidelines and values. The objective of the policy is to provide a simple, fair process that maximises members involvement in the game of rugby union and supports the development of the club and the sport.

Policy

1. The Selection Sub-Committee, comprising the Coaching Team and Captains of each side, is responsible for selection of the senior men’s teams at Nottingham Moderns RFC.
2. Selection discussions will take place in an open and transparent manner between the members of the Selection Committee.
3. The relevant Coach and Captain will select each side, abiding by the selection criteria detailed below.
4. In instances where the Coach and Captain cannot agree the Head Coach’s opinion will be sought and the majority decision accepted.

Criteria

1. Players will only be considered for selection if they are paid up members of the club or have played less than 5 matches in the current season. Any exceptions to this will need to be approved by the Head Coach.
2. Selection at Nottingham Moderns RFC is based on ability, commitment, and attitude.
a. Ability: The player will be able to perform the skills necessary to play in the selected position under pressure and at the level selected.
b. Commitment: Attendance at training and matches.
c. Attitude: The player will be respectful, positive, punctual, hardworking and have a demonstrated desire to improve.
3. Player welfare and development will be also be recognised as a significant part of the selection process.
4. Players who miss more than one league fixture should expect to start the following fixture in the side below, unless in exceptional circumstances and sanctioned by the Head Coach.
5. Players will not normally be considered for the 1st XV until they have represented the club at least once for one of the other teams.

Process

1. Players will be asked to complete the online availability system before Monday pm every week. Selection will be based on the online system. Notification of any injuries or other issues that may affect selection should be added by the player in the ‘notes’ section.
2. The coaches and captain will share proposed squads on Tuesday morning, prior to the weekly training session.
3. The Selection Sub-Committee will discuss selection for the upcoming matches after Tuesday’s training session. Selection will be published via the online system no later than midday on Wednesday.
4. Players who are dropped from a side will be notified in person and normally take a starting position in the side below. These players will receive a call or an email with feedback from the Coach or Captain responsible for the decision.
5. Final squads will be published on the online system, no later than lunchtime on Thursday. This will include directions and any further instructions for the game. Players will need to have confirmed availability by this time.
6. If a player withdraws from a squad after the squads have been announced the relevant Coach will be informed and will select a player from the side below, in conversation with the relevant Coach.
7. Players who have questions regarding selection should raise these with the relevant Coach or Captain. If they do not feel the Selection Policy has been applied fairly they should raise this with the Club Captain or Head Coach.