SELECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
-MENS/WOMENS SQUADS 2003/04
 
Introduction
The objective of the HKRFU Selection Policy and Procedure is to ensure that all rugby players who strive to play for Hong Kong are aware of the eligibility and selection requirements as well as the manner in which they are applied.
 
Policy
Rugby is "A Game For All" and the HKRFU's Selection Policy is designed to meet the Union's objective of attaining "top tier" status in Asian rugby, whilst continuing the growth of Hong Kong rugby by selecting and awarding squad places to the best of both local and expatriate players.

In the allocation of squad places, the Selectors and Coaches will take into consideration both the IRB and HKRFU eligibility criteria, skill, fitness, availability, team development and the commitment of players. Selection will also recognise the requirement for squads to incorporate the best of local players together with expatriate players to ensure the medium and long term development of rugby in Hong Kong. Players will also need to be available for a balanced mix of tournaments, both locally in Hong Kong and overseas.

(See Appendix A & A2 - Players -Team Composition Targets)

 
Procedure
The selection procedure should ensure that:
Selections are in line with the HKRFU requirements
Selections are fair
Selections are consistent
Selection procedures are transparent and open
Players are aware of selection requirements and relevant details, i.e. timeframes, trial games etc.
 
Selectors
The Chairman of Selectors for each Representative Squad or Focus Group will be responsible to the Directors for the effective implementation of the Selection Policy and Procedures.

(Details of the Squad Selectors and selection procedure are set out in Appendix B.)
 
Players Selection Criteria
The Selectors (Appendix B) are responsible to the Directors for the selection of Players with all due regard to the following Selection Criteria and all or any associated requirements or targets that the Directors may impose from time to time (see Appendix A &A2).
1. Eligibility and Residence - standard IRB eligibility requirements, i.e. IRB Regulation 8 (Appendix C), save where specific tournaments such as the Asian Games (Appendix D) have different requirements.

Also see the HKRFU Focus Groups (Appendix E).

Additionally it is a requirement of the HKRFU that players shall have been continuously resident (save for business trips, education, holidays, or similar) in Hong Kong for a period of at least 3 months before a representative game to be eligible for selection in that game and they should have participated in available league competition (if applicable) and relevant squad training programmes during that period.
2. Skill - the best player for the position or 'unit', based primarily upon individual playing skills but also on their likely contribution to the performance of the whole team.
3. Fitness - meets squad fitness requirements and is considered "playing" fit for the appropriate game or tournament.
4.

Availability/Commitment - All players must be available and committed to Hong Kong rugby in that the player will or has made all reasonable efforts to make him/herself available for the squad for which he/she is selected. This involves training with and playing for either or both the "A" and senior squads as required at both 15's and 7's rugby.

Attendance at squad training sessions will be taken into consideration in selection of teams for games, tournaments or tours.

To facilitate this, at the beginning of each season a list of all events/tournaments that each squad is to participate in shall be prepared by the HKRFU in order that players in such squads are fully aware of the commitment that will be required for the season ahead.

If a player makes him/herself unavailable for a team or for a match/tournament in which he/she is or will be selected without an acceptable reason (such as injury), then that player will not be considered for selection for any representative side for the remainder of the season.

In assessing the availability and commitment of players for training and games/tours, consideration will be given to any relevant circumstances, ie, business travel outside Hong Kong, limited time off work etc.. Players (and Clubs) should also be aware that the Union has the first call on the availability of players for training and matches.
5.

Team/Player Development - The likely development of players and the contribution that a player can make to a team/squad in the medium/long term.

The HKRFU will endeavor to plan a balanced representative squad programme for all squads early in each season in order that all players are aware of the commitment and availability required of them. The HKRFU Directors will have the final responsibility for resolving any disputes/concerns arising from selections.
   
Last Updated on 22 July 2003