Processes around team sports selection for Year 5 & 6 students and conduct at Te Kura o Huriawa Thorrington

The Sports Coordinator organises trials to select teams for the South Zone winter inter-school competitions that occur on Thursday afternoons. The school endeavours to provide opportunities for all children wishing to be included in competitive sports teams; however, the number of teams on offer is determined by the number of coaches and teachers available, and of course the entry restrictions and rules that apply to the various codes.

Te Kura o Huriawa Thorrington is fortunate to have a good number of enthusiastic staff and parents who are able to coach or manage teams and they are very visible out in the playing areas on most days during their break times. We need to value their contribution to sports and appreciate the fact that it is because of them that we can offer so much sport at this school. For the Thursday sports sessions the Year 5 & 6 children can participate at two levels:

Away teams

A, and B Grades play away from school. The number of teams in each grade is in line with what South Zone rules allow for Football, Hockey and Netball and can differ between codes. Inter-School Competition for our top players who are entered into the Primary Sports Weekly Sports Competition. (Restricted entry conditions apply. Please note that only Year 5 & 6 children are permitted to compete and team entry will be determined by the Sports Coordinator on the basis of the player's ability and suitability for this competition).

At School teams

Thursday “At School Sports Programme” for those Year 5 & 6 children who are not involved in the competitive aspect but enjoy the opportunity to participate in games and receive skills development. These games are played here at school.

Our sports teaching ethos

Helping children develop life skills is an essential part of teaching and learning at school. An important part of this education is to help children to appreciate and cope with the elements of competition. Some key understandings need to be nurtured and handled with care. Winning, losing, fair play, teamwork, selection and non-selection, along with developing respect for coaches and managers are important aspects of the learning process. Much of this learning comes from the role models they see through their coaches, managers, parents and the sports stars in our local and national teams.

Our leaders in these positions need always to be aware of the significant influence they can have in shaping our children’s values. Trials do bring a high level of interest and anticipation of selection. However, some children will be naturally disappointed if they do not make the team they first choose. For most, that disappointment is short term as they realise that there are other options available to them.

There is a consideration of the levels of readiness needed for children to be included in competitive sports teams. This readiness refers to skill level, attitude, team play, physical ability, commitment and most importantly the ability to handle setbacks such as losing, stand-downs and the demands needed to improve for the next game.

The Sports Coordinator, coaches and teachers do not want to see children playing in grades they cannot cope with, and while they appreciate there will be disappointments from non-selection, it is far more important to consider the readiness levels and personal safety of those competing. Not everyone will make the top teams, but there are other team sports on offer that they could try for. It’s all about helping children develop an understanding that in life there are options and choices available, and to expand their horizons to look further and beyond the popular choice. The popular choice will always be limited and non-selection is a reality we all have to adjust to in our daily lives from time to time.

Trial Process and Team Selection

Notification through HERO in the Tuakana weekly news posts.
Sports Coordinator will meet with children to discuss the trial process before trials commence.
It is useful to see each child’s skill level before entering into a ‘game’ format so where possible skills sessions/work done prior to trials.
Where possible, at least two adults will take the trial - the sports coordinator assisted by others skilled in the code, coaches and or teachers)
The time allocation for trials will allow for each student to get equal opportunity, to demonstrate their skill
Coaches will choose players who demonstrate the highest levels of skill and qualities of fair play and sportsmanship
If all guidelines are satisfied, the Sports Coordinator’s decision, in consultation with the coaches, is final.
Teams announced to students prior to posting on Hero.

Player Responsibilities

Attend all meetings, trainings, games, and other activities as required
Notify the coach of any unavailability in participation
Remain committed to the teacher/coach for the duration of the season
Abide by the rules of the sport at all times
Play with sportsmanship, with respect for other players coaches, parents and officials
Wear appropriate team uniform and ensure the return of team uniform to the sports coordinators office
Respect equipment and facilities
Follow the Student’s Code of Conduct

Coaches Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and facilitate team training sessions to develop individual/team skills,
Have a sound knowledge of the sport
Develop and encourage player enjoyment, player motivation and player fitness
Teach players to abide by the rules of the sport,
Develop and instil in the players, positive attitudes towards fair play and sportsmanship,
Set high standards and promote the need for punctuality, discipline and commitment

Parent Involvement

Parents have an important role to play in the school sports programmes. You may contribute in a number of different ways:

Encourage your child to trial for the various representative teams,
Remind children to listen carefully for information concerning team selection processes,
Remind children about taking appropriate sports equipment to school (including mouthguards),
Assist with the transportation of children to sports events. In such cases, all vehicles involved must have a current Warrant of Fitness and Vehicle Registration. The location of the sports event needs to be clearly understood, along with approximate departure and return times.
Support their children when they experience the disappointment of non-selection. This may include looking at alternative teams to trial for or reminding their child that there will be chances to be selected for other teams in the future.
As with any school-related concerns, in the event of a significant issue arising, parents need to follow due process. This involves approaching the teacher/parent who is in charge of a team. Please ensure that such conversations are dealt with in a constructive and respectful manner. Our coaches (including teachers) sacrifice a significant amount of their own personal time to actually take sports teams! If the issue is not resolved parents may seek further advice/clarification with the Sports Coordinator. Following this, a parent may discuss a significant issue with a member of the School Leadership team.
While competing, parents are encouraged to support players in a positive and constructive manner.

A strong community spirit for participation in sporting activities exists at Te Kura o HuriawaThorrington. Our thanks to those who are making this happen.

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