2024 Trials

 The following outlines the trials policy and procedures for Victoria University Netball Club (Team Vic). Trials will run during the month of March.

Trialists must attend one preliminary trial and grading. It is encouraged that you attend all trials in your preferred grade to better your chances of being selected into the team best fit for you. Games will be anywhere between 10-12 minutes in length, depending on numbers and at the discretion of the selectors. We will make all efforts to trial you in your two preferred positions listed on your registration form and give all trialists a sufficient amount of game time.

During trials, selectors will evaluate individual skill levels and rank trialists accordingly. The following aspects may be evaluated to determine a player’s ranking relative to other trialists in regards to footwork, ball handling, court awareness, fitness, player combinations, communication and any other aspects that selectors believe to be pertinent.

Pre-season training is encouraged but will not have any bearing on the level of team you are placed in.

1.1 Explanation of grades

When selecting which grade to trial in it is important you understand the level you have chosen.

Premier - this grade requires a high level of skill, fitness and commitment. These grades attract the top players in the Wellington area who have representative experience, top college players or premier players from other regions. These games run in 15 minute quarters. Teams usually train twice a week.

Premier Reserve - this grade requires a consistent level of skill, fitness and commitment. Premier Reserve teams generally spread across Premier Reserve 1 - 5. These grades attract players who have played top level through school and in premier competitions previously. These games run in 10 minute quarters. 

Senior A - this grade is the middle grade between premier and social and is still very competitive. Senior teams are generally spread across Senior 1 - 3 grades of the competition. These grades attract players who are committed, skillful and want to make friends through a competitive environment. These games run in 10-minute quarters. 

Senior B/Social - this grade is the least competitive and more for players who are wanting a less serious and more fun experience with Team Vic. Players in this grade play consecutive years with the same team and normally training is up to the discretion of the coach and/or players. This grade is a great way to meet new people or play with friends. 

Self-entered teams do not need to trial but must come to grading. To be eligible your team must have a minimum of 10 confirmed and registered players in your team. 

Final teams will be announced the week after all Vic trials are completed.

1.2 Grading Game Trials

At the conclusion of preliminary trials, teams and/or squads of similar ability will be roughly formed, and a series of grading games will commence. These grading games are used as a way to ascertain the correct grade a team should be placed and ensure the relative skill level of players in each team is equal.

Throughout the grading games players can be moved between teams at the discretion of the selectors and coaches of the trialing grade.

1.3 Team Placement

All teams will be announced following grading. Your team placement will be at the discretion of the selectors, based on relative skill level compared to other trialists in the same position. Your final placement could be in a grade different from the one that you trialed in, based on the best fit for you in that team and spaces free for your position.

Premier grading: All players who attend the Premier grading trial will end up in a Premier 2 Squad team or a Premier 3 Squad team.

1.4 Fees Required and Registration

Players will be required to pay a $30 Registration Fee before their first trial date. This registration fee is non-refundable and is separate to the fees amount due. This must be paid online - no cash will be accepted.

The total fees as per last for 2024 for students and non-students of Victoria University, Wellington (excluding the $30 Registration Fee):

     ● Fees for Victoria University Students.

          ○ Premier / Prem Reserve grade = $245

          ○ Senior / Social grade = $230

     ● Fees for Professionals/ Non-Victoria University Students :

          ○ Premier / Prem Reserve grade = $265

          ○ Senior / Social grade = $250

1.5 Payment Options

Payment of fees in full or signing up to the payment plan in fortnightly installments. 

NOTE: Please get in touch ASAP with the Finance Sub-Committee via email at teamvictreasurer@gmail.com if you have any issues with fee payments or fall into any financial hardship. Payment plan options are available.

1.6 Self-entered Teams

Team Vic accept admittance of self-entered teams if the majority of players in the team played for Team Vic in the previous season. Self-entered teams need to ensure all players have registered. Self-entered teams must provide their own coach/management and have a minimum of 10 confirmed and registered players. Approval of your team will be decided by the Committee. 

Self-entered teams playing in the Premier Reserve or Senior A grade are required to attend grading in order to be unbiasedly placed in a grade appropriate to the team's skill level.

We do not offer self-entered teams in the Premier grade. This means the highest grade a self-entered team may enter is in the Premier Reserve grade.

The below information may be taken into account by the selection panel when deciding at which level a self-entered team will be placed. 

     ●.  Grading game trials standings

     ● Players/team experience 

     ● Level of commitment regarding trainings

     ● Coach/management expertise

     ● Calibre of non self-entered trialists

     ● Best direction for the Club

The Selection Panel is made up of a number of volunteers with appropriate netball expertise. Selectors may include independents from outside Team Vic, coaches, players and committee members. The appointment of selectors is at the discretion of the Team Vic Committee, who will ensure that all selectors have an appropriate level of skill for the grade they are selecting and that they are able to make fair and impartial judgements. 

 Players unable to attend trials for any reason will have their team selection based on a number of considerations including:

     ● availability of positions within teams

     ● information provided by the coach at the conclusion of the previous season

     ● consultations with the selectors, coaches and Team Vic Committee

     ● player history and experience

You will then tentatively be placed into a team on a trial basis, but you may be moved depending on your fit within the team. Please note that if you are intending to be selected for a Premier or Premier Reserve team that the Trials Lead, in consultation with the wider Team Vic committee, has discretion as to whether a player may be placed in a team (on a trial basis) at this level. 

The coach of the team you are tentatively trialing for and a person from the selection committee will attend the first training to assess your fit.

Premier and Premier Teams will be posted on the Team Vic website by no later than the week following the end of the trials.

Senior Teams will be posted on the Team Vic website by no later than the week following the end of trials. Note that the team number of each Senior team may not be confirmed until after the grading competition. Final rankings should be posted on the Team Vic website by no later than the week following the grading competition. 

In the event of a player withdrawing after selection, selectors will consult the list of previous trialists and appoint a suitable replacement. If no player of a suitable standard is found for the vacated position, selectors may invite a replacement player of their choosing. This player will be ratified by the Committee.

Taking in all of the provisions in this Policy, it is acknowledged that at times difficult choices will be made which will require the Selection Panel to exercise discretion and judgement. Providing the Selection Panel has properly followed the procedures outlined in this document and has exercised discretion and judgement in good faith, the Selection Panel will have fulfilled all of its obligations under this Policy.

If a player feels that they have been placed in a team which is not at their ability level and this is severely impacting their enjoyment of the game, they can request a review of selection. Selection reviews can only be requested by the player in question and must be in writing to the Trials Lead, Veronica Adams via email to teamvicnetball@gmail.com. Requests will be reviewed by the Trials Lead in consultation with the Selection Panel and a response will be given in coordination with selectors’ feedback.

For Premier and Premier Reserve teams a high level of commitment is required. We encourage registrants to be honest in detailing their away dates for the season. If you are away for a large proportion of the season (excluding family emergencies, serious illness or bereavement) this may impact on the team you are placed in. 

A signed commitment contract is required of Premier players before the season starts. A copy is available on request.