The U14 BC Summer Games Performance Program is a new initiative within the FHBC High Performance Program, and takes the place of the U14 Zone Development program.  This exciting new program will include two distinct phases, to ensure the optimal development of our U14 athletes.  In Phase One athletes will focus on Technical Skill Development during weekly training sessions with certified FHBC coaches.  Then in Phase Two the focus will shift to team preparation, in order for athletes to peak for the BC Summer Games, which is this year's U14 Competition Element.

U14 BC Summer Games Performance Program Focus

Phase 1:

• Technical Skills Development
• Injury Prevention and Fitness Program

Phase 2:

• Team Preparation and Tactical Development
• Continued development of Technical Skills
• Injury Prevention and Fitness Program
• Compete in the BC Summer Games

Regional Athlete Evaluation Process
Team BC Athlete Age and Position Specific Criteria

Program Structure:

There are 6 zones in BC that participate in the Field Hockey Competition at the BC Summer Games:

Zone 1 - Kootenays
Zone 2 - Okanagan
Zone 3 - Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, White Rock)
Zone 4 - Fraser River-Delta (Burnaby, Delta, New Westminster, Richmond)

Zone 5 - Vancouver/North Shore (North Vancouver, Squamish, West Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver)
Zone 6 - Vancouver Island

These zones differ slightly from the Zones previously used by FHBC in our U14 Zone Development Program.  Since the BC Summer Games Performance Program will be leading in to the BC Summer Games this year, we will be using the official BCSG Zones listed above.  For a more detailed listing of communities within each Zone, please visit the BCSG Website.

Program Details:

Phase 1:

• March, April, May of 2010
• 16 hours of on-field training in each zone
• fitness program to be completed individually 
• Phase 1 Training Levy - $220

Phase 2:

• June, July of 2010
• 20 hours of on-field training in each zone
• fitness program to be completed individually
• BC Summer Games, July 22-25, 2010, in Langley
• Phase 2 Training Levy - $290
• BCSG Tournament Levy - $220

Trials for U14 BCSG Performance Program:

Each of the six zones will hold trials at the beginning of March, to select their Training Squad for Phase 1 of the program. Since Phase 2 will be team preparation for the BC Summer Games, each zone's squad will be reduced in size to one team plus reserves.  Athletes will be selected for Phase 2 based on their performance during Phase 1 of the program.  In order to be eligible to compete in the BC Summer Games, all athletes MUST participate in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program.

Athlete Eligibility

• Must live (or attend school) within the Zone
• Born in 1996, 1997, or 1998. (Please note, athletes born in 1998 are not eligible to compete in the BC Summer Games, but are eligible to participate in Phase 1 of the program.)

In rare circumstances, athletes may apply to the High Performance Director to be considered for selection in an older age category. However the athlete must be ranked exceptionally high in the province at the higher age group. For example, a grade 8 athlete who wishes to play in the Under 16 age group must be ranked high on their U14 Provincial Team from the previous summer. The decision will go to the High Performance Committee for consideration and the athlete and parent will be contacted.

Trial Attendance:

Trial attendance is mandatory. If for any of the following reasons, an athlete cannot attend trials, the parent and athlete must contact the High Performance Director prior to the trial in order to be considered for selection. If the selection committee does not have a reason for non-attendance the athlete will be not be selected to the squad.

• Injury* or sickness, family emergency
• Academic (school trip or exam that conflicts with trials)
• Provincial level or High Performance Sport Competition (excluding practice)

In the case of an injury, athletes must provide a doctor’s or physiotherapist’s note at trials indicating the athlete’s medical condition and the potential return to play date. In this case, the athlete’s evaluation from the previous year’s zone and provincial program will be considered. However, if the athlete does not attend either trial, there is no guarantee they will be selected to the squad.

Zone Trial Selection Process:
Zone representatives, FHBC staff, and regional coaches carry out the selections. The format is designed by FHBC professional staff and implemented by the Regional Squad coaches and volunteers. The format includes the following components:

Warm-up
Skills Drills
Decision making in outnumbered situations
Small games (3v3, 4v4 and 5v5)

Emphasis for selection is based on basic technical skills, decision making under pressure, off-ball movement, athletic ability, offensive and defensive skills, and ball control.

The selection committee does not have access to rankings from previous years, or from club coaches. The athlete evaluations are based on trial performance.

The selection committee always consists of the following:

• Head Selector
• Regional Squad Head Coach
• 2 Experienced Zone Selectors

The on-field staff (who facilitate the drills and mini-games) often consists of FHBC staff, volunteer parent coaches and Regional Coaches not experienced in squad selection.