Trial and Training Attendance Policy:

Trial and training 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 directly conflicts with trials)
• Provincial level or High Performance Sport Competition (excluding practices)

*In the case of an injury, athletes must provide a doctor’s or physiotherapist’s note at trial indicating the athlete’s medical condition and his/her potential return to play date. This is especially important with major injuries (ie. ACL rehab). In the above cases, the athlete’s evaluation from the previous year’s regional and provincial programs will be considered. However, if the athlete does not attend either trial, there is no guarantee they will be selected to the squad.

Selection Process:

BC coaches, FHBC staff, and BC coaches carry out the selections. The selection committee will select a team of 16 athletes plus reserve players. The format is designed by FHBC professional staff and implemented by the Team B.C. coaches and volunteers. The format includes the following components:

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

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
Team B.C. Head Coach
2 Experienced BC Selectors

The on-field staff often consists of FHBC staff, volunteer parent coaches and BC Coaches not experienced in team selection.

Injury Policy:

The injury policy for BC Team selection is as follows: if an athlete is unable to attend a BC trial (eg. weekend trials or High Performance Tournament) due to a medical condition which prevents them from safely participating, the athlete may still be considered for selection to a BC team. In this example, the High Performance Director requires a doctor’s letter prior to the trial indicating the athlete’s medical condition, rehabilitation plan and the potential return to play date. If the return to play date is within a reasonable time frame that allows for individual and BC team training and preparation, the athlete may be considered for the Provincial Team. If the injured athlete has previously been identified within the top 10% in his/her age group and meets the eligibility requirements for the BC team, the injured athlete is automatically entered into the athlete selection pool. Expert selectors and provincial coaches then use the medical information provided, and the athlete’s evaluation from the previous year’s regional and provincial programs to make the best decision for the athlete's long-term development. Medical practitioners are consulted before making a final decision.

For more information, please see FHBC's Men's High Performance Programs and Women's High Performance Programs, or contact the High Performance Program Director.