The High Performance Development Stream comprises the Junior Zone and Regional High Performance Programs for women. The aim of this program is to ensure that high performance athletes are able to train in their own region, with certified coaches, throughout the year. The development training creates the foundation for the provincial excellence program.
This program is for athletes interested in continuous, committed High Performance Training from October - May. The Regional Program is the first step in provincial team athlete identification process, and is mandatory for athletes interested in representing BC.
Women’s Zone and Regional Program Focus:
- Skills Training
- Tactical Strategies and Game Context Drills
- Sport Science
- Possible selection to High Performance Tournament
- Possible selection to Provincial Representative Teams
Program Structure:
There are 4 regions in BC that participate in the Regional Program:
- Interior (South and Central Okanagan, Kootenays)
- Island (Victoria and MidIsland)
- North West (Vancouver and Northshore)
- South East (Fraser South and Fraser North)
Regional Trials
Each of the four regions holds trials in October-November to select a squad of 40 athletes in the U16 and U18 age groups. Trial notices are sent out by local Zone representatives one month prior to the trial date. The trial notice is also posted on the Field Hockey BC website. All athletes are required to register online for the trials to be considered for selection.
Athlete Eligibility:
Athletes living in or attending school within the specific Region, are eligible to trial for that Region’s High Performance squad.
Under 18 years of age as of January 1st of the High Performance Tournament year (grade 11 & 12; yob:1990, 1991)
Under 16 years of age as of January 1st of the High Performance Tournament year(grades 9 & 10; yob:1992, 1993)
Under 14 years of age as of January 1st of the High Performance Tournament year (grades 7 & 8; yob:1994, 1995)
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 within the top tier n the province at the higher age group. For example, a grade 10 athlete who wishes to play in the Under 18 age group must be ranked high on their U16 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 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:
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 often consists of FHBC staff, volunteer parent coaches and Regional Coaches not experienced in squad selection.
Once the Squad is selected, athletes will receive 20 hours of on-field training, sport science support and the opportunity to be selected to the tournament teams. One month prior to the tournament, two teams of 16 players and reserves will be named. Reserve players continue to train until the tournament. All athletes will benefit from the full 20 hours of training, preparation and sport science. Regional squads train from November-May, and then compete in the age-specific High Performance Tournament against the other regional teams.
The High Performance Tournament is a 3-day tournament and selection event for athletes. It represents the culmination of the first High Performance Development Phase. Regional Coaches provide a grade/ranking and comments for each tournament athlete and this information is given to the selection team prior to the tournament weekend. The selection team consists of the provincial coaches for the specific age-group and the High Performance Program Director. There is dialogue and feedback between the selection team and the Regional coaches during the tournament to identify the top athletes for summer provincial squads. Provincial squads are posted on the website 1-2 days after the close of the tournament.
The High Performance Tournament attracts domestic, university and international scouts, and is a premier competitive opportunity for our Junior Women.
The following information outlines the time and financial commitment involved:
Specific Commitments:
- 20 hrs skills training within the Zone or Region
- Individual time for fitness and conditioning program
- Sport Science Lecture attendance
- Attendance at the High Performance Tournament
- Pay a Regional Levy ($325 - subject to Committee Approval) cover facility costs, player’s jersey, fitness programs, coach’s honorarium, and coach’s travel expenses