Sport Trials Procedure

Purpose

To ensure that all sports trials at Mount Maunganui Intermediate are conducted fairly, consistently, and transparently, allowing all ākonga (students) an equal opportunity to participate and be selected based on merit and potential.

Procedure Statements

  1. Equity and Inclusion – All students should be given fair access to trials regardless of their previous experience or background.
  2. Transparency – Selection criteria and processes must be clear and communicated before the trial.
  3. Consistency – All sports codes must follow the same procedural expectations for trials.
  4. Development Focus – Selection should consider both current performance and future potential, particularly for younger or less experienced players.

Procedures

1. Trial Scheduling

  • A minimum of two trials must be held for each sport.
  • Trials must be advertised at least one week in advance via school notices. For sports with pre registrations all parents must be notified by email.
  • Where possible, trials should not clash with other major school events.
  • In those larger codes the first trial could be used to cut the number down to a more manageable number. The same selectors should be used at all trials. 

2. Selectors

  • A minimum of three selectors must be present at each trial.
  • Selectors must include:
    • The teacher in charge.
    • A second teacher or experienced staff member.
    • An independent observer (where possible) to reduce bias.

3. Selection Criteria

  • Selection criteria should be sport-specific and based on a combination of:
    • Skills and fitness.
    • Game understanding
    • Team attitude and coachability
  • Criteria must be communicated prior to trials to all trialists.

4. Trial Format

  • Trials may include:
    • A warm-up and skills-based activity
    • For non school based codes (e.g football) we recommend a beep test or bronco test to measure fitness.
    • A game or match simulation
    • A cool-down and brief debrief
  • Trial sessions should be no longer than 90 minutes.
  • Where possible and practical, all students should receive a trial number which they have  the entire trial process.

5. Communication

  • Students are informed of the trial details prior to the trials taking part.
  • Students are informed of the trial results via email at least 3 school days after the final trial.
  • All students are informed via email of their selection or non selection. This email is sent after 6pm and all recipients are BCC’d. The Sports Office will provide a selected and non selected email template.
  • Selectors are not expected to provide individual feedback regarding selection or non selection.
  • Parents are informed on the pre registration form or the trial information, that decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

6. Injury or Absence

  • If a student is injured or absent due to a legitimate reason (e.g. illness), they may:
    • Be considered based on past performance
    • Be offered a delayed or alternative trial if time allows

7. Disputes / Concerns

  • Any concerns about selection must be directed in writing to the Sports Coordinator. This cannot occur within the first 3 school days of the team being announced.
  • The Sports Coordinator will review the process, not the selection itself, and respond within 3 school days.

Responsibilities

  • Sports Coordinator: Oversees the process and ensures adherence to this procedure.
  • Selectors: Apply the selection criteria fairly and consistently.
  • Students: Attend trials, try their best, and show respect regardless of outcome.
  • Whānau: Support the process and communicate respectfully.

Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually at the end of Term 3 by the Sports Committee and updated based on feedback from staff, students, and whānau.