Coaching
A selection night checklist for local clubs
A short, repeatable process for picking the team: availability, injuries, balance and how you tell players, so selection night doesn't run past ten.
· 1 min read
Before the meeting
- Ask players to mark their availability by a set time, for example Wednesday at 9pm.
- Check the injury list and any expected return dates.
- Note who missed training and why.
In the meeting
- Start from last week's team and list the forced changes.
- Fill the spine first: key position players at each end, then the ruck.
- Balance each line, then the bench.
- Check the emergencies are genuinely ready to play.
After the meeting
Publish the team at a consistent time each week. Players who were dropped deserve a short, direct explanation from a coach, ideally before they see the list, with one thing they can do to get back in.