Grading advice to Parents and Players

PAFC Information for Parents & Players on Talent Identification and Grading

 

The purpose of PAFC Talent Identification through Grading is to identify junior and youth players with potential.  The key role of the Graders is to assess the potential of the player which is not necessarily the same as their actual effectiveness in a particular trial game or in the preceding season’s games.  

 

The reason that effectiveness in play and potential are different is that the relative maturity between players in junior and youth levels is a significant factor in comparative performance.  

 

Physically stronger players tend to dominate and appear to be the best players. However they may not be the best football players. They succeed simply because they are older, stronger, faster and more athletic.

 

Another important factor of is the January 1 cut off birth date for the players in each age grade. Generally the closer the birth date of a player to January 1 the more mature, stronger and mentally developed they are likely to be.  The effect of this is most apparent in lower age groups.

 

Graders have to take account of this when assessing a players potential versus their trial effectiveness and previous game history.  

 

Trial Process

 

The grading is administered by a Grading Committee. The current members are Tony Wisneski, Ian Davidson, and Tom Cramer. Any concerns you have with grading should in the first instance be addressed to Ian Davidson. 

 

Graders are briefed before grading and are chosen from experienced players and coaches.

 

Grading Process

 

Trial Set up

 

1.                  Players are required to register and are to be given a bib, they are not to swap this bib with anyone else because this is the way they are tracked through the trial.

2.                  Players will be placed into teams by the Graders.

3.                  Players play small sided games without goal keepers unless someone is trialling as a goal keeper. 

4.                  Small sided games allow Graders to view a full range of skills that a player might exhibit. 

5.                  Time is of essence players must arrive on time.

 

Positions

 

Player’s positions are not important. In younger age group players generally have not found the position that will suit them best. This will become more apparent as they develope. The acquisition of football skill is what is important.

 

 A Player’s preferred position may reflect where they historically have been effective. But it is their overall skill and potential that is important.

 

Young players generally have little concept of positional play team shape or structure. Their technical or ball skill development is what is important.

 

Playing in different positions also helps develope game understanding and visual awareness.

 

Rating

 

All players will be marked on a scale of 1 to 10.  The average score between Graders will determine the player’s final score.  

 

What are we looking for?

 

• Players with good technique and skills on the ball.
• Players who can control and pass a ball, not just kick it up the field.
• Players who are determined and have a high work rate (look like they want to succeed).
• Players who look to move into space and position off the ball and support the ball players.
• Players who can tackle and defend.
• Players who are consistently trying to make the right football decision showing game awareness.

 

Note we look at the players who are trying to do these things.  They may not be successful but are demonstrating the potential to be developed and improve.  It may be that their physical size is a barrier to having much of the ball in a particular game - we will try to take account of this as well.

 

Apparent Effectiveness

 

Players who dominate primarily due to their physical size and or speed may not be seen as having the most potential unless they also demonstrate the technical skills and game awareness that we are looking for. 

 

We are not looking for players that

·         Boot the ball often and hard.

·         Do not look to control and pass. 

·         Hog the ball without consideration of the game situation

·         Have low work rates, no determination.

·         Are not aware of passing options.

·         Do not know how to support with off the ball movement.

 

 

There will always be players who are on the cusp of first or second team selection who miss out.  However a good player who is in a grade which is below where they could be will enjoy a successful season, be able to deploy their skills, should have more time on the ball and will not suffer long term.  If they have real potential which they wish to develop they will subsequently move up through the grades. 

 

Conversely a player who is not well equipped to deal with a higher grade may adversely suffer if they have few touches on the ball, are consistently beaten, and generally do not enjoy their football year.  Their potential may be stifled from loss of confidence and they may move away from the game.

 

 The views of previous Coaches are taken into account from the player appraisal forms returned to PAFC and in discussion. 

 

The question is always what level will best meet the players development needs. 

 

If any parent or player has any questions in relation about grading please contact Ian Davidson by email idavidson@xtra.co.nz