The new PNZ representative/coaching structure will be implemented from July 2008.
The aim is to move to a more structured and professional approach to our sport; an approach that not only chooses players to represent New Zealand but one that provides ongoing support for these players, through coaching. This will enable us to prepare our best performing athletes to compete on the international stage with other nations on an even footing. Our aim is to also provide coaches throughout the country at regional and club levels. They will be accessible to all our members and it is hoped that this will provide the platform for you to discuss your goals and work with someone to achieve them. On the face of it this is all good stuff, but let me assure you, there is no magic pill for achieving excellence; this comes from dedication, single mindedness and a lot of hard work. So for you to get anything out of this new structure you will have to contribute your bit.
I believe this structure and its processes make the compilation of our representative teams a completely comprehensive and objective exercise, where the players themselves will be able to see what they need to do at every phase to make the cut.
It will take longer than a year to implement the structure in its entirety and integration of representative teams will be successive. However, the basic processes are in place in the first year and will remain unchanged.
We recognize funding of this process and representative teams is a key issue in any structure. Accordingly this is high on our priority list and one that we will continue to work on throughout the development of this structure.
PNZ as an organisation has relatively small revenue. However, this does not limit or refelect their commitment. By way of recognitation to their future commitment to the process, PNZ:
It will take time to build up the International Repressentative Fund but for the 2009 season is committed to provide the following minimum funding:
Ideally PNZ would like to to be able to fully fund every event but without sustainable and sufficient revenue, this cannot be guaranteed. This is an unfortunate reality for any minority sport and players need to consider the cost implications to them, before decising on participation in the representation process.
To offset some of the running costs of this structure, there is a a non-refundable $50 fee for all players who register for representation. Any surplus after the running costs have been covered will be put into the International Representative Fund.
There is also a deposit of $500 for the 12 players attending the assessment camp (see phase 3). Of course those players not selected for the squad of 8 players (see phase 4) will receive a full refund. Similarly, should there be sufficent sponsorship and fund raising to cover costs, the squad could eventually receive a refund also.
If anyone would like to discuss funding or would like budget advice, they can contact Bryan Wells at bawells@xtra.co.nz
So, to all those promising, Bruno Rochers, Philippe Quantais or Philippe Sucauds out there, who want to continue on their development path and vie for representation; good luck and always strive to do your best.
As I said earlier the success of any program lies with the commitment of the particiapants, that's you!
Murray Porter
Technical Director of Representation (TDR)
We will look to integrate all representative groups into this structure over time, but for the first year it is applicable to the open and female representative groups only, to enable a concentrated focus on bedding in the system.
Representative groups:
All affiliated players can vie for representation as follows:
During this phase players will compete in various domestic competitions. The objective is to get the highest placing possible to maximize point accumulation. At the conclusion of this phase a player's cumulative points are compared to those of their peers.
For 2009 players can earn points in three ways:
Note: Points will be earned through a graduated process, similar to points earned at national tournaments presently. However, more points will be applicable to nationals than domestic tournaments. More detail on the point system will be available before the start of the season.
This will form part of the the structure in 2009 onwards
The TDR will rank player's scores from all all of the above. The highest ranked 12 players, in each group, will be invited to continue to phase 3.
Comprises:
This camp weekend will be used to measure the players performing skills and playing games under pressure. The objective is to determine a squad of players who will represent NZ for 2009.
A squad, comprising 8 players from each group will represent NZ and continue to phase 4
This camp weekend will be used to measure the squad playing games under pressure. The objective is to determine the bext performing combinations to represent NZ for 2009.
At the conclusion of the squad camp, the team compositions will be confirmed for the following tournaments, or as applicable to the season:
For open and femail representative groups:
The team to represent NZ at the World Championships will be formed from:
All representative teams will be allocated a coach.
On going coaching and support is synonymous with representation. It is the aim of this process to develop teams over time that will stick together with their assigned coaches. The objective is to build a stronger team based structure for representation.