Applies to all players, parents/carers, coaches, team managers, volunteers and club officials
1. Purpose of This Policy
Bishops Castle Town Football Club believes that all players should be given the opportunity to develop, progress and enjoy football at an appropriate level.
This Player Selection Policy has been developed to:
- Provide clarity on how players are selected for teams
- Explain how selection decisions are made during the playing season
- Ensure transparency, fairness and consistency
- Support player development while balancing team needs
2. Club Structure and Team System
The Club operates a team‑based system, where:
- Players are registered with Bishops Castle Town Football Club
- Players are allocated and registered to individual teams
- Each team operates with a defined squad managed by an appointed Team Manager
Once players are registered, Team Managers are responsible for the day‑to‑day selection of squads for matches and competitions.
3. Responsibility for Player Selection
Team Managers:
- Have responsibility for selecting players for their team
- Make selection decisions based on football‑related factors
- Operate without direction from others, provided they act:
- In line with this policy
- In line with the Club’s Equality, Safeguarding and Codes of Conduct policies
All selection decisions must be made fairly, clearly and respectfully.
4. Equality and Non‑Discrimination
Bishops Castle Town FC is committed to equality of opportunity.
Managers must not refuse selection or inclusion of a player on the basis of any protected characteristic, including (but not limited to):
- Disability
- Gender or gender reassignment
- Race, nationality or ethnic origin
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Age
All selection decisions must comply with the Club Equality Policy and the Equality Act 2010.
5. Behaviour, Conduct and Respect
The Club recognises that football is a team environment built on respect.
When assessing a player’s suitability for a team, managers may take into account:
- The player’s behaviour and attitude
- Adherence to the Club’s Codes of Conduct
- Training engagement and commitment
- The behaviour of parents/carers or supporters where it impacts the team environment
Persistent breaches of behaviour standards, despite support and intervention, may affect a player’s ongoing participation within a team.
6. Players with Disabilities or Additional Needs
If a player with a disability or additional needs wishes to join a team and there are concerns regarding:
- The player’s ability to participate safely or effectively
- The team’s ability to meet the player’s needs
A meeting will be arranged involving:
- The Team Manager(s)
- The parent/carer
- A representative of the Club Committee and/or Club Welfare Officer
The Club will, where reasonably practicable, make reasonable adjustments to enable inclusion, while carefully balancing the needs and welfare of:
- The individual player
- Other team members
- Coaches and volunteers
7. Competition, Development and Player Review
As players progress through age groups, football naturally becomes more competitive. This may:
- Increase physical and technical demands
- Change expectations around commitment and performance
Where concerns arise that a player is struggling to adapt to a more competitive environment:
- A review of the player’s placement may take place
- All relevant factors will be considered sensitively
- Discussions will involve the player (where appropriate) and parents/carers
The Club’s aim is always to support the player’s development, welfare and enjoyment of the game.
8. Registration, Commitment and Availability
To be eligible to play:
- Players must be registered with Bishops Castle Town FC
- Players must also be registered with the relevant league
- Players must demonstrate a willingness and availability to participate
Players who:
- Frequently fail to attend training or matches without valid reason
- Do not engage with the team’s commitments
- Persistently breach behavioural expectations
May, at the discretion of the Team Manager, be asked to leave the team. Such decisions will be made carefully and communicated clearly.
9. Disputes and Appeals
Any concerns or disputes regarding player selection should be raised:
- In the first instance with the Team Manager, where appropriate; or
- With the Club Secretary, who will determine whether further review is required.
The Club will seek to resolve disputes fairly, respectfully and in line with its policies.
10. Policy Review
This policy is supported by the Club Committee and will be:
- Communicated to all managers and parents/carers
- Applied consistently across teams
- Reviewed regularly in line with FA guidance and Club development
Our Commitment
Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to player development, fairness, equality and respect.
Selection decisions will always be made in the best interests of players, teams and the wider Club community.