The season is gathering pace and some glamour fixtures are fast approaching so as one would expect there is a massive demand for places in the starting line up from players on the ad hoc list.

It's obvious that 20 into 11 doesn't go so it is simply not possible for everyone to play in every game. This article attempts to dispel any misunderstandings or potential ill feeling that may arise regarding the way that selection operates at Rosaneri Cricket Club.

The first thing that must be stressed is that the overriding principle behind selection policy is FAIRNESS rather than ability and NO decisions are taken lightly.

We would love everyone to be able to play every game but it is obviously not possible so tough decisions have to be made and inevitably individuals will be disappointed on occasions.

WE DO NOT FEEL GOOD ABOUT DISAPPOINTING ANYONE AND A LOT OF TIME IS SPENT AGONISING OVER DECISIONS SO PLEASE TRY AND BE AS SUPPORTIVE AND UNDERSTANDING AS POSSIBLE IF YOU DO NOT GET SELECTED. IF YOU FEEL THAT ANYTHING HAS BEEN HANDLED UNFAIRLY SPEAK TO NICK, ANDY OR JOHN AND THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO EXPLAIN DECISIONS IN DETAIL.

To help you understand how decisions are made selection processes are based around the following:

• If an ad hoc player arranged the fixture they will automatically be selected (and offered the captaincy).
  
• All available regular players will then be selected automatically.
  
• The remaining places (IF ANY) will be filled by available ad hoc players.

Ad hoc players will be selected by a panel made up of Nick Shewring (chair), Andy Underwood and John Shuttlewood. Our aim is to give everyone the opportunity to play at some stage but places are obviously extremely limited so selection will be carried out as fairly as possible based on the following kinds of factors:

THESE ARE NOT STRICT CRITERIA AND ARE NOT LISTED IN ANY ORDER - THEY ARE SIMPLY SOME OF THE FACTORS THAT WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

• How early we received your availability - the earlier we know the more chance we have of fitting you in. If it comes down to a toss up between two players then first come first served will be adopted.
• How many times you have already played - if you have already played several times then you may have to give others a chance.
• How long you have been involved with the club (e.g Rosaneri FC) - preference will always be given to the chaps over new players.
• Your availability across the season - i.e. if G Mul is available for three fixtures but Nath is only available for one then Nath would get the nod over G Mul for that game but G Mul would be given higher priority in one of his other two fixtures.
• Your preferred fixtures - if there is one particular fixture that you are very keen to play in let us know and we will do our best to accommodate BUT REMEMBER some fixtures such as the Cotswolds are very popular so there are no guarantees.
• Your links to the opposition - i.e. if your brother plays for the opposition or you are an ex player etc then that may carry more weight in your favour.
• Your attendance at the net sessions. Everyone is welcome to come along to the net sessions (currently on wednesdays) and someone who is keen and turns up regularly will add weight to their chances of selection.
• Cricketing ability is NOT a deciding factor in selection but we will obviously try to pick a balanced and competitive team (i.e. we will try and avoid selecting 11 bowlers!)
• If you arrange and organise a fixture you are guaranteed a place in the side.

If after all that we still can't make a decision we will have to toss a coin!

PLEASE NOTE - Certain fixtures (such as the Portsmouth game) fall outside of the Rosaneri Cricket Club selection process as they are historical fixtures for which the organiser hand picks the team based on appearances in previous years etc.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY CRITICISM OF THE ABOVE PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT WE ARE TRYING TO BE AS FAIR AND HONEST AS POSSIBLE TO EVERYONE!