VNZ Junior High Performance Beach Programme
Youth and Junior Beach National Squads
This is the junior national level of the Volleyball NZ Beach High Performance Program consisting of the Junior Beach National Teams (U19) and Youth Beach National Teams (U21). Junior and Youth Training Teams include the top eight athletes per gender and age group chosen from NZ National Beach Camps or tournaments. After a period of team training, the squad will be paired down to a final four athletes per age per gender who will represent New Zealand at the FIVB U19 and U21 World Championships annually. These athletes will be expected to adhere to the training policies as indicated in the appendix. The remaining 4 athletes per gender will compete at either Australia or be part of an internal tour. All athletes will be given training opportunities throughout the year.
Beach Development Squad Program
Below the Youth and Junior National Teams, the athletes selected to the Beach Development Squad Program will be invited to participate in a three day training camp with the other youth and Junior beach athletes. The age criterion for this squad is U17. This squad will be up to 16 athletes per gender and the top 4-8 athletes will be selected for the Australian Junior Champs or an internal tour coinciding with the National tour and Oceania Championships.
VNZ Beach Development Squad
Encouraged to play indoor volleyball and permitted to play other sports.
Youth World Championships
Encouraged to play indoor volleyball however athletes must make a commitment to 3hrs per week of individual and/or group training for beach volleyball, 6hrs during the weekend AND 6 day training camps in both April and June term breaks. Athletes must focus exclusively on Beach Volleyball for at least 3 weeks prior to departure for World champs. Athletes are available for indoor competitions after world championships. Athletes must wear ankle braces when playing indoor volleyball. Athletes must be to be available for beach Volleyball squad trainings. Any exceptions to these guidelines must be negotiated with both the Coach and the HP Elite Junior Beach Volleyball Manager.
Junior World Championships
Athletes must make a commitment to 10hrs per week of individual and/or group training for beach volleyball, inclusive of a structured conditioning programme, 6 hours during the weekend AND 6 day training camps in both April and June term breaks. Athletes must focus exclusively on Beach Volleyball for at least 3 weeks prior to departure for World champs. If athletes choose to compete in an indoor club programme then it is on the understanding that traditionally VNZ club championships clash with overseas travel to Junior World Championships therefore any club training or competition, whilst permitted, will need to be considered by indoor coaches as to development of their squad. Any exceptions to these guidelines must be negotiated with both the Coach and the HP Elite Junior Beach Volleyball Manager.
SELECTION CRITERIA for Youth and Junior, and Development Squads
The selection committee will use the following criteria to assess each applicant on relative merit in determining final project group.
1. Eligibility
· Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens and must be eligible for selection to National teams competing at World championships Championship competitions.
· Athletes must compete on the NZ National Tour in the year of selection or can apply for selection consideration if injured.
· Athletes are strongly encouraged to attend the National Camp training at the end of January.
2. Performance Standards
For an athlete to be considered for selection into the VNZ High Performance Beach Volleyball Program they must first achieve the performance standard targets as outlined below (In competition events relevant to their age and development i.e NZ Junior Tour or National Tour Status). The performance criteria details targeted weightings, which an athlete must reach before being considered for selection into the VNZ Beach Volleyball High performance Squads, It does not guarantee automatic selection. A holistic total will be considered if an athlete does not meet 80% of targets. Selectors shall use their discretion in assessing athletes whom are likely to achieve the outlined minimum performance criteria in the near future. Training age and background may be considered in this process.
3. Competition Performance / Results
Primarily, individual performances will be used to assess athletes at the following competitions, in order of importance:
- VNZ National Tour
- VNZ Grand Slam Series
- VNZ Challenger Events
- VNZ Junior Age Group Championships
- VNZ SS Beach Volleyball Championships
- VNZ Junior Tour
Selectors will assess performances with consideration given to field depth, playing conditions and event difficulty. Selectors will also analyse the following; a players mental approach (aggressive vs passive), a players ball handling skills, a players technical skills and tactics, a players ability to work as an individual and part of a team, a players ability to compete on the international stage.
4. Consultation with National Coaches
As part of the assessment process the relevant national selectors/coaches for VNZ Beach Volleyball will be consulted in order to assess an athlete's status in relation to national competitiveness.
The key aim of VNZ Beach Development, youth, Junior Volleyball athlete selection is:
- To select athletes who are achieving a high standard of international and national success;
- To select the athletes that are showing the most likely progression into the High Performance network within a 2 year period; and
- To increase the levels of success of those athletes at Open National and International age group levels of competition.
APPEALS
An aggrieved person may appeal the decision of the selection committee in writing to the VNZ Beach Junior High Performance Manager . The appeal must specifically address the performance criteria standards. This appeal will be passed on for judgment.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
All squad selections will be finalised shortly after the NZSS Beach Volleyball tournament mid February.
Address All Development, Youth, Junior squad Correspondence to:
Darrell Boyd
VNZ Junior High Performance Beach Volleyball Manager
4 MacMillan Street
Tauranga
d.boyd@tbc.school.nz
