One of the key ingredients for selection was based around the individual's ability to contribute off the court. Photo / Thinkstock
There has been some interest recently in how high profile sports players command a spot not only in a team playing roster but also their fit into the environment of a team away from the field of play. Team selection can produce as much debate as the dissection of any
sporting contest can. This is the subject for many good chats from a smoko room setting to talkback to social media where the licence for people to express their opinion is unencumbered.
The selection of the 2014 Kia Magic squad from a team management and player perspective has been the most important work professional netball in this area of New Zealand has seen in a long time. The moving on of some experienced players allowed the Magic to plan for the future.
In looking at the squad there is a blend of youth and experience including talented local players, allowing our experienced coaching duo of Julie Fitzgerald and Margaret Forsyth to create a performance environment on and off the court that is second to none.
One of the key ingredients for selection was based around the individual's ability to contribute off the court. To achieve true success any athlete has to completely engage in the philosophy of the organisation, its people, sponsors and fans as well as compete on the court week in, week out.
The Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone recently promoted its Purpose, Values and Principles in a document. This will be commonly referred to in all the decisions we make about our sport now and in the future including the selection of the athletes who represent us. One of the key messages underpinning this document is the expectation that in any action the organisation will be considered first before any individual requirements. Long term successful professional sporting organisations are all built around athletes who want to learn and achieve the best they can and administrators who believe in, and adhere to, the values, purpose and principles of the organisation.
