Introduction

The PNZ Representative Process is in its second year.

As previously stated (2008/2009 PNZ Representation Process) the full process would not be implemented in the first year. This year the seniors will be integrated into the process.

Representative Groups:

• Open Representative Group (all players)

• Female Representative Group (all females)

• Senior Representative Group (over 60 years)

All affiliated players are required to:

• Complete the Representation Registration Form (MS Word)

• Pay $50 Registration Fee

• Send the Registration Form Fee to PNZ by 31 July 2009

• Complete individual skills assessment in their regional skills assessment day

• Continue to play in domestic tournaments

The Technical Director of Representation (TDR) will select team based on skills assessment and overall performance in domestic tournaments.

The senior grade players are not required to attend assessment camps but will have access to the coaching as part of representative training in their region.

The first year has focused on bedding in the process. The process alone however, is not able to improve the sport. We now need to build on coaching and team performance. We want to take the process to the next level and place greater focus on getting players in a defined/preferred position (at a representative level) as a means to achieving higher performing reams.

This concept is well established internationally, and is yielding improved team performance (Italy, Spain, Thailand, and France). We appreciate that many players in New Zealand do not perceive how defined positions add any value to improving the sport in New Zealand, and it will be an evolving process that may be achieved for only 50% of our representative teams in the first year.

However, we believe that if players embrace this concept, and commit to their coaching programme, we should see the level of team performance improve by 15%.

We will also introduce some player Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into the Open and Female Groups this year. These KPIs represent 20% of a players final assessment and will be included in the player contract.

The KPIs are:

• Players set goals with their coach in their preferred position within the agreed timeframe (4 points).

• Players reporting to their coach on progress of training programme (4 points).

• Players attending regional coaching sessions as part of the Representative Process (as determined in each region) (2 points).

• Players comply with the PNZ/SPARC Code of Player Conduct when participating in the Representative Process related activities (4 points).

• Players comply with the Representative Process at all times, including:

• Supporting the principles of moving the sport towards a more professional approach (6 points)

  • Wearing a team uniform at the PNZ National Triples Championship

  • General behaviour within the team - standing together, team communication, team support

  • Compliance with all tournament rules

  • Show respect to team mates, coaches and officials and spectators

Once again, PNZ would like to be able to fully fund representative players but without sustainable and sufficient revenue, this cannot be guaranteed. For the 2010 season PNZ is committed to provide the following minimum funding:

• $100 per player, Trans Tasman Challenge

• $100 per player, Asian Championships or similar

• $200 per player, World Championships

The $50 non-refundable fee for all players who register for representation applies and after the running costs are covered, any surplus will be put into the International Representative Fund.

There is also a deposit of $500 for the 12 players attending the Assessment Camps, which is refundable if the player is not selected to represent New Zealand.

Good luck and together let’s build on our success next season

Murray Porter

Technical Director of Representation (TDR)

June 2009

Phase 1 - Registration (Open, Female and Seniors)

All affiliated players can vie for representation as follows:

1. Players complete the Representation Registration Form and pay the $50 Registration Fee to PNZ by 31st July 2009. A player can only register for one group i.e. open, female or senior

2. Players must state their preferred position as a Representative Player at registration

3. Registered players to meet with Regional Coaches to discuss their goals for the season

4. Regional Coaches to set an individual player plans that align with these goals

Phase 2 - Individual Assessments (Open and Female)

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 2009/10 players can earn points in three ways:

1. Individual skills test measurements at a regional assessment day

2. Finishing position in one domestic competition

3. Finishing position in nationals

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.

Step 1  Regional Skills Assessment Day (Open, Female and Seniors)

• Date is 19th &/or 20th September 2009, local venue TBC (some regions require two days).

• Format is standardised and is a measurement of player’s individual skills. A copy is available on the PNZ website.

• All measurements and points earned are sent to the Technical Director Representation (TDR) for compilation 

Step 2  Domestic Competitions

• Points awarded for finishing position

• Applicable tournaments for this year are highlighted in the PNZ calendar

Step 3  National Competitions

• Points awarded for finishing position as per Step 2

• Applicable National Tournaments for this year:

  • National Doubles (Nov 2009)

The TDR will rank players' scores from all of the above.

The highest ranked 12 players in each group will be invited to continue Phase (3)

Phase 3 - Assessment Camp One (Open and Female)

Comprises:

• 12 chosen players from the Open Representative Group

• 12 chosen players from the Female Representative Group

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 in 2010.

1. These players will pay $500 deposit to PNZ by 18th February. Players who are not selected after the weekend will be fully refunded.

2. Camp will be held on 20th & 21st February at Herne Bay, Auckland

3. All players begin the camp with zero points, thus all start from scratch again and compete under the same conditions

4. 8 players, from each group, will be chosen to represent NZ in 2010 and will proceed to Phase 4

A squad comprising 8 players from each group

will represent New Zealand and continue to Phase (4)

Phase 4 - Assessment (Squad) Camp Two

This camp weekend will be used to measure the squad playing games under pressure. The objective is to determine the next performing combinations to represent New Zealand in 2010.

1. The squad will be configured into teams and will compete against each other in both games and exercises

2. Camp will be held on 13th & 14th March at Herne Bay, Auckland

3. Combinations may change depending on compatibility and performance

4. A coach for each team will be appointed

Phase 5 - Preparation for representative teams

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 Female Representative Groups:

• 6 players for the Trans Tasman Challenge

• 4 players for Asian games (or similar)

The team to represent NZ at the 2010 World Championships will be formed from:

• Four of the six players, competing in the Trans Tasman Challenge

• The same triples combinations (of the Trans Tasman) will compete in the National Triples

• The team of four will be announced after the Trans Tasman Challenge

2010 Representative Pathway Diagram (PDF)

Coaching

Representative players/teams will be allocated a coach. Due to the geographical diversity, we may have one coach per region to offer coaching to representative players on a weekly basis.

It is important to note that players can optimally improve their performance through goal setting with their coaches and individual practice and training to reach those goals.