STIC

[rosickyrocks]

one of the coaches from the STIC saw it fit to sit 5 players on the bench for the last game for 50 out of the 60 mins - to as I see it try and win the last game which would have given him a slim chance of getting into the finals ie: if other teams lost and he won by so many goals. However he had only won one of the other 3 games sitting these players off for half of the game and it was obvious at the game that they weren't going to win. STIC what is it all about
These players missed out on getting any action shots as they were taken in the second half of that game when they were on the bench and they felt very dejected - not a good experience for any of them. However it would appear that many parents have opinions about these championships - One parent said to me "Oh it doesn't matter if the girls don't get an equal amount of time as long as we win the championship!" (Maybe they wouldn't be saying that if it was their child that was getting a lesser time. Another parent said "Our coach is hopeless he chose 2 players that could hardly run instead of National players" I wonder if that team had been more successful whether the same comment would have been made - Obviously most parents think it's more about winning the Championship then Identifying players what does the powers that be think??
Talent Identification or Winning a Championship ask yourself?
The U20 Australia coach has stated something to the affect that the reason our soccer hasn't been developing as in other countries is that from a very young age all we concentrate on is winning - I have seen this especially in the Junior Levels its all about speed and kicking the ball forward as quickly as possible and who has the strongest kick - where has all the development gone? Until we start concentrating on playing the beautiful game in the correct way - so we don't score so many goals but we make sure out young players have quality and develop their decision making and tactical awareness we won't improve womens soccer in this state - A lot of girls come to play soccer with no awareness about the game and this is something we need to address as coaches.

[pvfc]

I dont recall there being any National players at STIC? (ie players that have actually been named in a national squad - not just a training camp). Did the parents mean State players (who played at the Nationals)?

STIC is for talent ID, and all girls should be given equal opportunity in the 'round robin' games at least. This is where the majority of the identification seems to go on anyway.
If they DO make the final then that is a bonus, and only at that point should winning possibly come into the equation.

[greavsie's_daughter]

Furthermore, I believe that there are very detailed rules of the tournament, given to the coaches ahead of time, that specifically detail how much pitch time each player must get i.e. number of starts, number of full halves, total number of minutes...in the round robin part of the tournament especially. The coaches are required by the rules of the tournament and the FFSA to document this carefully. I would think that parents are within their rights to request to see the documentation (and it's in the best interest of the coaches to keep such documentation to avoid sharges like this) if they feel there is inequity in playing time among players, and I daresay the FFSA should be monitoring this and following up with the STIC coaches. All a little late now, but FYI.

[ARodgers]

Participation Requirements
Rule 26.
(a) In the round robin group matches, each player in the representative squad shall start the match in at least two of those round robin group matches.

(b) In the round robin group matches, each player in the representative squad shall play at least two matches up until half time before being interchanged, subject to the player being injury free in that time.

(c) The requirements in 26 (a) and 26 (b) do not apply to semi finals, finals or play off matches.

(d) Teams in breach of the requirements 26 (a) and 26 (b) shall be required to play the affected player(s) in the next match, in accordance with those two requirements, regardless of whether the next match is part of the round robin group matches or a semi final, whichever applies.

(e) Over the playing time of the Championships ALL players must have had, as near as practicable, equal playing time on the pitch. The exception to this is a player who sustains an injury that prohibits playing for a period of time.

This what we were all given as coaches. Referees took note of who started every match, and at what time substitutions were made.

[rosickyrocks]

Thank you for that I was sure that there were some pretty strict guidelines and a bit upset for those 5 players - we have been involved in other tournaments with no cause for complaint
However these players were very upset even the other team was suggesting the coach put them on as it was obvious the other players were pretty tired - however nothing much can be done now - maybe the main thing is making sure it doesn't happen again
Does anyone really check the teams sheets etc!??

[ARodgers]

I'm with you on that one, STIC is 'State Talent Identification Championships', while it's really nice to win the tournament (Go u/14 North ) , it's purpose is to get girls who are good enough, but not yet identified into the system. The coaches have a responsibility not only to give all the girls as much time as possible, but also to try and play them in their best/preferred position, which happily most of the coaches did....

On the plus side this was probably the best run of all the STICs i've been involved with and there was a very high level of competition from all zones, instead of just East and South dominating. We have some wonderful young players coming through the system, best of luck to all of them!

[pvfc]

STIC is not over yet! Even though it is south vs east (to the dismay of arodgers) I encourage everyone to go along to hindmarsh on Saturday @ 11:45 for the U16 girls final which is being played as the curtain raiser to the W-League game. Should be a great game....

[ARodgers]

Dismayed though I am, should be a great game, go east!!

[earth calling mars]

NOOO - not east to win on penaltis for the 3rd year in a row... Go South!