Become A Member

Alliance Women’s Selection Policy

Alliance Selection Policy – Women’s Teams

As shared in the Alliance newsletter (December 2024), our women’s membership has now surpassed 500 players. This incredible growth presents exciting opportunities to field teams across all age categories — from O35 through to O70. It also introduces logistical and competitive challenges, particularly around team selection, which this updated policy aims to address.

Selection Philosophy

Our selection approach varies depending on the type of tournament:

  • Elite Tournaments
    For WMH-endorsed and FIH-sanctioned events, Alliance aims to field the strongest possible teams in each age category.
    Where tournament rules permit, we will endeavor to enter multiple teams (e.g., A & B teams) to maximize playing opportunities while maintaining competitive standards.
  • Festival Tournaments
    For non-WMH-endorsed “festival” events, team selection will prioritize balance and inclusivity, allowing as many players as possible to participate and enjoy meaningful playing time.

Player Expectations

Players who nominate for selection are expected to:

  • Commit to attending all matches during the tournament
  • Arrive at least one day early for a pre-tournament team training session
  • Maintain a high level of fitness and mobility
    • Players may be asked to submit short videos demonstrating agility, speed, and match-readiness

Selection Committee (Initial)

The Alliance Women’s Selection Committee is composed of:

  • A minimum of two representatives per age group, each with at least two years’ experience playing with Alliance
  • Players who competed at the 2024 WMH European Championships and are not trialing for national teams in 2026

The committee is chaired by:

  • Ishbel Dickens – Vice President, Women

2026 Selection Committee Members:

Name                                                             Country

Jackie Graham-Linares                             GIB

Wendy Stewart                                             CAN

Megan Mackenzie                                       SCO

Nikki Roberts                                                 WAL

Sally Walsh                                                     RSA

Caz Kirkland                                                   ENG

Trish Carraher                                                NZL

Sue Norman                                                   ENG

Note: Selection Committee members are not guaranteed selection to the top (“A”) team. All selections are made based on merit and performance.

Selection Criteria

Selections for elite events will be based on the following factors:

  • Coach feedback and evaluations
  • Team cohesion and dynamics
  • Individual skill and fitness
  • Prior performance (including video analysis when necessary)
  • Third-party recommendations/video submissions for players unknown to selectors

For festival tournaments, selections will be more flexible to ensure a broad and balanced representation of players across teams.


Appeals Process

Right of Appeal

  • Any player who nominated for selection and disagrees with the outcome has the right to appeal the decision.
  • Appeals may only be made on the grounds of:
  • A perceived error in the application of the selection policy
  • A failure to consider relevant information provided before selection
  • Evidence of bias or conflict of interest

Submission of Appeal

  • An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Selection Committee within 7 days of the official announcement of selections.
  • The written appeal must clearly state the grounds for appeal and include any supporting evidence.

Appeals Panel

  • Appeals will be reviewed by an independent Appeals Panel consisting of three Alliance members not involved in the original selection process.
  • The Appeals Panel will review both the rationale behind the Selection Committee’s decision and the reasons the player impacted feels an appeal is warranted.
  • The Appeals Panel will include:
  • One current or former committee member from another age group;
  • One senior Alliance officer (not directly involved in selections); and
  • One neutral member appointed by the Alliance Executive

Outcome

  • The Appeals Panel will review the appeal within 14 days of submission.
  • The decisions of the Appeals Panel are final and binding.
  • The outcome will be communicated in writing to the appellant.

Limitations

  • An appeal cannot be made solely on the basis of disappointment with non-selection.
  • Selection decisions based on performance or team balance will not be overturned unless there is clear evidence of procedural error or bias.