Crew Selection Criteria
Photos Steve West / Text Chris Maynard, Billy Whitford and others.
Extract from Paddlers Guide to Outrigger Canoeing
No matter how fair and reasonable the system may be that the coach has in place for determining crew selection, someone will always feel hard done by when left out of a crew. It is important that the coach be able to justify their reasons as they refer the paddler back through the selection criteria. If you have no system in place, you fail to create an insurance policy which you can use and refer back to when explaining your final cut.
Below is a brief list of criteria included in the Paddlers Guide to OC collected from top level coaches.
• Selection Chart - Charting who is considered in the 1st. 2nd, 3rd crew etc.
• Ability - Some paddlers simply have greater amounts of 'ability' to pull a canoe through water than others.
• Strength - We are concerned with Strengh Endurance, not Pure or Raw Strength.
• Endurance - How much stamina / endurance does your paddler have.
• Timing and Technique - How well does the paddler keep in time and how sound is their technique.
• Attitude- Positive, negative, happy-go-lucky, co-operative, moody, insecure etc
• Participation - At a club level.
• Changing Combinations of Paddlers - To establish the best 'mix' and fastest hull speed.
• Blending - Fitting the paddlers together to get the best 'average' hull speed over any given distance.
• Individual Effort and Performance at Training - The paddlers willingness to work hard at evey session.
• OC2 Competition - 'Paired' performance and blend testing.
• OC1 Competition - 'Individual' performance.
• Feedback from Team Members When Asked - This may reveal character conflicts.
• Feedback from Other Coaches - Third party evaluation can help.
• Attendance - How regular does the paddler attend.
• Developing Paddling Skills - Does the paddler actively pursue self-improvement.
• Strength of Mind and Body - How strong are they at these levels.
• Flexibility, Power, Endurance, Speed, Strength - Fitness
• Make a Difference - Does the paddler make a difference when in the crew.
• Ocean Skills - What inherent ocean skills does the paddler possess.
• Final Crew Selection - Select, then re-select for next race to keep paddlers keen for their seat.
• Pay Your Dues - Running a club requires money. Have they paid.
Outrigger Canoe Club Of Australia selection notes for Hamilton Cup.
Things to think about before you make a decision in selecting your crew.
Remember to put personalities aside your selecting a team of nine that can paddle the fastest for the 42km Hamilton Cup. You could think of a starting six and look at positions to fill after that.
Write down some combo’s or a change chart thinking of where people can sit or better still where paddlers are best suited. Take into consideration weight distribution throughout the canoe.
Look at the possibility this year if a certain combination is working extending paddling time in the canoe. On the other hand if the canoe is suffering with a bad combo doing a quick a change. Look at how out teams have changed over the years, very rarely the same nine are selected each time we race.
You could write down a score out of 10 for each or make a decision on what you have identified when you have been at training, regatta’s, time trials and other sessions. BE HONEST.
In this year, 4 selectors were choosen and because selection was so tight, they were marking paddlers, out of 10 points, on each of the criteria outlined. When they would come together, the points for each were analysed and a pattern emerged, which paved the way for eventual selection to be made.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Preparation (training/racing)
Fitness levels
Attendance at Training & Races
Desire or Motivation
Enthusiasm
Self Improvement
Availability
Participation
Ability
Strength Endurance
Time Trials (OC1)
Seat Swaps
Blending/Combos
Rhythm
Timing Technique
Versatility
Specialised (seat position)
Skills (changes, bailing etc.)
Experience
Concentration
Conditions (good in rough, flat or both)
When crews are finally chosen - HAVE CONFIDENCE IN EACH OTHER.