When and where are the Nationals?

The 2013 Nationals is to be held on 13 and 14 April 2013 at Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton. This is not open to club sides, only sanctioned regional franchises are allowed to participate.

What are the ‘regional franchises’?

These are the areas in which the country has been split up in to, see here for your contact.

What is the selection process for the regional teams?

Coaches of the Men’s and Women’s teams in each region are responsible for advertising and administering at least one ‘open’ trial which may be attended by any player eligible for that region before selecting their final squad. The format and timings may vary from region to region. Dates for each region will be advertised in each region’s page.

How many players will be in the regional teams?

Regions are free to have whatever size training squad the regional coaches see as appropriate. The squads will need to be cut down to 16 players per team for the tournament in April 2013.

Are regional teams open to anyone to play in?

No, as this is being used to develop English players and as vehicle for selection for the 2013 Home Nations for the Open’s, senior′s and master’s squads. Regional coaches are required to select a minimum of 12 players in each final team who are eligible to play for England, 2 of whom must be 21 or under at the date of the tournament.

This will be dependent on individual regions requirements. There are no restrictions imposed as regional coaches will know what works best for their region. If you wish to discuss this matter further please contact your regional coach.

Are all the regions learning the same thing, i.e. is there a ‘curriculum’?

There will be some core basics which all regional will be required to coach. The coaches will also bring their own ideas, experience and knowledge to the training sessions.

If I don’t make the regional squad, can I still make the England squad?

Individual situations will be taken on a case by case basis by the HP Team. If a national coach wishes to select a player who does not play at the 2013 nationals they will be required to apply for an exemption to do so.

What are the eligibility rules for regional sides?

In order for a player to be eligible for a region, they will need to have participated in an affiliated league (see list here) in their region in the last 12 months; or be registered (and regularly play) with an affiliated club; or live within the regional boundaries outlined.

What are the eligibility rules for England Squads?

Player eligibility for international sporting competition can be a complex and often emotive issue. The defining elements are at the very heart of global competition and key issues involved in ascertaining eligibility include aspects of nationality, passport, residency, ancestry, place of birth, playing history, the respective country’s selection process and even a player’s gender and age.

Please note that in order to be selected to the regional/national training squad (and subsequent national teams); a player must satisfy the following the criteria in the this Player Eligibility Document.

To apply for exemption if a player does not comply with the eligibility criteria, coaches are to fill in the Eligibility Exemption Application Form.

Where are the regional boundaries?

Please see this map as a guide: Regional Map

Are there any exemptions allowed?

Exemptions will be taken on a case by case basis by the HP Team. A Regional coach who wishes to select a player who does not meet the eligibility criteria outlined above will be required to apply for an exemption to do so.

What do I do if I want to trial for an England mixed side, not men’s or women’s?

If you would like to play mixed for England, you still need to compete in the Nationals.

Do we need a kit to participate?

A numbered team playing shirt will be the only compulsory kit required for the tournament.

How much is it going to cost me to play at Nationals?

Overall costs are currently being finalised, with the focus on keeping costs to a minimum. Unfortunately we need to cover costs such as tournament fees, referees, first aid, field hire, etc. This will be communicated out asap.

What are the rules on sponsorship of the regions?

Regions are welcome and encouraged to find their own sponsorship and the extent of sponsorship is at the sole discretion of the region. If you know of an organisation who wishes to be involved in supporting England Touch beyond the regional competition, please contact Gregg Cropper