Let's start with the basic performance premise for any competitive side,
performance.  All other selection criteria - attendance, fitness, weight,
etc. - are generally chosen to promote activity that will improve one's
performance.  When these other selection criteria outweigh an individual's
performance - that is, that individual's contribution to the team's success
on the field - then it suggests that the team's primary objective is not
being competitive or that individuals are seeking selection based on
something other than performance, usually to the detriment to the team's
overall on-field success.  Of course, in order to maintain a healthy,
diverse, and enjoyable club environment, a balance must be struck between
on-field performance and actions that support the club as an organization.
That being said, few clubs remain healthy and viable without some level of
on-field success.  Finally, while the subject of one's attendance has been
highlighted extensively lately as a selection criteria, I would suggest
that the following should be considered as well:

• on-field ability (performance, as discussed above)
• overall rugby experience
• experience with the Quins
• general fitness
• consideration for other, legitimate obligations (family, work, etc.)

As far as I can tell, attendance plays an appropriate role in determining
selections on our team.  If two individuals are equal in performance, the
one with the better attendance will undoubtedly get the selection (rightly
so) due to the coaches' preference for those with better attendance based
on their better understanding of the game plan and plays.  As an
individual, if someone you are competing against isn't making practice, you
are getting an opportunity to get better while they are not - you should be
closing the gap or surpassing them.  What more opportunity can you ask for
as a competitor?

In all sports, playing time is earned.  Getting better and earning one's
playing time is where all of us should be focused.  With that in mind, work
hard in the off-season so you are on the field with your mates in the
spring.

On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 6:40 PM, Steve Klaus via Rhino <
rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com> wrote:

--
Kregg

I think we should hold the same standards for D3 as for D2, I agree with
Kregg.

I'm trusting our execs to do what is best for the Quin family.

I'll see everyone at touch tomorrow,

Love
Tweak
On Oct 28, 2014 8:11 PM, "Kregg Hyer via Rhino" <
rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com> wrote:

Quins!   Rates have been pretty solid lately.  Now may be a good time to take a look at your mortgage situation.  As always, with every loan done, $250 goes to the club and i take you to the Rover for beers.   Let me know if i can help you or any of your friends and family.   Goose  
 
Mike Scheffler
720-255-5555
http://mortgage.lhfs.com/MikeScheffler/
From: Kris Hofstra kris.hofstra@gmail.com
To: Michael croatia80210@yahoo.com
Cc: Steve Klaus axischiro@msn.com; "rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com" rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 8:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhino] Selections Question- Please Read and Respond

Men,
E-mail me if you're concerned about selections. Or anything about how the club is being run. If you're unhappy, then I want to hear about it! If you're stoked on the changes this year, then send me a note about that, too! I do work all day, so I may not be able to respond to messages in lengthy detail, but I will share any thoughts at our Exec meeting tomorrow evening. 
Please e-mail myself, Tom, Mikhail, or Stefan this evening or early tomorrow with anything you want us to know or talk about at the meeting. 
-Hofstra

On Oct 28, 2014, at 7:23 PM, Michael via Rhino wrote:

Speaking from experience, selections will never be 100% fair if you want to win, recruit and be competitive. I have been on both sides of this. 
Don't let this issue divide this club or team. Very smart and dedicated people are running this club. If you have a concern about your playing time or selection, send tom an email directly. We are grown men here. This club is fair. The executive committee will not judge you for your input. 
Stay as one unit and figure it out. 
GO QUINS! 

Mike SchefflerMschefflerloans.com720-255-5555
On Oct 28, 2014, at 6:40 PM, Steve Klaus via Rhino rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com wrote:

#yiv7905978916 #yiv7905978916 --.yiv7905978916hmmessage P{margin:0px;padding:0px;}#yiv7905978916 body.yiv7905978916hmmessage{font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;}#yiv7905978916 Kris,
 
Yes your answer is simple, however it is fundamentally flawed and still didn't answer the question. Flawed because the issue isn't who is not but who is getting selected. First of all, most guys aren't going to wine to the coach that they aren't getting selected. However, doesn't mean that they aren't unhappy about guys getting selected that don't make the trainings. The majority do not like it but don't feel comfortable speaking out and just let it go. Secondly, I asked what are the criteria for selections. No need to respond to that at this point because I understand that you guys are meeting later this week and then will be able to explain what the criteria were/are.
 
Gentlemen,
 
This is your time to speak up if it bother's you that guys are getting selected that aren't making an appropriate amount of trainings. As well as just showing up for the first time and getting selected that week. I know some of you may not feel comfortable putting your thoughts to an email yourselves or just don't feel that you know Tom well enough to respond directly to him. Feel free to respond to me and I will add you to the list. I am also happy to hear if you have a different opinion on the matter.
 
Cheers,
 
Doc Steve
 
 
 

 
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:32:15 +0000
To: rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com
Subject: Re: [Rhino] Selections Question
From: rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com

Gents,As Kris stated we are meeting this week to go over this and other club business. As this has been a point of contention over the Spring season I would encourage you all to speak up on this topic.I am not looking to single people out here but to get a genuine feel of the club on this topic.  As the president one of my roles is ombusperson. If you do not want you name shared but your voice heard please email me directly and I will take your sentiments to the meeting anonymously as I have done in the past.
Thanks,Tom VylesDHRFC 

  From: Kris Hofstra via Rhino <rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com>

To: Steve Klaus axischiro@msn.com
Cc: "rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com" rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 9:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Rhino] Selections Question

My answer is simple: If someone isn't being selected, then they should ask the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches why not. 
I have received only one inquiry from one player about selections all season. He also spoke to our Head Coach, and his questions were answered. In addition, I approached another on my own accord. Neither are unhappy. 
If anyone has a concern about the process, then please e-mail me today or tomorrow and I will air your grievance to the exec board and coaching staff. We will be meeting later this week to discuss closing out the fall season. 
Good work this weekend gentlemen,
Kris Hofstra, Esq.
Norton and Bowers, P.C.303-400-8100
2851 South Parker Road, Suite 230
Aurora, CO 80014
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS E-MAIL TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE DESIGNATED RECIPIENT NAMED ABOVE. This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately by telephone at (303)400-8100 and do not disclose the contents, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information in any medium.

On Sun, Oct 26, 2014 at 4:26 PM, Steve Klaus axischiro@msn.com wrote:

Kris,
 
After another shady selection successfully pulled off. Has anybody come up with something? This should have been an easy question to answer.
 
Thanks,
 
Doc Steve
 
Subject: Re: [Rhino] Selections Question
From: kris.hofstra@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 07:15:07 -0600
CC: rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com
To: axischiro@msn.com

Doc Steve,
The Execs and Selectors can address your concerns after today's games. We aim to have more transparency and dialogue amongst team members than years past. 
However, this morning's primary concern is getting our work done on the field. We can address any off-field issues after we face Boulder and Queen City. Our focus today is moving up the D3 and D2 tables.
Quins, Saturday is a rugby day. Get to Cook early and get your heads on straight. Today we play for pride and for each other. 
-Hofstra
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 25, 2014, at 1:50 AM, Steve Klaus via Rhino rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com wrote:

To Executives and Selection Committee,
 
What are the criteria that have to be met in order to be eligible for selections? Because it appears that are none. There have been several examples that lead me to believe this. First, after 6 weeks of training, a player shows up to 1 training and is selected to play in the D2 game that weekend. Then, we are now 10 weeks into the season and a brand new player to the club shows up that week and gets selected to start in the D2 game. And finally, we have a player selected to start in the D2 that didn't make either training this week. In addition to that, he has missed many trainings throughout the season due to work. Not to mention, the game that he almost totally missed a couple weeks ago. Lol. Also, I was told by the head exec that certain players get preferential consideration when it comes to selections.
 
I think the criteria(if any exist) should be more transparent so everyone knows exactly what they are. It's get confusing because all the speeches and emails saying that you have to make training in order to be selected. I would appreciate clarity to this matter.
 
Thank you,
 
Doc Steve
 

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I entirely agree with Kregg. Well said Kregg, thank you. As a team, we need
to keep our focus and priorities straight. We need to take the Harlequins
to the next level and always be playing for nationals. Over the years I
have been with the club, I have witnessed many matches lost due to fielding
players not best suited for the match using an already severely flawed
selection process and throwing our chances of making nationals. I've
witnessed "selectors" starting themselves over better players numerous
times to appease their own selfish sense of entitlement, but not for our
common "team" Harlequin goal of WINNING. While I'm sharing my opinion, I
also vote to make necessary substitutions due to lack of performance
immediately rather than waiting until half time to dig ourselves out of a
deep hole and try to come from behind. Mates, if you're given the
opportunity to start, play your best from the whistle as we obviously have
many players who are waiting for their opportunity. Your spot is yours to
take and yours to lose, just like every other sports team. The rugby season
is too long to play just for the sake of playing.  In my experience with
every other club, the coaches have always selected the rosters.  Fielding
our best team will allow us to play our best and make a name for our club
to be respected as a team that goes to nationals every year. Fielding our
highest caliber, most experienced team will also demonstrate to everyone
else how to better play the game, relatively making every harlequin player
better.  This should be our priority. Obviously I've been on the injured
bench this fall season but I plan to be back this spring, anxious and
excited to play for  my position. See you guys at the gym. Thanks, AK
On Oct 28, 2014 8:35 PM, "Matt Piele via Rhino" <
rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com> wrote:

Well said AK! I'm with Kregg and Ak. I don't like or really understand the
section committee. The coaching staff should chooses who plays on any team,
they evaluate all week and should have final say, in my opinion. I love
that the Quins have a solid structure and some awesome guys that do a great
job leading it (and putting up with serious bs). Thanks to all the young
guys stepping up too. I'm sure the meeting this evening will settle this
and we can focus on what's to come for the spring. Competition is what we
love, and Rugby the ultimate team sport. Each of us needs all of us! Wash
Park touch should be a blast this evening and a great way for us to get
some cardio and skill work in, lets crushh this offseason (mid season) and
get in tip top! We owe it to each other and our coaching staff, who like
Pricey said is the best around. Quin Pride boys! Our old boys, a murderball
team!? and 2 sides that can compete with the best in our region? The Denver
Harlequin brand in on the come up. The best players should play. We're
lucky to have Pete put up with some of our Americanisms, he always mentions
wanting to see man out there, not boys. Lets take this thing to a new level
gents.  We've got something great here. Like AK mentioned, get in the
fuckin gym, see you fellas tonight!
Sylver
Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 29, 2014, at 9:40 AM, Alan Aubrey Kloss via Rhino <
rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com> wrote:

I entirely agree with Kregg. Well said Kregg, thank you. As a team, we need
to keep our focus and priorities straight. We need to take the Harlequins
to the next level and always be playing for nationals. Over the years I
have been with the club, I have witnessed many matches lost due to fielding
players not best suited for the match using an already severely flawed
selection process and throwing our chances of making nationals. I've
witnessed "selectors" starting themselves over better players numerous
times to appease their own selfish sense of entitlement, but not for our
common "team" Harlequin goal of WINNING. While I'm sharing my opinion, I
also vote to make necessary substitutions due to lack of performance
immediately rather than waiting until half time to dig ourselves out of a
deep hole and try to come from behind. Mates, if you're given the
opportunity to start, play your best from the whistle as we obviously have
many players who are waiting for their opportunity. Your spot is yours to
take and yours to lose, just like every other sports team. The rugby season
is too long to play just for the sake of playing.  In my experience with
every other club, the coaches have always selected the rosters.  Fielding
our best team will allow us to play our best and make a name for our club
to be respected as a team that goes to nationals every year. Fielding our
highest caliber, most experienced team will also demonstrate to everyone
else how to better play the game, relatively making every harlequin player
better.  This should be our priority. Obviously I've been on the injured
bench this fall season but I plan to be back this spring, anxious and
excited to play for  my position. See you guys at the gym. Thanks, AK
On Oct 28, 2014 8:35 PM, "Matt Piele via Rhino" <
rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com> wrote:

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Doc before you start drafting up another e mail i'll save you the time.Firstly one thing apart from the rugby I'm going to miss over the winter is your emails...especially 2am game day ones they're great and timing is spot on lol.(Laughing a little)

The answer is simple and we've discussed this earlier on in the season and hopefully this brings some clarity to players/supporters/mums/dads and anyone else who feels like putting there 2 cents worth in on this subject.One thing I do when coaching any side is create a bit more of a break for a guy who has been there and done it...specially one that is 30+ and helping the club move forward.This kind of player is a bit different to a 20+ year old player fresh out of college still learning the game and earning his stripes for that position(he needs to take every learning opportunity possible if he's serious about growing in rugby.)In saying that I don't agree with guys taking the piss out of being a senior player and the player or players involved have to explain the situation in regards to why they can not make the training(which 99% have done).In saying that jerseys need to be earned not handed on a plate,this isn't a summer volleyball team at Wash park.If you think that going through the motions on a Tuesday and Thursday night will get you prime time footy then you are mistaken.Its what you do in that time,what you do on the field and how you progress that puts you in the running for the number 1 spot.I coach to Win...not to compete and have a laugh.All selection calls are made by me bottom line,I take into consideration some suggestions or ideas from assistant coaches from time to time.

Also to the group you need to be a man to play rugby and part of that is carrying yourself like one eg: having the tough conversations you might not feel comfortable having but sometimes you just have to because its just part of life.Do you email your boss/teacher etc?Also I don't do whispers and corner talking...I was at the very least at training 30 mins early to be pulled aside for a chat regarding issues...and was available after games to discuss issues.What I'm trying to say is before anyone decides to be a keyboard warrior make sure your back yard is 100% in check aka:you ran pre season off nights,you did your gym ore season,you didn't sit in a pub Friday night with a game the next day,you were early to trainings,you were early to games,you studied games out side of trainings,you generally carried yourself like a rugby player.If you can check all these off for sure man up and speak to me directly or put your name to an e mail.This is the real world men not the Jerry Springer email forum.

Thank you again on your fall season efforts,Train hard over the winter and enjoy the down time.

Kind regards,
Pete Borlase

On 27 Oct 2014, at 09:50 a.m., "Kris Hofstra via Rhino" rhino@lists.denverharlequins.com wrote:

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