TRYOUTS

Q:  Why do you have tryouts for U8 players?  Isn’t this a little young?

A:  We conduct tryouts for all ages in order to make a determination that the player is suitable to play in the Division.  At U8, we accept almost every player that comes to tryouts.  We are only seeking to ensure that the player is capable of competing and thus will not be frustrated.  The players’ fun and enjoyment is paramount at this age and through actual experience, we know that children that are overmatched at any age will not enjoy playing in that situation.

Q:  Does each coach rate each player?  Do they try to move the best players to the same field during tryouts?

A:  Due to the numbers of players, each coach rates each player that is in his/her group of players for the final game (or series of games) on tryout day.  The players are constantly evaluated through a series of mini-games, moved from field to field and grouped with players of similar abilities so that erratic scoring can be removed from the final results.  The Division moved to this system of tryout ratings due to numerous concerns that e.g., one coach rated all players too high while another was less “generous.”  The current system focuses coaches on the players on the field for the final game(s) and the ratings a coach may determine are defined by the field.  In this system, not all coaches will see all players.  Each coach is charged with assessing the talent on his/her field only.

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TRYOUT RESULTS

Q:  Is every tryout player either "Accepted" or "Wait Listed"?

A:  No.  The Classic Division is of limited size and unfortunately, not all players can be accepted for play.

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 Q:  I have a former player who was # nnn.  The player is not listed.  Do you think that means there was a mistake made or does it mean that the player didn’t “make it.”

A:  In all likelihood, yes.  At the U10 and above age groups, the division has more players in the league and trying out than it can support.  Tryouts are truly competitive and having played in the Classic Division previously does not ensure a successful tryout.  However, mistakes can be made and any question can be resolved by email to the Classic Director.

In June, all or nearly all of the players currently in the Classic Division along with any potential players will have to tryout.  Some age groups are likely to have 200 tryout players vying for roughly 120 spots.

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