BAYS evaluation and placement guidelines

Last Updated: Sunday, May 18, 2008

Evaluations for BAYS teams will be held every spring, prior to the fall season.

Evaluations are but one component of the evaluation process. Important emphasis is given to coaches' evaluations of players as evidenced by a season of games and practices.

There will be two nights of evaluations scheduled per age group. Players should attend both tryout nights for their age group. On the first night of the tryouts, groupings of players will be a mix of abilities. Results from the first night of tryouts will determine groupings for the second night of tryouts. Depending on numbers of registrations, and other factors, the second night of evaluations for certain age groups may not be required. However, all players should plan to be available for both nights.

SYSA will utilize MLS coaches and independent evaluators to assess the players. Evaluators will be secured by the Age Group Coordinators and Boys and Girls' Directors.

The format for the tryouts will be established by the SYSA Director of Coaching. 

The Age Group Coordinator will compile the results of the evaluations, along with the coaches' evaluations and MLS input. This information will be put together in chart form and will be used to determine team make-up. 

Teams are outlined in draft form by Age Group Coordinator. 

The Age Group Coordinator will hold a coach's placement meeting to discuss draft team placements, evaluations and tryout results. All active coaches and active assistant coaches invited to attend. Final teams will be discussed and established.

Coaches and Assistant Coaches are identified for teams following the placement process. Coaches are selected after review of "coach's evaluation," independent feedback, and a regard for MYSA license training, history of involvement and willingness and capability of coaches to represent SYSA with enthusiasm. SYSA recommends one Head Coach and one Assistant Coach. SYSA encourages involving new coaches in the programs as available. In the case where there are multiple candidates for a head coach on a team, SYSA supports the movement of coaches each fall (i.e. alternating head coach, etc.).

After the coaching placement meeting for each age group, the Age Group Coordinator will submit the final proposed rosters to the respective Boys or Girls Director for final review.

After review by the Boys or Girls Director, team rosters can be sent to the coaches. The coaches can then notify players of their team placement.

SYSA supports the concept of player movement between teams following the Spring season. Movement should be made after the Fall season only where necessary to accommodate a change in numbers of teams. Promoting the strongest players up to the higher teams provides these players with a more competitive environment and the opportunity to play and compete with stronger players. SYSA history shows that player movement is likely to occur at every level. Team assignments are made with the best interests of players and teams in mind.

Players registered for the Spring who did not play on a Sudbury Soccer team in the Fall should be first slotted toward open slots among the existing teams, assuming the placement is credible and appropriate. For example, a mid division one team player could be placed on the two team, but probably not the three team. If such an option is not available, Coordinators will use all available input (from coaches and any previous tryouts/playing experience) to make the placement.

Players who do not attend evaluations should not expect to be placed on a top team. 

Player movement should involve several players from team to team. Movement down of one player only is generally inappropriate and unkind.

Grievance Procedures: Complaints about evaluation and tryout procedures are to be discussed 1) with the Age Group Coordinator and 2) with the appropriate Board-VP Coordinator. Grievances should focus on evaluation process and logistics rather than individual player placements.

The guidelines are suggested only from history and recognition of prior "best practices". SYSA recognizes that all evaluation processes and tryout formats must be tailored to the age group and number of players. SYSA requests that age group coordinators contact SYSA to discuss process that do not follow the intent and philosophy adopted within these suggestions and guidelines for approval of a significantly modified process. 

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