Tryout guidelines

Tryouts are but one component of the evaluation process. Important emphasis is given to coach’s evaluations of players as evidenced by a season of games and practices.

The role of the coordinator is to facilitate the tryout process. Coordinator arranges time, place of tryouts. Arranges fields, invites independent evaluators and establishes format of tryouts. Communicates with parents and players as to process.

Establish expectations of parents. A short document provided to the parents prior to the tryouts that outlines the tryout and evaluation process is helpful and suggested. 

At least two evenings of tryouts. Players can attend one or both.

During tryouts, prior team placement or ability must not segregate players.  Teams/players should be integrated during tryouts.

Strongly suggest that outside evaluators be asked to participate in the evaluation process. MLS is a good resource for the evaluation process.

SYSA strongly suggests that Age Group Coordinator and Coaches make a significant effort to see other teams and significant players within the age group under competitive conditions prior to the tryouts. This opportunity could present itself in Tournaments, rescheduled games or if necessary practice scrimmages. 

Recommend that all Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches rank the players from their team prior to tryouts. The Age Group Coordinator consolidates all data from all coaches.

The ranking process and the movement concept can help to identify the strongest and weakest players that would be likely candidates for movement. The tryout process can provide the opportunity to confirm the abilities of the candidates.

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. Movement should not be for the sake of movement but should reflect the knowledge that there is little difference between the lowest ranked players of the higher level team and the highest ranked players of the lower ranked team. 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, yet 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 tryout 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.

Feedback from all evaluators is consolidated in written/chart from. Rankings are consolidated in written/chart form. Final evaluation results of all players should be made available to appropriate age group coaches. 

Preliminary discussion of players and team format should occur with input from coaches and evaluators.

Teams are outlined in draft form by Age Group Coordinator from results of  rankings, written evaluations and tryouts results and preliminary discussions. We strongly recommend a coach’s meeting to discuss draft team placements, evaluations and tryout results. All active coaches and active assistant coaches invited to attend.  Final teams discussed and established.

Coaches and Assistant coaches identified for teams following the placement process. Coaches 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.

Players and parents notified of team placement and coaches. Recommend the player’s team, teammates and coaches only are identified to player and parents. 

The results should be available for review by SYSA. While the review of data by SYSA is unlikely, records of tryouts and evaluations should be preserved.

Grievance Procedures: Grievances regarding evaluation and tryout procedures are to be discussed 1) with the Age Group Coordinator and 2) with the appropriate Board-VP Coordinator. It is expected that grievances be focused upon 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 request 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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