Tryouts

For many activities, tryouts are a highly stressful time for students and families. Tryouts are usually held when groups are limited in roster size/cast size. Limited size means that a process must also be in place so that athletes can be cut from the selection pool. Great care must be taken in developing an evaluation and cut system so that all participants are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

The head coach/advisors are responsible for the tryout process and be available at the Activities Director request.

The following guidelines should be followed for tryouts:

1. Tryouts should include at least three sessions.

2. At least two coaches should be part of the evaluation process.

3. A system of evaluations must be implemented and recorded.

4. Evaluation components must be clearly articulated to the athletes before tryouts begin.

5. Final evaluations shall include both the individual grade and comments and should be available to the student-athletes upon their request.

6. All tryout evaluations should be kept until the end of the season.

7. Tryouts may only be based on the current three session tryout.

8. If injuries or special circumstances exist a player must cleared by the head coach to miss tryouts, then upon their return or clearance the first three sessions will serve as their tryout.

9. The AD needs to be informed of all special circumstances.

The following guidelines should be followed for cuts:

1. Coaches must meet or be made available to meet with cut students to focus on future development.

2. Above all, a students’ hope must remain for next year (set goals to grow).

3. Only personal data may be shared with a student to be cut (data privacy) about them and never make comparisons to other students.

4. Send a cut list and reasons to the Activities Secretary before athletes are made aware.

5. Make sure to discuss any difficult decisions with Activities Director before final cuts.