Tryout Information

Our ability to provide athletics programming at our school is dependent on our volunteer coaches. These coaches generously give up many hours a week to provide meaningful sports and athletics experiences for our athletes.  The number of teams that we are able to accommodate for any given sport depends on facility availability and our ability to connect with qualified and screened coaches. If you are interested in coaching please see the coaching staff page. 

Tryout Protocol and Information

• Tryout information will be included in daily announcements, on the home page of this site

• All athletes must complete this sign-up sheet prior to tryouts. 

• Team rosters are never final. Rosters are subject to change throughout the school year due to varying circumstances as deemed necessary by the athletics director and in conjunction with the school administration following NLSchools Policy. 

Tryout Times

Tryout times are dependent on the sport seasons. While many sports do start in the Fall, sports whose game play is limited to early Fall (soccer/softball/cross country) will be prioritized for try outs in early September.  A screened coaching staff must be in place before tryouts can occur.  Volleyball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey tryouts will be in early Fall. Badminton and Ball Hockey tryouts (if available) will happen in February/March

Athletes Responsibilities During Tryouts

Uphold respect for fellow participants, coaches and equipment at all times. 

Attend all tryouts for a team. 

• If you are unable to make a tryout time for the sport you are interested in, you must contact the coaching staff and the Athletics Director (alyssabrennan@nlschools.ca) to notify of your extenuating circumstance. Tryout accommodations will be given on a case by case basis. 

• Given tryout exemptions, if you can make at least 1 tryout - coaches will be able to assess the athlete for team selection.

• Ice Hockey Tryouts will require payment of a tryout fee through Rycor. If you require a waiver of this fee please contact the Athletic Director or School Administrative Assistant Nancy Lacey. 

Tryout Process

• The number and length of tryouts is determined by a variety of factors including the sport, whether teams combine for a tryout and the number of participants.

• Athletes must attend tryouts at the posted time

• Tryout assessment is used to select a team, or multiple teams depending on the sport. The tryout process has changed from past practices for some sports. The coaching staff of a sport attends the tryouts, assess all athletes and selects the team(s) from the tryout.

• Assessment of athletes at tryouts is done using a sport specific version of the HTH Tigers team selection criteria (see below).

Team Selection Criteria

Where cuts are necessary, coaches and evaluators use the following guidance in order to determine the ranking of athletes for participation in the HTH Athletics Program. We understand that this can be a difficult and stressful process for our athletes. 

At HTH we value the importance of delivering the highest quality sports programming for our athletes possible. We strive to provide opportunities for students to develop their physical, technical, tactical, leadership, and social skills. We also strive to provide as much opportunity for students to participate in school athletics within our means of available coaches, court times, etc.

High school athletics are not fair play teams or programs, but we try to give student athletes as much experience as possible to grow and develop in their sport.

In selecting athletes, the selection committee will consider the criteria listed below, in reference to the Athlete Development Framework focusing on: Physical, Technical/Tactical, Game Knowledge/IQ, Psychological and Character Attributes. 

Although all criteria will be considered, not all criteria are weighted the same. 

HTH Tigers Team Selection Criteria

Physical Attributes Assessment

• Demonstrated physical sport specific characteristics of potential elite level high school athletes such as:

• Height, reach, jump, and power, and sport specific physical attributes.

• Movement skills, coordination, agility, and body control as it relates to performing skills and footwork patterns. 

Individual Technical/Tactical sport specific assessment

• • Ability to consistently apply skills while limiting errors in competitive situations

  • Sport specific skills

Ability to identify, implement and follow tactical strategies

• Ability and consistency of cue reading, making decisions and executing skill during game situations

Psychological & Character Attributes Assessment

• • Demonstrates qualities conducive to individual improvement such as (but not limited to): self-motivated, strong work ethic, responsible, competitive, accountable, driven, and focused

  • Demonstrates qualities conducive to team success such as (but not limited to): strong leadership, positive attitude, good teammate, cooperative, respectful, and flexible

Frequently Asked Questions

I was on the team last year, do I still have to tryout this year?

Yes. Being on the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year. 

My child did not make the team. How can I support them?

While not making a team can be disappointing it is also an opportunity for growth and resilience. There are some things you can do to support: 

• Model Positive Attitudes. Don't Over-React. 

  • • It is important that we model what it looks like to accept what has happened and approach it from a growth mindset. It may feel like a big blow in the moment, but it’s not the end of the world. It’s important to praise athletes for their efforts. You can say, “You did your best. I’m proud of you.”

    • Ask questions to help athletes think through the process. "Why do you think it didn’t work out?” or “Why do you think you didn’t become a starting player?”

    • It is unhelpful to seek out something exterior to blame (a coach, someone making the team who you feel didn't deserve it, etc). This often leads to resentment and does not encourage growth and resilience. 

• Encourage Your Student to Try Another Extra-Curricular Activity/Sport

  • • There are many opportunities in our school and in the community to get involved. Extra-curriculars are a great way to develop a sense of belonging in the school. 

• Look For Other Opportunities

  • • If your child has a really strong desire to participate in the specific sport there are many opportunities for that athlete to develop their skills prior to next years tryouts. These include skills camps, leagues, club programs, rec programs, and intramural sport opportunities. Check with your sport governing body for other opportunities in the area

    • If there were enough athletes who tried out to have a second/third team there is a possibility to form another team if available coaches/gym time allows. 

• Try Again

  • • Just because your child didn't didn't make the team this year does not mean you will not make it next year. Encourage them to keep working on their skills, endurance, communication, and leadership skills. 

• Refer Them To Our Guidance Team

  • • If your child is really struggling with not making the team and it is impacting their mental health please refer them to the guidance team here at HTH.  You may also reach out to them to make the first connection if your child is hesitant.