Team Selection Guidelines

Philosophy

The athletic program strives to develop the student athlete physically and instills life lessons and life skills that can last a lifetime. Coaches are expected to fill a team roster with as many student athletes as possible. Consideration must be taken to be sure not to negatively affect the experience of the team due to roster size. Limiting factors such as time, space, equipment, facilities, supervision and quality instruction necessary for team development may affect the size of the team for a sport.

Determination of team roster size

Coaches should consult with the Athletic Director before the season to determine optimum team sizes for safety, equipment, and student development. In cases when a team size needs to be reduced, the coach will keep the Athletic Director informed concerning the try-out procedure and timing of the reduction

Team size reduction guidelines

A. Responsibility

1. The selection of players for any athletic team will be the responsibility of the head coach. Team rosters will be reviewed by the Athletic Director or principal.
2. Assistant coaches will follow the policies as established by the head coach in that particular program when selecting team members. The head coach is expected to oversee this process.
3. Prior to tryouts, the coach should provide the reduction procedure to all candidates for their team and their parents (including time lines, the specified tryout period, and the criteria used to select team members). Coaches should be sure to convey the time commitment required of each student-athlete who makes the team season roster. This includes expectations throughout the entire season.

B. Tryouts

1. When a member reduction is necessary, the process should include these important elements. Each student-athlete should have completed a minimum number of practices specified for the tryout period and be permitted to compete in a scrimmage. If it is not possible for the student-athlete to participate in a scrimmage, be sure the student athlete has an opportunity to be seen in a live competition situation. The student-athlete should attend all try-out sessions. If a try-out is missed, the student-athlete must provide written permission to the coach from parents or guardians, in advance, for missing the tryout session. If permission is granted for an alternate tryout session, the athlete must go through the similar criteria process as other team members, understanding that some missed opportunities are impossible to recreate.
2. If an athlete is cut from the team, the coach will inform him or her personally as to the reason for the cut and the skills that they can work on for the next season. No posting of lists.
3. Coaches should take the opportunity to discuss other possibilities for participation in the sport, keeping the spirit of the philosophy in mind.
4. If a coach foresees difficulties arising because of squad cuts, he/she should be proactive and discuss those possibilities with the Athletic Director.