1. Players at the U13 to U18 level are eligible to try out for one of our select teams. For the 2008 U12 tryouts a pilot program was being run with the hope of streamlining the tryout process.  This process was a success and is still in use.  Through out the year the U11 players have been being observed at training sessions and games. From those observations various players will be identified and recommended to attend a shortened tryout process. If a player does not receive a recommendation from the Club they can still attend the tryouts as long as they have a recommendation from their team Coach. For more information on the pilot project see the document "U11 Scouting Letter". Tryouts are held each year in the spring, and players are required to attend a try out if they desire to play on a select team. Any player, who is not selected for a select team, is automatically placed back on their previous team, unless they have requested a transfer in writing or the team has disbanded.
   
   
   For a list of tryout dates, please click this link 2010 Tryout Schedule. We have not scheduled any tryouts for the period March 6-14 inclusive, as this is when School District 44 Spring Break occurs.There will not be makeup tryouts or alternate arrangements, so plan your vacations accordingly. The only possible exception is participation in a school event for which the participant has a note from the school, or an injury which prevents them from playing for which they have a doctor's note.
   
   This schedule is tentative, as field availability could require us to change the dates, but we will not schedule tryouts over spring break.
   
   
   
2. For Further information on the NSGSC Tryouts please contact the DIRECTORS of TRYOUTS Paul Macdonald (778) 340-2104, Andrew White (604) 984-2444 and Koren Carr (604) 929-0202. For District Metro Tryouts contact North Shore Youth Soccer Association. 
   

NSGSC Select Team Try-Out Expectations and Commitments

What is a Select team try-out?
A Select team try-out is a player evaluation, which is conducted over two to four sessions for the purpose of selecting the most skilled and suitable players in an age group to form one or more Select teams.

What skills are evaluated??
Players are evaluated on individual ball skills as well as team and game playing skills. In addition, factors such as attitude, desire, and enthusiasm are important considerations.

Who gets invited to a try-out??
Every player in the club age group receives an invitation.

Who should attend the try-out??
Any player, who is serious about making a Select try-out team and is prepared to make the commitment associated with a Select team, is encouraged to try-out. Those players who are not prepared to make the commitment or who are not intending to leave their existing team,
should not try-out.

How much does it cost to tryout for a Select team?
$35, which is a one-time annual fee for all tryouts a player may participate in.

What commitment is associated with a Select try-out team??
Players can expect to have 2 training sessions each week and sometimes 2 games per week during cup play. Select teams generally enter several tournaments per year. Players should be prepared to give Select team activities priority over other their other recreational activities. Parents should expect and be prepared to commit to additional time and travel associated with games, tournaments, and fund raising activities.

If more than one team is formed will players be placed with their friends??
No. The NSGSC has a policy to form balanced Select teams. Players will be placed on teams according to player rankings from the evaluation process.

If more than one team is formed will players be permitted to request a specific coach??
No. Under no circumstances can players expect to choose the coach. Players must expect to be placed with any of the coaches for that age group.

Do players need to attend every session of the try-out??
Yes. Missing any of the sessions will definitely affect your chances of being selected.

Will players remain with their existing team if they are unsuccessful? ?
Yes, unless they have requested a transfer.

Will try-out teams be the only teams to play in the Select league? ?
Yes. If you wish to play in a Select league, you must try-out and make the team.

How many players will be chosen??
A minimum of sixteen (16) players and a maximum of eighteen (18) players may be chosen per team.

If more than one team is selected, will there be an “A” and a “B” squad??
No. NSGSC policy states that Select teams are to be balanced.

NSGSC SELECT TEAM POLICY

Prepared: January 2010

Club Vision

Whereas a Tryout is a select player evaluation process over a fixed period of time with independent evaluators

Whereas players should be able to tryout for select teams in an environment that is objective, consistent, fair and gives consideration to a player’s skill level, athletic ability, and playing ability; and

Whereas the NSGSC tryout policy must be sensitive to the health and stability of existing teams to foster and preserve the beneficial aspects of our Club system; and

Whereas the goal of the NSGSC is for each player to play at the highest level at which she and her parents decide is appropriate:

Be it resolved that the NSGSC tryout policy be as follows:

Policy:

1.0 Eligibility

All Players registered with the NSGSC at the time of try-outs are eligible and invited to try-out in their age group.

Invitations may be sent, based on an age group bases.   

1.1 Except as set out below, select teams shall be formed through Tryout, and, if applicable, AGTC evaluations.

1.2 Players who, for exceptional reasons as determined by the NSGSC are absent from their tryouts, and for whom the NSGSC can arrange an alternate assessment, may be placed on select teams as set out below.

1.3 A player who will be absent for reasons that may be anticipated in advance of try-outs, such as a school trip, religious observance or injury will not be considered for placement unless she has provided the NSGSC, through her AGC, written verification by the relevant adult (school administrator, religious leader, etc.), at least two weeks in advance of her try-out date.

1.4 A player who is absent because she suffers an injury or becomes ill in the two weeks prior to try-outs, or during her try-outs, will not be considered for placement unless she provides the Tryout Director with a note from her physician confirming both her condition and its severity before the end of her age group’s try-out.

1.5 Absent extenuating circumstances, family holidays will not constitute exceptional circumstances acceptable to the NSGSC for absence from try-outs.

1.6 Provided that the player’s excuse is acceptable to the NSGSC, the Tryout Director, Age Group Technical Coordinator (AGTC), and the Independent Executive Member will decide on a proper method of evaluation that may include any or all of the following:

a) An independent evaluation of the player by a method determined by the Tryout Director, AGTC, and the Independent Executive Observer

b) Coach and AGTC seasonal evaluations for players who previously played for Select NSGSC teams may be considered in the selection process;

c) Previous select tryout results and current and previous coach evaluations;

d) Current NSGSC players ranked National and Provincial (documentation required) may be placed on the age group’s ranked list with attending tryout players, however the Try-out Director and the Independent Executive Member are to be notified before try-outs begin.

e) Exemptions only apply to current age group and level. E.g.  A player cannot be exempt at a level higher than her current team however can be placed on a team or on the pick-list of the higher or lower level depending on satisfactory documentation given to the Tryout Director.

 1.7 If no method of evaluation pursuant to paragraph 1.6 can be made available prior to and completion of player rankings for the appropriate age group, the player will not be placed on a select team.

2. Only registered players may participate in the tryout process.

2.1 If a player is selected and declines a position and does not wish to remain with the

NSGSC, a full registration refund will be given. If a player is selected and accepts a position with our club and subsequently resigns her position, with the Club, a refund will not be given.

2.2 Notwithstanding paragraph 2.1, the NSGSC may place a player on a Select team any time up to the deadline for transfer according to BCSA Rules (Rule 7 – Player Transfers); where to the satisfaction of the NSGSC exceptional circumstances exist.

2.3 The NSGSC may also require an independent evaluation of a player who asks to be placed pursuant to paragraph 2.2.

2.4 Underage players may tryout for older age groups, but must rank in the top 50% of the selected players.  E.g.  If 12 players (or one team) are selected, the underage player must rank in the top 6; if 2 teams are to be selected, then the player must rank in the top 12.  Underage players may be subject to cuts after the first tryout session.  Underage players are not required to be ranked in the top 50% in succeeding years, only in the first year of playing in an older age group.

3. Tryout fees.

Every player must pay the tryout fee (non-refundable) and be registered with NSGSC prior to her tryout.  There will be a fee for all players who attend tryouts. This fee shall be set at the February Executive meeting.

4. NSGSC to hold select tryouts for age groups from U12 to U18.

Where possible, evaluations should be held for each independent select level

5. NSGSC Executive to determine the number of select tryout teams formed.

Prior to the tryouts, the Executive Board will estimate the number of teams for each age group, based on each Age Group Coordinator’s recommendation. This recommendation must address the need to preserve strong Silver and Bronze teams while offering an opportunity to select level players. The recommended number of select tryout teams should not cause the strength and stability of the age group to be sacrificed. This recommendation should include a survey by the AGC of all teams (i.e., coaches), in the U17 and under age groups. The survey information must be documented and provided to the board prior to the tryouts. An estimate of the number of teams will be included in an information package, which is sent to all players.

The team formation committee shall have the authority to change the number of recommended teams.

6. Information package to be sent to all players.

An information package, which also includes a tryout invitation, dates and the estimated number of tryout teams to be formed, will be available on the NSGSC Web Page no later than February 15.  A tryout Pre-registration Form will also be available on the NSGSC Webpage at the same time. 

7. Board to approve list of independent evaluators for each age group tryout.

The Try-out Director will recruit or hire independent evaluators for each age group. Independent evaluators may include Select Team coaches from other age groups or evaluators whom the Tryout Director deems qualified for player evaluation. Independent evaluators shall not have “a conflict of interest” with the age group they are evaluating. The Tryout Director will submit the list of qualified independent evaluators for board approval. Independent evaluators must have their Community Senior Coaching certification and a minimum of 5 years of related coaching experience. Every effort shall be made to recruit independent evaluators from a number of different sources. Under no circumstance shall independent evaluators come from one source.

8. Tryout Director to coordinate with Field Marshal and AGC’s to recruit drill coaches to run the tryout drills.

Drill coaches can be recruited from any age group within the club and preferably from the age group of the participating players.

9. Tryouts to be completed by the end of July.

Based on the Tryout Director recommendation, the executive board will confirm actual dates in February. These dates will be included in the information package.

The NSGSC has the right to hold additional tryouts for any age group at any time if required by the Club Executive.

10. Select Team Coaches will participate in the assessment of tryout participants in their age group.

Select Team Coaches will work with a minimum of 3 independent evaluators and the Head Evaluator as part of the Player Selection Committee.  Based on the Tryout Committee recommendations, the Select Team coach’s player evaluations shall be completed and submitted to the NSGSC Administrative Assistant before application to coach can be made to the Coach Selection Committee (date to be set).  Approx Feb 15th.

11. Tryout On-Field Team will include the following:

i. Field Marshall – Will coordinate on field tryout activities, coach players, and work with the drill coaches to ensure that select drills are executed properly.

Field Marshall may also be asked to evaluate and assess tryout participants.

ii. Head Evaluator– to ensure that independent evaluators understand their role and adhere to the NSGSC tryout guidelines and rules.

 Head Evaluator will also assess and evaluate each tryout participant.

iii. Independent Evaluators - will be responsible for assessing and evaluating each tryout participant, following select tryout guidelines and rules. The Tryout Director will assign a minimum of 3 independent evaluators per age group tryout. The Tryout Director reserves the right to assign additional independent evaluators if so required.

iv. Select Team Coaches - will be responsible for assessing and evaluating each tryout participant and following select guidelines and rules.

v. Drill Coaches - will assist the Field Marshall with the set-up and running of tryout drills. Drill coaches will demonstrate drills, skills and help coach tryout participants.

vi. The Age Group Coordinator - and recruited volunteers will register players and handle all administrative duties associated with the tryout process.

vii. The Tryout Director (TD) and Independent Executive Member (IEM) or their

Designate - will oversee the tryout process and ensure that all tryout policies and processes are adhered to. The TD and IEM will oversee the player selection and participate in the team formation process. The TD and IEM shall not have “a conflict of interest” with the age group they are overseeing.

viii. Age Group Technical Coordinator  – will complete Club ‘Player Evaluation Form’ on all Select players before try-outs – to be worth a value of 25% of try-out score, if the player has not been seen, or is not known by the AGTC, he/she is not to provide a value.  For the current 09-2010 season, evaluation may be completed in consultation with the players Select Coach.

 - Will file an evaluation on all Select coaching staff with the NSGSC Administrative Assistant, to be used by Coach Selection Committee prior to coach selection and tryouts. (dates to be set)

12. Player selection will be based on the evaluation of each player’s skill level, athletic ability and playing ability.

Player Selection

a. The Player Selection Committee will consist of:

• Try-out Director
• Head Evaluator
• a minimum of 3 independent evaluators and Head Evaluator
• Independent Executive Member (to act as an Administrator Only)

The Try-out Director and Independent Executive Member will assist with the Player Selection process as Administrators only. The AGTC, Independent Evaluators,

Independent Executive Members and Tryout Director shall not have a “conflict of interest” with the selection of players.

b. The selection committee will make “best efforts” to evaluate all of the participants and rank them in order.

c. The Club will notify selected players following the tryouts and will require a firm decision and commitment from the selected player within 24 hours of being notified.

Players will be informed on their final tryout evening when and how they will be notified.

d. All participants must make themselves available for communication from the Club following tryouts or risk losing their spot on the team.

13. Team formation will be based on balanced and competitive teams, as assigned by the Independent Executive member and Try-out Director, within each level in each age group.

a. The team formation committee shall confirm the number and level of teams in each

age group based on the divisional recommendations to the board, tryout results, and information about the age group.  This information shall include consultation with select team coaches and a review of the AGTC evaluations.  The Team Formation Committee will consist of the:

• IEM
• Tryout Director or designate
• The Divisional Representative
• Head Evaluator
• AGC (administrator only)

b. Team Formation processes;

U-12 Team Formation

At this time U12 will be playing 8vs8, super 8’s.  Therefore the placement for this age group will be 10 assigned, and a minimum 12 to fill the roster.  A maximum of 14 will be accepted on each team.

If there is more than one select team at U12 every effort will be made to form balanced teams. The Independent Executive Member, Divisional Representative and the Tryout

Director or their Designates will be responsible for assigning balanced U-12 select teams to the select coaches.

U-14 Team Formation

Team selection at U-14 will include the formation of balanced select teams. Players are not required to return to their previous team or Coach. The Independent Executive

Member, Divisional Representative and the Tryout Director or their Designates will be responsible for assigning balanced U-14 select teams to the select coaches.

U-13, U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18 Team Formation

Returning select players, who have been re-selected, shall return to their previous team, except under exceptional circumstances that must be approved by the Executive.

c. Select Teams will consist of a minimum number of players according to table.

    Assigned team numbers are those that are given to the select coaches by the IEM & TD

    Recommended minimum team numbers are those that the team is expected to carry 

    after the coaches selections.   

• Coaches may select one or two goalkeepers (full or part time) with their player selections.

• After having their teams assigned, coaches will select a team as follows:

            The remaining players are chosen by the coaches from a list of the next 13           

            ranked players and the goalkeeper list until the recommended minimum team  

            numbers have been reached.

• Coaches must justify not selecting returning players, in writing and subject to the IEM and Tryout Director approval.
• The Coach with the lowest league record from the past season shall have first selection followed by the Coach with next lowest record.
• Coaches are encouraged to take more than the minimum team numbers.
• Once the team/s are established the IEM and Try-out Director will establish the alternate list of the next 6 ranked players to be used to fill any vacancies created by selected players dropping out. If a player on the alternate list leaves our Club to play with another Club, then the next ranked player or players will be added to the alternate list. The alternate lists will be kept and used by the Divisional Representative and the transfer Committee in the placement of players following try-outs. The list will be dissolved after Jan. 15.
• The Select Team Coach for the U13 through U16 age groups, must within one hour of being presented with the team and alternate lists by the IEM, select up to a maximum of 18 players for their team and must sign an acknowledgment for the total number of players requested.  For the U17 and U18 age groups, coaches may select up to a maximum of 20 players.

14. Players must apply to tryout every year and coaches must apply every year.

• Coach’s applications will not be considered until after Player evaluations are submitted to the NSGSC Administrative Assistant and the Coach Selection Committee.
• Head Coaches shall be named before try-outs.