Tryouts Changes – 2015/16

Tryout Numbers - Review Approximately 2000 players attended tryouts in both 2013 and 2014 – 80 teams formed in 2014/ /16 Tryout Outlook – Loudoun Soccer needs to change our format and mindset This helps players, families, coaches, and admin

Reason for changes to Format Streamline tryout and selection processes Decrease number of tryouts and tryout timeframe Results in a more timely notification process

Rising U9s (06 Age Group) Sat May 2, May 9, May 16 (4:30-6 PM and 6:15-7:15 PM) LSP #1 + #2 Back to back tryouts – girls and boys – Allows for better utilization of space – Provides more space for larger-sided games Very few changes. Process has worked well.

Rising U10s-U18s (05s-97s) Logistical Changes Tryout timeframe scheduled for Tues May 26 th -Fri June 5 th (incl. rain outs) – Reduction from 3 weeks to 2 weeks overall All age groups receive 2 tryouts held on consecutive nights (plus make up held that week) – Back to back sessions reduces time lag to inform players. – Make up date is same week as consecutive tryout dates

Technical Changes – Pre-Tryout Preparation Prior to tryouts, age group coaching staff (existing and incoming) meet to discuss players and potential movement. Loudoun Soccer Staff uses previous 12 months work to assess our current players, not just tryouts We use TA (U9-U14) and regular practice to assess potential player movement prior to tryouts.

Technical Changes – Tryout 1 st tryout - Used to Quickly identify outside players (from LS Rec or other Rec/Travel programs) to place on appropriate tryout field for assessment. After 1 st tryout: coaches can begin to extend offers to families. – All players should still attend 2 nd tryout After 2 nd tryout: Start to extend invites to other players

Technical Changes – Post Tryout Following 2 nd tryout players are notified in order by color team We have strict 24 hour decision policy. If a player needs more than 24 hours, then we pass and move to the next player. – Example – call 7pm Monday - give until 7pm Tuesday. If we have not heard back by then, the Club is moving on to next player on list. Goal is to have age group teams complete within 72 hours of final tryout. Players from outside our current Travel teams who do not make it will be ed by Age Group Head coach. Players from current travel team who do not make a team will be called in person.

Reasons for Changes Reduce wait time for players hearing back from Loudoun Soccer – especially our CURRENT TRAVEL PLAYERS. Reduce assessment time for current players in “tryouts.” – Tryouts used to compare outside players to current players – Assessment of current players from previous 12 months, not just two tryout dates. – If all things are even, we will side with our current Loudoun players. Quicker selection process is good for families, teams, age groups, and club.

Age Group Coaching Staff Age group coaches (current and incoming) work together to assess who potentially could move teams Use TA age group training and team training sessions to help to help assessment We use entire body of work to assess “OUR” players, not just the tryouts. A “bad” tryout is not the only tool used to place “OUR” players.

In Review The Travel Program is growing – in quantity and quality – as our teams and club continues to achieve success. The previous tryout process needs changing – for staff and for families. These changes are meant to reduce the stress on players, families, coaches, and our administrative staff.