“What Information Should a Club Provide at Tryouts?”

As tryouts approach we hope to help educate you the consumer as to the types of questions that you should be asked of soccer clubs during the tryout process. These questions should be asked and answered prior to the signing of any team commitment forms. Below you will find some helpful information on what a club should provide, and what types of questions you should be asking. Remember that failure to plan is planning to fail!

Club Philosophy:
The best soccer clubs in the country create a club environment with an emphasis on complete player development through quality training where players excel on and off the field. There are various levels of competitive soccer that clubs can offer, and the club should be able to give you an idea of what is its philosophy related to competition. Clubs may choose to compete in the state leagues, as well as possibly regional and national level competitions. So what is the club philosophy and expectations for this team?

Coaching Staff:
A quality program starts and ends with the training a player receives. As a soccer club, the coaches are the backbone of your program. The club Director of Coaching’s job is to ensure quality and compliance with the standards, philosophy and curriculum of their particular club. Staff achievements should range from former professional players and coaches, Olympic Development coaches, and college coaches and college soccer players. All coaches should be licensed by either the USSF or NSCAA. Its safe to assume that higher level coaches help to develop higher-level players. So who will be coaching the team you are trying out for and what are their qualifications?

Training Environment:
Competitive soccer is for those players who desire more qualified coaching, a higher level of competition, and an atmosphere that allows them to reach their potential and achieve their individual goals in the game. Players who participate in competitive soccer will need to be prepared to make a significant commitment to soccer training and competition. Training for players selected for this program should typically be geared toward preparation for participation in high school and college soccer. The training to game ratio’s should be in line with US Soccer’s Best Practices document- this means we should expect approximately four training sessions per every match played. How many times per week will the team train, what days, what times and what location?

Playing Environment:
Practices should emphasize a competitive environment that prepares players for competition; the appropriate leagues and tournaments should be selected for teams and players to perform at very high levels. Games should be viewed as a test to measure the effectiveness of training, identify and compare play levels, to assist in setting goals, to aid selection (for teams, events etc), to identify talent progression, and to judge player motivation. Games should not be played for the sake of playing games, and tournaments should not be played for the sake of winning a trophy. Games should be scheduled within the yearly plan involving “Periodization” or an organized approach to training that involves progressive cycling of various aspects of a training program during a specific period of time. What is the projected league and tournament schedule for the upcoming year?

Program Costs:
As part of the process, each club should ensure that you are fully aware and understand the commitments their club is making to you. In addition it is equally important that you fully understand the clubs expectations of each family as well as the financial obligations associated with your acceptance of any offered position. Accepting the position offered obligates each player to pay the registration fee, regardless of whether the player later decides to leave the program prior to the end of the seasonal year. There will be team expenses above and beyond the club registration fee noted above. Team expenses may include tournament fees, extra soccer gear; coaches travel reimbursement, referees fees for tournaments and league games, and travel costs associating with attending these events. Typically the team may seek and receive donations or, with Club pre-approval, fundraise to defray these expenses. All soccer clubs should provide a player financial aid fund. This fund shall provide financial support to players who may need such assistance to play for the club. A clear and comprehensive centralized application process should be available at or before the tryout process. What is the total cost of registration fees to participate in your program, and/or what type of payment plan or financial aid does the club offer? What are the estimated team expenses above and beyond the registration fees?

Player Parent Agreement:
This agreement is an outline of expectations from parents and players as a member of the soccer club. Soccer clubs require exceptional commitment from both parents and players, as such they should provide you with a document that spells out those expectations prior to your commitment. Here is a sample of a typical agreement:

Training - We understand that teams will train at least two times per week and possibly more prior to games. Playing time in games is based on the effort, dedication, attitude and skills shown at training. Players are expected to be at all training sessions except for family emergencies, school related academic functions, or religious holidays. We understand that many of the tournaments are held on holiday weekends. Furthermore travel within the state as well as to other states is part of being on a select team.

Respect and Conduct –Players and parents agree to always respect and exhibit good sportsmanship toward coaches, fellow teammates, game officials, and opposing players and parents. Players and parents represent their team, the club, and themselves and agree to honor that commitment. Poor sportsmanship and behavior detrimental to the club and/or team are grounds for dismissal from membership in the club. Players and parents understand that behavior and conduct during travel and at hotels, banquets, team meals, etc are all considered part of team activity and accept responsibility for actions during those times.

Coaching -We understand that it is the player’s responsibility to discuss problems with the coach. Players should ask to meet with the coach prior to or after the next training session or some other time when privacy is available. Parents agree to try to let players work out difficulties first with their coach. If a parent/coach meeting is required, the discussion will center on the player with constructive dialog between everyone. Parents may request a meeting with the Director, if they feel that it is necessary to discuss/resolve a situation.

Support - The need to do fundraising is a necessity on every team. We understand that parents and players will be asked to participate in fundraiser(s) throughout the year for our team and possibly the club. We also understand that we may need to volunteer time to help with any other tournament/event that the club may host.

Parent Code - Parents will refrain from coaching from sidelines, as many times it is in direct conflict with the instructions that players receive from their coach and causes confusion and problems during the game. In general, parental behavior both on and off the field that is detrimental to team and /or club spirit, or interfere in achieving team and/or club goals may result in removal of BOTH the player and parent from membership in the club.

Privacy Notice- For both internal and external use, it is acknowledged that the club may compile and distribute email and postal mailing addresses and/or lists, and may utilize soccer photographs and video of the named individual. I consent to such uses and waive all rights to compensation.

General - Your comments and suggestions regarding your team are regarded with great respect and your support is crucial to the team concept. However please understand that the final decisions regarding what is in the best interest of the entire team ultimately rests with the coach and Director.

"As a member of the soccer club, I realize that my son/daughter is part of more than just a team but a member of an entire organization committed to excellence in soccer education; and that membership is a privilege not a right; and as part of that membership I agree to commit to the club's vision, mission, and goals and will contribute to it's implementation and success. We agree with the conditions set forth in this document and pledge our full support in promoting the soccer club, our team, and the ideals that have been established. Failure to adhere to these conditions set forth can result in the possible suspension or dismissal from the soccer club.”