Here is a copy of a handout we give our players prior to trying out. Also, included is a letter that they take home for their parents.
1. Understand that a tryout is not a social event. You are there to take someone's job. In the past, various players have earned varsity positions from all grade levels. They were competing against friends and veterans. Nothing is guaranteed!
2. Dress like a ball player. Wear baseball pants if you have them, cleats and a hat. Be prepared to go outside or stay inside. So, you will also need to have some type of shoe be it basketball etc. so you can practice on the gym floor. Wearing your hat backward or sideways will not ever be allowed. We want to go outside!
3. Lockers will not be assigned yet. If you need to store your equipment in the coach’s office for security, please give it in the morning to Coach Bugger. The locker room is a place for CHAMPIONS not CHUMPS. You will act mature in there. When in the gym, place your equipment in an area that you can access your equipment quickly. Do not leave it in any area where it can be stolen.
4. During warm-ups, throw sufficiently to be completely warm. You will do this with your coat off if we are outside or inside. After you are warm, you may put your jacket or coat back on for a time. Be sure to keep throwing if necessary to stay loose and warm. Playing catch is also not a social event!
5. When it comes time to show your defensive skills you will be much better off attempting to be smooth, focusing on proper mechanics. Get your feet under you and focus on making an accurate throw. If you try too hard, rush it and throw it as hard as you can, you probably will not perform well. Also, if you are not used to throwing, you will have a sore arm for day 2.
6. When hitting, you can take a pitch to get a feel for the timing of the pitch. After this, be selective but don’t take strikes. The ball will not be placed on a “T” for you. Hit it if it is in the strike zone.
7. Hey coach, my Dad wants to come and watch. Well, ok but he WILL NOT TALK TO ANY OF THE COACHES AND HE WILL STAY OUT OF THE WAY! Lobbying will not help. Insecure parents are typically an omen of problems to come. There are four experienced coaches making these cuts and so, we don’t need any help with anything at anytime ever when it comes to coaching! If we do need help, all of the parents will be asked to help via a handout to your sons or through the Triad Athletic Booster Club.
8. You will not be allowed to tryout without a physical on file with the Nurse. It is your obligation to do so. In the event that you don’t have it, you won’t be allowed more time to obtain one. The team will already be selected!
Parents:
Parents, we don’t recommend that you run out and buy equipment just prior to your son trying out. If he is using a new glove, it might hurt his fielding ability. If he has new shoes on, he might develop blisters. After he makes the team, and you are assured that your investment is sound, then you can do it.
1. Soon after the final team selections, please plan to attend an informal meeting. The time of this meeting will depend upon gym time and the weather. Topics to be discussed will be presented in a handout. The IHSA has suggested but has not demanded that schools have meetings with parents concerning sportsmanship etc. My staff, as well as myself, feel that we need to address growing concerns that we have with several topics. (Please note that this meeting will take place after the basketball season has been completed and those players have been given an opportunity to try out. Your son will be notified of the Parent’s Meeting and will then notify you.)
2. Your sons will be under a lot of pressure due to their desire to “make” the baseball team. Don’t place additional pressure on them by coaching them etc. As my Dad has often said, “the hay is in the barn.” You won’t be helping them out by adding any pressure. Should you attend any of the tryouts, don’t coach or give any instruction. You will be asked to leave if you do.
3. We, as a staff, do not care about what teams your son has played on in the past. Typically, selections to those teams are based upon many factors and while ability might be one factor, it is not the sole factor for who makes those teams and who plays. We will be the judges of who can play now.
4. Parents and Players please note that the success of the basketball team will directly affect the tryouts. Should the basketball team advance in the state tournament, the final cut will be held after the basketball season has finished. Therefore, it is possible for a player to be allowed to practice for a week before being “cut.” We want what is best for all of the kids while also trying to be “fair.”
Other Information:
1. Tryouts will be February 26 for Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors and the following Saturday for Freshmen. Please note that inclement weather could affect the date for freshmen tryouts. We must accommodate the basketball team as well as other spring sports teams. Tryout times will be posted outside Room 144 and placed in the school announcements.
2. Depending upon space and the weather as well as other concerns, practice times will be presented in the form of a weekly calendar. However, we intend to go out everyday. This means that your child should be ready to practice in 40 degree, wet and trying conditions. They should also be prepared to "come back late" if we can't get into a gym at an earlier time.
Good luck to everyone! Coaches, HAVE A GREAT SEASON AND ENJOY THE KIDS. I've done this for 21 seasons and I know I'm am closer to the end of my coaching career than the beginning. I intend to enjoy every minute being with these young men.
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