Went to some 14's and 16's tryouts this weekend, a few with very prominent org's and was more than a little surprised at some of the gaffe's they made.
We talk a lot about how parents should behave to avoid making a negative impression at tryouts, but the team/coach/org are being evaluated too and can easily make lasting negative impressions that can affect your ability to attract and retain talent.
IMHO, some things to avoid, YMMV:
Do not start late. So simple, and yet seemingly elusive.....
Do not have the person running tryouts be other than the person that was announced to be running tryouts.
Do not stare into space while a kid is performing for you.
Do not let your kids show up in team shirts, or at least don't call it an "open tryout". A LOT of teams do this, but at least try to pretend the team isn't already 90% formed.
Do not let your parents talk to coaches and players through the fence.
NEVER leave a girl that's been cut standing there waiting while you congratulate the survivors. It might be a nice idea to have the coach talk with all the cuts individually, but do it right or not at all.
We talk a lot about how parents should behave to avoid making a negative impression at tryouts, but the team/coach/org are being evaluated too and can easily make lasting negative impressions that can affect your ability to attract and retain talent.
IMHO, some things to avoid, YMMV:
Do not start late. So simple, and yet seemingly elusive.....
Do not have the person running tryouts be other than the person that was announced to be running tryouts.
Do not stare into space while a kid is performing for you.
Do not let your kids show up in team shirts, or at least don't call it an "open tryout". A LOT of teams do this, but at least try to pretend the team isn't already 90% formed.
Do not let your parents talk to coaches and players through the fence.
NEVER leave a girl that's been cut standing there waiting while you congratulate the survivors. It might be a nice idea to have the coach talk with all the cuts individually, but do it right or not at all.
Last edited: