How to Cut Kids After Tryouts

Belonging to a team can be a real confidence builder for kids at any stage of development. Team play fosters a cooperative spirit and provides a sense of belonging. However, there are only so many players allowed on a team, and some fail to make the roster after tryouts. Getting cut can be a disturbing experience for the hopefuls, and needs to be handled as delicately as possible to avoid destroying the kids' competitive spirit. There are ways to release candidates after tryouts that minimizes the negative impact while leaving hope for future involvement.

Things You'll Need

  • Logbook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a tryout log and write down any observations, both positive and negative, made about each player. This log provides an easy reference for basing your ultimate decision on whether to retain players after the tryout period. Make sure you have each candidate's contact information in the log as well.

    • 2

      Announce a definite announcement date for the team roster. Have the list of cuts available a day or two prior to the announcement date to allow time for communicating with the players who do not make the team.

    • 3

      Call the players who didn't make the grade and -- depending on their age -- their parents, and inform them of your decision before releasing the final team roster. Explain the reasons behind the cut, and give the child ways to improve their performance for any future tryouts. Be kind, but make sure the player and his family know that the decisions are final.

    • 4

      Make public announcements by emphasizing the actual final roster, affording players who did not make the team as much anonymity as possible.