How to Announce Softball Tryout Cuts

Coaching a softball team can be a rewarding experience. Leading your team to victory can make you feel like you're on top of the world; losing can have the opposite feeling. However, even worse than the sadness of losing is the stress associated with softball tryouts. As the coach, you have to make tough decisions about who is allowed to play on the team and who isn't. Cuts made after the process of tryouts can discourage a player from ever trying out again. Sensitivity and discretion are paramount when evaluating potential team members.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write a journal noting each player's merits during tryouts. Keep all critique positive. Rather than writing "Jon is a horrible catcher," say, "John could use more practice catching." Be sensitive to subtle connotations because the person cut will want detailed information on why he did not make the team. If you cut a child, his parents might want to see proof that you aren't singling him out. Thorough documentation sets a tone of objectivity that assuages hurt feelings.

    • 2

      Schedule an individual meeting with the person being cut or with parent of a child you must cut. Meet individually before making an official public announcement. This discussion should alleviate some shock and embarrassment once the team roster is made public. It is also a sign that you understand the seriousness of the rejection process and don't take it lightly.

    • 3

      Post the list of players making it on the team in a secluded area that is accessible to all trying out. You want to make the list public but not expose it unnecessarily to anyone unrelated to tryouts. This helps temper egos of those who made the team and softens the embarrassment of those who did not.

    • 4

      Suggest ways the person being cut can improve. Providing some type of basic skills seminar to those cut is ideal. Not making the team this year does not mean she won't make it the next time. Putting a positive spin on the situation might give her the incentive to improve her skills enough to make the team next year.