Structure

Tryouts are scheduled for the first week of school, and will generally be comprised of two 60 minute sessions per grade, except for Biddy’s they will have one session.  Depending on the tryout numbers, a grade evaluation will be completed at the end of the two sessions.

All players wishing to be considered for a team are mandated to participate in both sessions of the tryout process.    Exceptions and accomodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis only for compelling and extenuating circumstances (in the discretion of the Holy Child Sports Council, there will be no excuses for attending another sporting event)

• Missing a tryout session WILL negatively affect a player’s chances of being placed on a team.
• Each participant will be represented by a number, not by a name.  Numbers will be assigned alphabetically by last name.
• Each group rotates through a set of drills and playing situations (1 on 1, 4 on 4, 5 on 5), in which evaluations will not their observations.
• The Holy Child Sports Council will be on hand in the gym assisting with drills and the overall organization of the tryout session.
• Depending upon need and availability, outside evaluators may be used (at the discretion of the Committe).  Non-Committee participants may assist with the Committee and execution of the drills, but will not evaluate.  No Council Member is allowed to assist in the tryout or evaluate when thier child in trying out.
• Unless there is a large number of participants that would dictate the need for a mid-tryout cut process, each player MUST attend all tryout sessions.  Notification of both player acceptance and team placement will be done following the final tryout session.  All notifications will be conducted via email.

Players – What to Expect

• Parents will not be able to watch the tryout session starting with grades 4 and up.
• Each player will be assigned a number that will be attached to their clothing to keep the player names anonymous.
• Evaluations will be performed a Basketball Committee made of the Holy Child Sports Council and Coaches
• The tryout session will include individual and group activities designed to assess the player’s skill level in various areas
• Sessions may include 1 on 1, 3 on 3 and/or 5 on 5 scrimmages to assess the players’ skills and on court decisions in game situations.
• These scrimmages are not measured by statistics, but rather means of creating game-like situations by which individuals skills (such as court vision, teamwork, defense, etc.) can be observed.  
• There is no value or evaluation tied to results of these scrimmages- game score is irrelevant.
• All players are considered to have a “fresh start” each year.  Any prior experience in the Holy Child tryout process or participation on a former Holy Child team/or Summer League will not be taken into consideration during the evaluations.
• Past participation does not guarantee you a spot and we cannot take requests to keep friends together.

 
Parent Responsibilites and Expectations

• Parents of participants are not permitted to attend or observe the tryout sessions starting with grade 4 and above.
• No parent contact with evaluations or committee will be permitted during the tryout process.
• Parents should notify the Tryout Coordinator and or/Tryout Committee in advance if the player will not be able to attend a tryout session.
• All questions, comments and concerns/issues should be directed to the Holy Child CYO, Director.
• Holy Child will attempt to provide meaningful feedback on players regarding their performance during the tryout process (to the extent feasible).  Feedback would be based on the general observations noted on the tryout evaluation forms, forms will not be shared directly with the parents.  If parents are interested in feedback following the team placements, they should contact the Holy Child CYO, Director. 

Evaluation Criteria

• Core Skills – layups & shooting, ball handling, passing and rebounding
• Attitude – defensive ability & desire, energy, hustle, effort and sportsmanship
• Basketball IQ – court awareness & decisions, communication, movement without the ball, team concepts (offense & defense)
• Athleticism – agility, footwork & conditioning