Gryphon Try-Out / Team Selection Information
Dear Athletes / Parents
Thank you for trying out for a AHPS Gryphons team. There will be at least 2 open try outs for each team and as many as 4 tryouts. Depending on the numbers attending, coaches may need to make 2 sets of cuts. Tryouts are difficult for players and coaches alike. Coaches collaborate and discuss option and we always look at what is best for our programs overall, the players and to ensure the best experience for the most players possible. I hope the information provided here will help you understand the process.
How many players on the team?
Grade 6,7 and 8 teams do not have cuts, and coaches will do their best to ensure all athletes are given equal playing time. Occasionally, coaches may adjust playing time based on an athlete’s commitment to the team, attitude, and work ethic.
For volleyball, basketball, and rugby sevens, about 12 is the ideal number of players. In these sports, it is very difficult to provide quality minutes in games for all 12 players, and carrying too many can make things very difficult.
For soccer, a roster of 14-18 is ideal and in rare occasions, we may field a team of 20. In this case, some players may be designated as ‘practice’players so that they can come out and train and improve, but may not dress for games.
Our track, x-country, wrestling, and mountain biking teams do not have a formal team selection process for participation. However, coaches often need to select relay teams, or select a smaller group to score points for us at various meets / races.
Being on a team is much more than just the minutes played in a game. This is an important message that we want all students and parents to understand.
What are coaches looking for when selecting players?
Athleticism. If you are a good athlete, this is an advantage. But we also expect you to work hard, to hustle in practice, and to bring a positive attitude. Being a good athlete is not enough to guarantee a spot on a team
Sport Specific Skill. Some student athletes have better sport specific skills. This is obviously important and is an advantage. But someone who hustles, works hard, is athletic and has a great attitude can be a better teammate and overall athlete than a skilled player. If you are skilled, it is not automatic that you will make a team. And if you are less skilled, you have a chance if you can do the other things well.
Coachable Spirit. Sport requires learning, listening and effort. Practices and games are an extension of the classroom. Listening carefully, adjusting and adapting to a coach’s suggestions, and learning team offensive and defensive strategies can be essential to an athlete’s success. All players can listen and learn - it is a choice they make. Coaches want players who listen, learn and have a coachable spirit. Good student athletes take correction as a compliment and understand the role of the coach is to encourage support and help you improve. At Aberdeen Hall our coaches all strive to nurture the coachable spirit of their athletes.
Commitment & Character. Coaches want players who are committed to:
a) their school
b) their team
c) themselves.
Being committed to yourself and your own skill development means you care about ‘your game’. It also means that you are willing to improve your weaknesses and put in time to improve your skills and athleticism.
Committing to the team means being unselfish, it also means being on time for practices, games and committing to team goals. This is an important component to life at AHPS and is consistent with our athletic motto; Integrity, Commitment and Excellence. When you join a team you sacrifice some of your own interests for the good of the team
Committing to the school requires you to recognize that you are part of a larger Gryphon family and school community. Helping at games, tournaments and also supporting one another on and off the court are all important. You are student athletes.This means you are students first. Being a good student doesn't mean getting perfect marks, it means being responsible, getting your work done, communicating with teachers, being in correct uniform etc... All these are traits of good character.
The Decisions
Unfortunately, tough decisions are often required. Many coaches watch tryouts to help provide feedback for the head coach. Please understand that much consultation and a great deal of thought goes into these decisions. Please communicate with your coach if there is anything they should be aware of before or during tryouts.
Team lists will be posted or emailed. Coaches will often talk to players before decisions are made. If you ever have any questions or wonder why certain decisions are made, please ask your coach. Coaches are very capable of accounting for decisions.
Managers
Managerial choices are often made after tryouts. Players not selected to be in uniform can also be a key part of the team as support staff / managers. Please speak to the sport specific coach during / after tryouts.
Guidelines for Playing time during league play are as follows:
Grades 7-8: Equal, adjustments based on Commitment, Attitude, Work Ethic
Grades 9-10: 30%, adjustments based on Commitment, Attitude, Work Ethic
Grades 11-12 : Coaches discretion
Thank You.
John Gareau - Athletic Director