Athletics

Tryout Guidelines

Our school district believes that a comprehensive program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student. Our program is designed to allow for the individuals to participate at their level of readiness and be able to achieve satisfaction and enjoyment. The program shall emphasize opportunities for all students, and the building of skills at all levels. We further realize our student athletes expect coaching, teaching, responsibility and discipline.
 

Tryout Policy Philosophy

The Oyster Bay Athletic Department is sensitive to the needs of the athletes during the tryout period. It is the school’s desire to see that as many student athletes as possible are involved in the program during the athletic season.

Unfortunately, due to facility space, time constraints, numbers of equipment, and additional factors, limitations are placed on sizes of teams for some individual and team sports. The athletic department recognizes these concerns and is striving to maximize the options available for student athletes in the athletic arena as participants or supporters of the program.
 

Tryout Policy Procedures

1. Choosing the members of the various athletic teams is the responsibility of the coach.
2. Prior to tryouts, explain to students:
   1. Length and extent of tryout
   2. Criteria for making team
   3. Anticipated number of players to be selected
   4. Practice and game commitment
   5. Player Responsibility (Athletic Department Code of Conduct)
3. Tryout Guidelines:
   1. Students should be given a minimum of 3 full practices
   2. Tryouts should include competitive circumstances (skill comparison, scrimmage, game-like conditions)
   3. Tryouts should be fair and equitable
   4. Extended tryouts may be offered if special circumstances are present
   5. Rubrics should be developed and used (students cannot document scores)
   6. Lower level coaches will follow the criteria for selection that has been established for the particular sport. Head coaches may be involved in this process to assist lower level coaches.
4. Notification of students not making team:
   1. One-on-one conference only (List or roster of teams will not be posted)
   2. Concise prepared comments/reasons for athletes not making the team
   3. Conferences should include another coach or professional if available
   4. Options-Other teams/manager/intramurals/summer camps