WCS Soccer Tryouts, Assessments & Player Placement Procedures

Wright County Soccer uses a number of methods to assess players in order to ensure correct team placement. We believe that placing a player at the appropriate playing level is key to their overall development. Assessments are needed when it is necessary to divide players between teams of differing competitive levels within an age group.  All C2 teams (“higher competitive level”) and above will be formed through this player assessment policy, regardless of registration numbers. We have approved a system that takes into account the many different characteristics of a soccer player, from technique to attitude, from worth ethic to sportsmanship. We are attempting to look at the overall picture to correctly place players. Tryouts are generally held in August or in December/January, depending on age group. Watch the website for Tryout notices during this time.

Assessments

There are two components to our playing level assessment.  We use a combination of both to assign an overall score to each player being assessed. Players and parents may request a copy of the player assessment score. Requests should be made in writing to the Director of Coaching for WRC Soccer Club.

1) Tryouts – WRC hires a third party assessor to run tryout sessions for each age group. Here we are looking for an independent assessment of each player based on a set of activities designed to allow each player to demonstrate their soccer playing abilities. Players are scored on technique and game awareness. There is also an individual skills testing component.

2) Coach Assessments – WRC uses the coach assessments from the most recent season. Both the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach are required to rate each player. Scores are given on a wide variety of soccer related characteristics. These include not only the players’ soccer playing abilities, but also scores players in other important areas, such as work ethic, coach-ability and team play.

Placement Procedures

The assessment scores are combined to provide us with a composite score for each player. The scores are weighted in the following manner:
     40% Tryout score
     30% Head Coach score
     30% Assistant Coach score

We feel this provides a more reliable evaluation and consequently the most appropriate team placement for each player. Players are then placed according to their score. In the event team rosters are not complete after the assessments are completed, WRC Soccer will attempt to recruit players of the appropriate level to fill the open roster spots. In order to be placed on a higher level team after assessments are complete, 1) there must be a roster spot available, and 2) the recruited player must pass assessment testing, including, but not limited to, a coach assessment from previous team and/or alternate, separate tryout results.

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Commitment Policy

As a team sport, soccer relies on each member of the team.  Frequent absences significantly impact and disrupt team development. Placement on a traveling team requires a high level of commitment from the player and his/her family.  This commitment level is one way a travel team distinguishes itself from a recreational soccer club.  Please be aware that with district, regional and state play the season can extend into the last week of July.

Each coach has the authority to make playing time contingent on attendance.

Playing “Up” At A Higher Age Level

Although Wright County Soccer does not encourage players to play at a higher age level, there may be reasons this scenario might be best for the player and the club. Three reasons that a player may be placed at a higher age level:

1. Player is in the same grade as the majority of the other players on higher age level team. This is common with August and September birthdays.
2. It is necessary to round out the team rosters.
3. They have been identified as an “exceptional player”. To be considered an “exceptional player” the Board must receive written recommendation of the player’s skills. The letter must be submitted by a person with soccer credentials who is not related to the player. It can be beneficial for an exceptional player to play at a higher age level for developmental purposes.

If Tryouts are being held for higher age level team, player playing up must participate in tryouts and qualify for team. Tryout fees will apply. It is the desire of Wright County Soccer to correctly place players in both age level and competitive level. Appropriate placement is most conducive to effective player development.

Refund Policy

After a player is registered with Wright County Soccer they will not be offered a refund for any reason unless the club is unable to place the player on a team. If a player is placed on a team but does not care for the placement in regards to teammates, coaching staff, playing night or competitive level there will be no refund given. Other circumstances, such as injury, will be considered on a case by case basis.