TEAM SELECTION
If a member of the POBSC Board of Directors/Division Head currently has a child enrolled in the U9 Division, how does it affect their child’s team placement as well as their own “potential” coaching “future” status? To keep “total” transparency; but more importantly the consistency of integrity and “fairness” – all elected board members/division heads who are in this situation shall play a “zero” role in their child’s team placement or their “potential” coaching role for the incoming U10 teams. If we find that any individual has tried to influence any part of this process, (including but not limited to) spoken publicly about the process, verbally made any innuendos regarding this process that could affect the outcome as it pertains to themselves or “friendships (that they might have within the division) – they will be brought before the entire Board of Directors and potentially removed not just from (potential coaching candidacy) but more importantly from the POBSC Board of Directors. We cannot stress enough that they shall have absolutely NO influence regarding this process. Lastly we encourage ANY and ALL members of our organization to report any or all “potentially” questionable actions to the following individuals WITH NO REPRISAL’S
We take this process extremely seriously from the first child selected to the very last child selected for each team as well as the first “potential” coach interviewed to the potential last coach interviewed for a potential position.
What role do the divisional or yearly rankings play in the selection process? While we appreciate the time and effort our (parental) coaches put in during the children’s intramural years – the importance of those ratings & ranking are made to keep parody among the teams during the U7 – U9 years. During the Travel Team selection process we rely upon the ratings of our professional trainers and try-outs lead by our Director of Coaching to be used while selecting our incoming U10 teams. Please note that does not mean that we do not use the intramural ratings (because we do). In order to have complete fairness to all the children – this is why we select a very large panel of individuals (who have “no skin” in the game) for team selections.
Does playing in Pre-Travel help with my child’s selection for a particular team? In NO way does this help during our selection process. Pre-Travel is just another venue for a child to play soccer and improve his/her skill level.
Are the Pre-Travel teams going to be our travel teams? Again NO!
Who are selected first, the players or the coaches? The players are placed on a team teams prior to any coach(s) being selected.
If my child or children are currently playing travel soccer (in an older division) are the team make up the same way? NO, USSF guidelines have determined that U10 – U12 (which POBSC have always adhered to, before it became an enforced guideline) are developmental years thus playing with less players on the field thus our teams will have less U10 players on them since every year.
May I contact someone to discuss the matter? Yes, we are always open to discuss any issue with a parent, but as stated previously it will not change the decisions made by the selection committee.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
How many tryouts are there? 2
How do I register for tryouts? Registration is done online.
Does my child need to attend both tryouts? It is not mandatory, but highly recommended.
What if my child cannot make either tryout? This is a very difficult decision to make for the Travel Committee to make. As we have mentioned – COMMITMENT – is a large part of playing any travel sport, as we had posted the travel tryout dates for almost a year in advance – we expect any child trying out to attend at least one tryout. If they cannot, many discussions will go into their appropriate placement without hurting any other child who had attended tryouts, no matter what the skill level (the child has who missed both tryouts has).
What is the length of each tryout? Approximately 3 hours each.
What if my child cannot stay the full time? Once again it is not mandatory, but it is in the best interest of the child or children for proper team placement for the Fall season.
What does my child need for tryout? Soccer ball (with their name printed on it), cleats, shin guards and plenty of fluids. Please note – the child should NOT wear a POB soccer jersey. Any child not wearing cleats or shin guards WILL NOT be eligible to tryout.
What happens if it rains? Tryouts will proceed during poor weather, unless there is thunder & lightning or we deem that the fields are unplayable and they will become a safety hazard for the children.
Is there a makeup date? No
During tryouts- who oversees the children? When the children are placed in groups for tryouts, each group will have (2) “team counselors” to stay with them at all times and see to their needs.
What if my child runs out of fluids? POBSC will always have extra water bottle in case of emergencies, but please pack your child with an overabundant of fluids.
What if my child has allergies or specials needs during tryouts? We ask that you notify both the DH’s and onsite Executive Board personnel during drop off. If you have EpiPens or other medical items – again we ask that you give these items to the individuals above when you drop off your child or children. Again each group will have two “team counselors” to be with the kids through the entire process.
During tryouts my child or children were placed in a certain group, does that mean anything? Absolutely NOT, the children are placed randomly in groups and might be moved several times during the two day tryout process. Please do NOT read anything into what color pinnie they receive or who they are grouped with. We ask that you please allow our staff to do their jobs and trust in their knowledge and skill sets.
What if my child misbehaves during the tryout process? If a child becomes disruptive during the tryout process – they can be asked to sit out or potentially have their parents called to pick them up. If their behavior is deemed very disruptive, POBSC reserves the right to prohibit the child or children from participating in the POBSC travel program.
Can anyone tryout for POBSC Travel Soccer for the upcoming U10 fall season? NO, only children who either live in the zip code 11803/11804 or have played two seasons in the POBSC Intramural program are eligible to try out for our U10 travel teams.
Do you have separate goalie tryouts? No, at this age a child needs to have a full set of skills – we are NOT looking to place any child on a team based on their goalie skills alone.
What type of skill sets are the evaluators looking for during tryouts? In not set order: ball control (including but not limited to dribbling & receiving), field awareness, team play, hustle, passing, aggressiveness, enthusiasm, finishing, strength, motor skills, fitness level and individual behavior.
LIJSL / LIJSL Rec
What are the differences between these leagues where my child may potentially play?
- LIJSL (Long Island Soccer League) is one of the oldest and largest soccer organizations in the United States; we place our teams which are more competitive and a more committed to the travel soccer environment.
- LIJSL Rec – LiJSL Rec– this organization is a great foundation for teams which are not as skilled and are looking for their initial introduction into the travel soccer world. Though feel that playing travel soccer is a true commitment and should be taken that way by each and every family that plays underneath the POBSC umbrella, this league provides a less stressful environment.
Who decides which league will play in? Both the Coaches and Travel Committee will (together) make the decision which is in the BEST interest of their entire team to where the team will be placed for the upcoming season.
When is that decision made? In most cases it is made immediately, in the smallest percentages it might take a few days.