Googlegroup: We have over 90 people signed up already, but there are still a lot of people who've yet to sign up. Once we have most of whom we're expecting signed up, we will crosspost information here and there. Sign up at http://groups.google.com/group/philly-tryouts-2010
Schedule: I'm gonna make a separate post with just the schedule that we'll update. The permalink at the top of this page will always point to that schedule. But here's a list of the important changes we decided on tonight.
- Terminus has just been announced will be coed only. So that looks to be out.
- We're gonna take off the 1st and 29th of May. 1 May will presumably be MetroEast regionals. This will allow us to provide observers. May 29th is college nationals and Memorial Day weekend. Rather than mandatory practices, we will hold optional pickup. We will double-up the weekend of 15-16 May to run a combine style weekend. This will allow us to not require commitment every weekend in May without losing much field time.
College Tryouts: So one of the issues several people raised was how to handle college tryouts who may not be in the area until June if we're looking to finish the tryout process after CUT (5-6 June). Our goal is still to have the team finalized before Boston Invite. If a tryout is not available until later in the spring, he'll still have 3 weekends in June to impress the selection committee. We certainly want to accommodate college players, but the spring schedule will not cater to them. If a good player knows he'll have trouble making enough events to be fairly evaluated, he should let the core know asap.
Selection Committee: We talked a good deal about this in terms of what the dynamic of this group should be, what qualities we'd want in people on the committee, what the players and core's role might be, who would be good candidates, etc. We came down to a list of 11 people we think might be a good combination of experience, game-intelligence, objectivity, while also keeping an eye on having a diverse group of perspectives. Not all core members are included in that list. The core is not committed to any of these 11 people (we'd ultimately like a group between 5-9 people), but we will begin reaching out in the next 2 weeks to possible committee members to find out if they're even interested/available. If anyone has someone they think would be good for this role, please let us know.
Second Team/Other Teams: We also spent a lot of time talking about this. The tryout process will be designed to produce a second open team. The relationship between the teams will evolve. At best, we'd like to see a 1st/2nd team relationship where resources such as strategy and structure are shared. At worst, we'd like to see another open team come together with whom we share an amicable and respectful relationship.
If you're interested in coaching or captaining a second team, or if you have suggestions, please let us know.
It should be stressed again (and again) that we will emphasize a respectful tone toward all area teams in all divisions. The disrespect and condescension that has come out at times in the past when individuals talk about other teams/divisions has led to some non-constructive animosity. Beyond simply assembling one very good men's team, we want to improve the relationship between all the local teams. A rising tide can lift all ships.
Team Identity/Name: Expect a statement in a week or so regarding how we plan on handling this issue including a mission statement.
Sustainability: Our goal through this process is to ensure it's not simply an experiment but that we plant seeds for a team with staying power. This perspective will inform our approach to player selection, scheduling, attitude, focus, and priorities.
Recruiting: Keep telling us who's out on the market. We will be sending an email to MetroEast college teams soon.
Next Up: Finish mission statement. Get a selection committee. Create guidelines for team selection.
