Please read prior to filling out the registration form.
Monroe Twp. Soccer Club Try-Out Information
Mission: To provide the opportunity for young athletes to grow and develop competitive soccer skills. Our goal is to provide highly competitive and moderately competitive team opportunities to all in the surrounding community. The MTSC is committed to finding the most appropriate team for our children, while promoting the enjoyment of the game of soccer and the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Philosophy: Our goal is to continue to grow, expand and improve the soccer program in the club each year. As interest grows so will the number of teams and the differing levels of competitiveness. Earning a position on a team, DOES NOT guarantee placement in years to come. All teams are formed new each year based on the results from tryouts.
Pre-Registration: All are required to preregister online and bring their registration number to the registration tables to sign in for each try-out session. On-site registration will not be allowed. Players will receive a number that will be affixed to the back of their shirt. No athletes are allowed to wear travel jerseys to try-outs.
Try-Out Evaluation:
All players will be evaluated on the following scale for their technical and tactical abilities:
4-excellent skills
3-good skills
2-has potential that needs some development
1-not yet ready for competitive play
This scale will be used to evaluate the players on a variety of technical and tactical skills. Players will demonstrate these skills in a series of small sided matches, typically 4x4 matches and may be adjusted pending the number of players attending try-outs. This will allow each athlete to maximize touches on the ball and interactions with others.
Evaluators: To insure objectivity, all evaluations will be completed by trainers and experienced coaches who have no vested interest in that age group. All evaluators will agree on the criteria and evaluation scales. Coaches may or may not be present during the sessions.
Goalies: Some teams will conduct separate try-outs for goalies. This will enable those who have specialized in this position but might not have the current ability to make the team as a field player.
Attendence: It is highly recommended that players attend both sessions for the team that they are trying out for. While it is not required, it is highly recommended. We understand that scheduling conflicts may occur, but we can’t change dates to accomodate a select few as this usually impacts someone else. In regards to trying out to play up. It is highly recommened that a player attend at least one age approriate session in case they do not make the older team. If they fail to attend an age approriate session and do not make the older team, then they risk the chance of not making any team. Not sure what session to attend, please check out Age Groups link in the Travel Section of the website.
Illness/Alternate Try-Outs: In the event that an athlete is unable to attend try-outs due to a legitimate conflict such as illness, accommodations will be made by the coaches and the travel committee as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Failure to attend try-outs for reasons not considered “legitimate” by the committee will forfeit an athlete’s opportunity to try out.
Roster Decisions:
Once the try-outs are complete, the Travel Director and/or Selection Committee will gather all the rankings from all the evaluators, coaches and trainer recommendations. The overall scores will be calculated based on the formula below. If a committee is formed it will be made up of the President of the club, the Director of Travel, and 1-2 other active members, which may be other directors or board members of the Monroe Twp. Soccer Club. The players in each age group will be ranked on the following criteria:
60% try-out results (if an athlete is new to travel, try-outs will constitute 100% of the evaluation criteria)
30% coach’s recommendation (if applicable from the prior season, scored using the same criteria as try-outs).
10% trainer recommendation (as applicable from the prior season, using the same criteria as try-outs).
The committee will recommend the top 15-18 scoring players (for full-sided play) and the top 10-12 players (for short-sided play) to the coaches. The coaches will then meet with the travel director and/or committee and finalize the roster. The head coach is allowed 3 challenges. Athletes scoring in the top third of the group may not be substituted unless reasons are documented by the coach to the committee in advance of the try-out date. The coaches must contact and invite each player on the roster within 24 hours of their meeting, and athletes will have 48 hours to make a commitment to the team.
Under no circumstances should the coaches share exact rankings with players and/or parents. They may pass on information as to why they were or were not selected. Based on feedback provided, they may share what the player needs to improve upon to make the premier team or competitive team.
Once the primary team rosters are established, any secondary and tertiary teams will be determined, provided there are a sufficient number of players and coaches available.
Playing Up: Any prospective player wishing to try out for an older age team is considered as playing “up”. A player can only play up if they truly qualify for the A team of the older team. The only other way a player is allowed to play up is with Board Approval. There are cases where some exceptions will be made but must be approved. SEE ATTENDANCE SECTION for more information.
Commitment level:
There are three levels of commitment to travel soccer
- Elite Premier Level: Athletes must be 100% committed to soccer. There will be 2-3 mandatory practices per week, usually with a trainer. Out of state travel to tournaments is expected. Athletes will play on Mid-Atlantic Premier Soccer (MAPS) or Jersey Area Girls Soccer (JAGS) league. There will be additional fees to cover tournaments, additional leagues, and training.
- Premier Level: Athletes are expected to attend all practices. Players are expected to prioritize their commitment to soccer above other sports. Players will likely attend several tournaments. Team league play will be in the higher flights of Mid NJ Youth Soccer (MNJYSA) or may play in a MAPS or JAGS league. Practices are mandatory, and will be 2-3 times a week, one or two run by a professional trainer. Premier Teams play through the winter. They will participate in an indoor soccer league and hold occasional practices throughout the winter. There will be some additional fees.
- Competitive Level: Athletes are expected to be very committed to soccer. Players will attend several tournaments. One session a week may be run by a professional trainer. Athletes may play other sports, but are asked to prioritize soccer out of respect to their teammates. The registration fee should cover most expenses.
Uniforms: All players who accept a position on a Monroe Twp. Soccer Club travel team are expected to purchase the approved uniform. This includes two jerseys, socks, and shorts. These must be kept in good condition. Players are expected to replace any stained or torn jerseys. Additional apparel may be purchased on the MTSC website. This apparel will be used in conjunction with the uniform, especially in inclement weather.
