Ask most Club members when competitive player
tryouts begin and they’ll probably answer, “ Some
time in April, I guess.” In reality the answer is the
first phase of tryouts begin when you indicate on your registration
form that you wish to be contacted for tryouts. The registrar
puts a note beside a player’s name and the Club gauges
if there is enough player interest to mount a competitive team.
The head coach prepares the tryout schedule
and the coaching committee books all the tryout evaluators.
Once a qualified coach is selected, the registrar provides the
coach with an age category list and the equipment manager hands
out all the equipment needed to mount a team. The coach makes
phone calls to let players know the time and place of the tryout
and the fees that will be collected at the first tryout. A Club
representative collects tryout and ERSL fees at the gym door
before the tryout session starts. The coach can focus on the
players. On paper the process looks pretty easy but ….
The registrar must name all the selected players
to the ERSL and complete player identification books. The treasurer
deposits cheques and the ERSL sends an invoice. The team is
now ready to play. All this work must be accomplished in 6 weeks
from end of regular registration. It’s a monumental chore.
All Carleton Place Soccer Club summer teams
play outdoors on natural turf. The season start in our part
of Ontario is dictated by grass growth and field conditions.
Many of us remember spring 2003 that was one of the wettest
on record. Games and an early tournament severely damaged many
of the fields in Ottawa but all Club fields stood up to the
onslaught. To be on the safe side, the Club and the municipalities
have for many years agreed on set, responsible starting dates
to minimize the chance of field damage. These dates are in the
best interests of all field users.
Another job that must be done quickly is setting
up all the fields with lines, netting, corner flags, benches,
and garbage cans. In the case of Beckwith Park, field number
signs are needed to indicate which of the 10 fields is which!
The work must be done before opening day but not too far in
advance to discourage players from taking to the fields too
early. Goal painting and field patching must also be done in
the dry days of the preseason. Volunteers play a critical role
in all these areas.
