Originally Posted by Anonymous
A coach can simple call a player and say hey (when) we are having a tryout for next season I want you to come out to tryouts and we will have a spot for you. That can be done at any time. A coach shouldn't approach at player when they are already on a team and committed to them for that season. Especially if a player never had an interest to go to that team. Also what does that say about the coaches and their ability to fill their needs with foresight. Good coaches are able to plan ahead and have discussions with players and parents where they see their players down the road. My sons coach does this very well and while not every situation has worked out, there has been "planning for the future" conversations with players and parents. Tournament season is completely different because of many variables.

I agree 100% that how you describe it SHOULD be the way things work and I think a fair number of coaches do work that way. That is how all my sons coaches have operated. However, every club fielding top tier teams has coaches operating outside these guidelines. I wouldn't mind seeing a club put in writing what roster building rules/restrictions they follow. I think top of the list for most parents would be a restriction on guest players as that seems to be the biggest recurring complaint. I'm not holding my breathe though.