Doing things secretly causes problems. Why not just open the tryouts up to all 8th graders. In one school a number of girls were brought up from middle school quietly to tryout for varsity (and not because of a numbers need). Others with equal talent (not an opinion, fact) weren't given this opportunity. To avoid problems why not invite all? Most that are not close to being ready will pass on the tryout and the coaches can take those who they had planned on taking anyway. Plus, in an ideal world, maybe a sleeper without the right connections will catch the eye of a coach.
How about this travel dad, your kid will have more than enough time to play varsity. Just because the people you write the big check to every summer tell you how great your kid is doesn't make it so. Wait your turn and don't rush it.
By your logic, ALL 8th graders will have more than enough time to play varsity then, including the invited 8th graders. I think if you're going to have a tryout for some 8th graders then it should be open to all. The secrecy aspect just feeds the politics, although let's be real, those politics will certainly affect who gets chosen ultimately. But you never know, maybe there *is* a sleeper out there without the political connections.
