Dear BRYC Coaches:

My name is Anthony Pagano, and I am BRYC’s All Star Coordinator. Each season, BRYC fields one or more All Star teams for each age group U8 and above. Naturally, each team needs a coach. This email is intended to inform all of our coaches about the All Star process.

I’M NOT COACHING ALL STARS. DO I NEED TO READ THIS?

Yes. This document includes information that every coach should know about our All Star process.

HOW DO I BECOME AN ALL STAR COACH?

Interested coaches should notify their League Director (“LD”) of their interest at the beginning of the season. The LD will select the best-qualified candidate based on (1) interest; (2) ability; (3) coaching knowledge, experience and performance; and (4) All Star tournament experience.

WHAT LEVEL OF COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED?

Coaching All Stars is hugely rewarding, but also requires commitment on the coach’s part. All Star coaches must scout teams during the regular season, oversee the “open scrimmage,” select players, hold practices, and coach their teams in the tournament.

HOW ARE PLAYERS SELECTED?

We try to ensure that each player receives fair consideration. During the first several games, evaluate all players on your team and make nominations to the LD based on (1) attitude; (2) ability; (3) commitment; and (4) performance – not just individual skills. The All Star coach will also scout teams to evaluate players and may consult with you – your opinions are important! Finally, the All Star coach and LD will hold an open scrimmage for interested players. The All Star coach will then select his or her team in accordance with established procedures. The roster is subject to league review.

WHAT IS THE “OPEN SCRIMMAGE”?

In addition to coach nominations and scouting, BRYC holds an “open scrimmage” for all players interested in All Stars – whether or not those players have been nominated. This is not a “try-out,” but rather an additional opportunity for the All Star coach to evaluate players and for players to exhibit their skills in a game setting. Your LD will provide additional information about time and place. Please note, participation in the scrimmage is not required for selection, nor does it ensure selection.

CAN I ASK MY PLAYERS IF THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PLAY, IF SELECTED?

Yes. We recommend you use the following email text to assess your players’ availability:

[BEGIN]

Dear Parents:

This season’s All Star tournament will be held November 16-17, 2013. In order to increase our efficiency as a league, we are asking all players at the beginning of the season whether or not they will be available to play that weekend and to participate in all additional practices if they are selected to participate. Please understand, this is a general inquiry being made to the parents of all of our players. It is not a part of the selection process. Please let me know if your player will be available to play that weekend and to participate in all additional practices, if he or she is selected. Thank you.

[END]

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?

An All-Star Calendar is prepared each season. Here’s a summary of this season’s important dates:

  • September 7-21: Scout your team for nominations during the first 3 games. Assess availability and interest of all players using the pre-approved email textabove. LDs consult with All Star Coordinator to determine number of teams per league.
  • September 25: LDs will name their selected All Star coaches.
  • September 25: Submit your nominations list to your LD, using the league’s nomination form (available on the BRYC All Star web page) to rate your nominees. TIMELY NOMINATIONS ARE CRITICAL.
  • September 28-October 5: All Star coaches scout recreational teams during regular games.
  • October 6 & October 13: Open Scrimmage – date/location determined by All Star coach and LD.
  • October 16: Rosters finalized. All Star coaches will notify selected players.
  • TBD: All Star practices can begin
  • November 16-17: Tournament

WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Review the materials available on the BRYC All Stars web page. If you still have questions, email me at .

Thanks to each of you for your time and commitment to coaching our kids, and have a great season!