Tryout Etiquitte

[Getoutyall]

I'm trying to figure out what is the correct etiquette in this situation. My son tried out for a new club and made one of their top teams. His current club had already told us that he was not eligible to even try out for their top teams. So we have accepted our spot on the new clubs team. Our current clubs tryouts for classic teams are in a week. I don't want to burn any bridges. Should we have our child attend the tryouts even though we won't be accepting a spot? I don't want to seem rude by just not showing up but also don't want to potentially take a spot away from another child when we know we will not accept the position. Thanks for any insight!

[Snorlax]

Would you "burn any bridges" if you attended tryout, received an offer but turn it down? If you are not going to the club I don't see why you should attend tryout. At least you are not wasting anyone's time.

[Nova2Euro]

Are the tryouts being held in lieu of regular training sessions? If so, and your kid has nowhere else to train, go to the tryouts.

[clt-dad]

The correct etiquette is to let them know ahead of time that you won't be trying out. You don't need to overshare or say what you are doing, just that you won't be pursuing a spot at their club.

It can get a little sticky if there are games between now and then and if your coach will retaliate by benching the kid. Even so, offers are usually extended within a day or two of tryouts so sometime soon you'll have to come clean.

For ENCL/R its all super awkward if your team makes it to the playoffs and you are switching clubs but stuck until July with the old team.

[Rountree]

Crazy stuff happens with these clubs...offers get revoked, coaches change, you find out things you didn't know...NEVER close a door until you absolutely need to. Go to the tryout and say as little as possible about your plans until they ask you what you are doing next year. Then, you tell them. They aren't telling you who they are offering...it's a two-way street. They start offers with the kids they want most for the top team and work downward on a rolling basis. You won't be taking anyone's spot. Your kindness is admirable, but don't overthink it.