Anonymous wrote:Isn't it something like an 18-20 hour per week commitment for most sports?

Depends on the sport. For my kids who run, it's probably closer to 15.

Isn't it something like an 18-20 hour per week commitment for most sports?

Anonymous wrote:My son will be new to Blair this fall, and is hoping to try out for soccer.

Does anyone know when tryouts start? Also, what is the typical time commitment during the season?

Call/email the athletic department. Coaches or the AD will be able to give you exact answers for all your questions but there will likely be workouts starting at the start of summer and tryouts will be about a month before school starts. It will be Monday-Saturday, nothing on Sunday. 2-3 hours a day for practice/games.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you!

Is it fair to assume that if he makes the team he can't miss any practices? We usually take a vacation with extended family in August. Should we plan on missing that?

At DS’s HS there are zero excuses for missing practice aside from illness and injury. And an injured player is still expected to be present and on the bench. DS tore several ligaments and was on the bench at all practices and games for 6 weeks (which honestly sucked). Missing for a vacation would definitely be unacceptable at his school. However I recognize it’s also a tough call to cancel family vacation plans since there’s no guarantee of making the team. Maybe try to assess whether he’s a likely or a long shot. It’s exceptionally rare for kids who don’t play travel to make a team. Some schools have so many kids come out that they turn away lots of skilled kids. If your child plays on a strong team, he stands a good shot.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you!

Is it fair to assume that if he makes the team he can't miss any practices? We usually take a vacation with extended family in August. Should we plan on missing that?

Yes, you should. Or your kid should, anyway.

August 14th is the tryout day go-ahead for the county, so that's when when most tryouts start.

I would be sure to be back the entire week before that beginning on the 5th or maybe the 7th because some schools do camps or "optional" pre-tryouts and that's when they realistically get to know a lot of kids.

We're not at Blair but my son did 90% of the optional stuff. It was helpful in knowing expectations, getting to know the older kids and some newer kids, and for the coaches to get to know him. A few kids showed up to the tryouts that didn't participate in any of that and a few made it but more made it who participated in summer league and the camp and pre-tryout stuff.

A big benefit to participating in these things is if your kid is on the edge and they've demonstrated grit and dedication, that could be the tie breaker.

The county tryout date is August 14 so I’d expect tryouts to start that day. Our son is not at Blair but I assume most schools are similar. Soccer is very competitive and if you miss any practices between tryouts and school starting you are off the team, unless for an acceptable reason like being sick/doctors appointment/etc. There are 150 other kids that tried out and didn’t make the team that would be willing to show up at every practice, so the coaches tend to not be very flexible.

Thank you!

Is it fair to assume that if he makes the team he can't miss any practices? We usually take a vacation with extended family in August. Should we plan on missing that?

I can’t speak specifically to Blair because my son is at a different school. However, tryouts for all MCPS soccer teams are typically the 2nd week in August. Last year they were Aug 9-11. Most MCPS soccer teams are a 5-6 day a week commitment. They either practice or have a game every weekday. At our HS, practice was usually in the late afternoon or evening so he didn’t stay after school and had to come back. But it was at least cooler temps. My son’s team also had mandatory Saturday practices. Practices begin as soon as tryouts end so don’t make any plans for August. Also, most schools have some summer training and/or league play open to all. These are optional but highly recommended. See if you can find a contact on the school’s athletics page. Good luck to your son!

My son will be new to Blair this fall, and is hoping to try out for soccer.

Does anyone know when tryouts start? Also, what is the typical time commitment during the season?