Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks again. Given the different time frames for the "formal" ID sessions/tryouts among the various clubs, is a player actually able to weigh different offers from DA/ECNL clubs? I know that clubs will generally tell a player that they have X amount of time to accept the offer, but is that really a hard and fast deadline? On the one hand, I understand why a club would want to get commitments as quick as possible so that they may offer other players if the club's "top" choices turn down their offers. However, on the other hand, I have to imagine that a club would wait for a good player to make up their mind (which is not to say that there would not be "encouragement" to the parents/player to make up their mind quickly).

Mid season adds are always a bit trickier because of the players likelihood of being committed to another club. There are financial issues and burdens to be factored in as well as card issues depending upon the scenario.

Certainly the club will always want a quick decision if they have made an offer but are obviously more understanding at mid season. Sometimes just saying "thanks, but we will finish out the season but are interested in next year" is enough. Many folks start hitting different club practices just to check out the team in a more natural training environment to narrow clubs and teams ahead of the spring crazy season.

For those players that are actually inclined to make a mid season move it is more complicated but a club who wants a player will certainly work with the family and be patient.

But, in general, don't bother with clubs that you have no real interest in joining. Also, if you are not really interested in moving on from a current club it is best to avoid the situation all together as well. At best it is just a waste of everyone's time at worst it can cause dissension at your home club and the other club may no longer take you seriously afterwords as well.

Sorry for not being more clear. My question was not with respect to a mid-season add, but rather next season (i.e., the 2018/2019 season). I understand that the "crazy season" generally starts in the Spring for the 2018/19 season, but different teams will have significantly different try out dates. As an example, Spirit MD is the earliest with ID Sessions in October, November and December. I am sure other clubs will be early next year, and others in March or even April. Given these significant time differences, how long does a player practically have to decide on a club for the 2018/2019 season?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks again. Given the different time frames for the "formal" ID sessions/tryouts among the various clubs, is a player actually able to weigh different offers from DA/ECNL clubs? I know that clubs will generally tell a player that they have X amount of time to accept the offer, but is that really a hard and fast deadline? On the one hand, I understand why a club would want to get commitments as quick as possible so that they may offer other players if the club's "top" choices turn down their offers. However, on the other hand, I have to imagine that a club would wait for a good player to make up their mind (which is not to say that there would not be "encouragement" to the parents/player to make up their mind quickly).

Mid season adds are always a bit trickier because of the players likelihood of being committed to another club. There are financial issues and burdens to be factored in as well as card issues depending upon the scenario.

Certainly the club will always want a quick decision if they have made an offer but are obviously more understanding at mid season. Sometimes just saying "thanks, but we will finish out the season but are interested in next year" is enough. Many folks start hitting different club practices just to check out the team in a more natural training environment to narrow clubs and teams ahead of the spring crazy season.

For those players that are actually inclined to make a mid season move it is more complicated but a club who wants a player will certainly work with the family and be patient.

But, in general, don't bother with clubs that you have no real interest in joining. Also, if you are not really interested in moving on from a current club it is best to avoid the situation all together as well. At best it is just a waste of everyone's time at worst it can cause dissension at your home club and the other club may no longer take you seriously afterwords as well.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks again. Given the different time frames for the "formal" ID sessions/tryouts among the various clubs, is a player actually able to weigh different offers from DA/ECNL clubs? I know that clubs will generally tell a player that they have X amount of time to accept the offer, but is that really a hard and fast deadline? On the one hand, I understand why a club would want to get commitments as quick as possible so that they may offer other players if the club's "top" choices turn down their offers. However, on the other hand, I have to imagine that a club would wait for a good player to make up their mind (which is not to say that there would not be "encouragement" to the parents/player to make up their mind quickly).