Dedham Youth Soccer (DYS)- Player and Team Selection Guidelines
- As part of our Player and Coach Development Program, Dedham Youth Soccer (DYS) is using the following processes by which Travel Teams will be constructed each season. DYS’s goal is for the player to develop in the most suitable environment to create a positive experience while learning to enjoy the game of soccer.
- The number of teams and the size of teams are based on the number of registered players and league rules. Teams may be combined at grade level when conditions require. Additional evaluations may be used in determining appropriate level of play if needed.
In order to provide multiple data points to assist in the evaluation and placement of players, DYS will collect the following information during each season:
- Input from current coaches. Each current Grade 2 through Grade 8 coaching staff is required to provide an assessment of the players on his/her team related to soccer skill, competency, athleticism, and overall performance. Other information/comments will be included in this evaluation (e.g., attendance, attitude, strengths).
- Input from the DYS Clinicians: The DYS Clinicians perform skill training with our current Grade 2 through Grade 5 players during the season. At the conclusion of each season, the Clinicians provide DYS with assessments of the players from a skill perspective.
- Tryouts for Incoming 3rd thru 8th Grade Players. DYS holds tryouts during the spring for players who will be incoming 3rd thru 8th grade for the fall season. The tryouts are conducted by professional Non-DYS affiliated evaluators. The purpose of tryouts is to get an independent evaluation of the players at different levels of play 7v7, 9v9, 11v11. The Tryouts evaluate the player’s soccer skills and team play. The format is a blend of skills (passing, dribbling, striking) and mini-games. These evaluations will be combined with the Coach’s evaluation of the players to determine the best, most suitable competition level for each child.
Once this information has been collected, DYS works with our Directors and Travel Coaches (Head coach and assistant coaches) to review all pieces of evaluation data and appropriately place players on rosters for each Travel (grades 3 thru 8) season.
Coach Selection Process
In accordance with the Dedham Youth Soccer Curriculum, DYS is intent on improving the overall level of coaching in the Program through education, mentoring, and evaluation. As a Board, we offer inhouse coaching education, fund State licensing courses for all DYS coaches, and offer mentoring for coaches that seek
assistance. Coaches are not picked for teams until AFTER the players have been selected for a team. If multiple coaches apply for a head or assistant coach position and cannot be worked out among the coaches, DYS will appoint a committee to conduct interviews of applicants. This committee will then make decisions on who will be selected as Head coach and assistant coaches. All coaches need to pass multiple background checks conducted by Mass Youth Soccer as well as complete Safesport and Concussion Training, as guided, prior to any on or off field interactions with players.
Note: DYS reserves the right to make changes as needed
Dedham Soccer on 3…!
Updated: June 2023