TRYOUTS
Tryouts will begin on Monday, August 26, at 9:00 AM on the John Jay High School track. Please come prepared with running shoes, plenty of water, soccer cleats, shin guards, and both a white and blue shirt (or a reversible jersey). At 9:00 AM, we will take attendance on the bleachers by the track. Following attendance, Coach Seipp and the Coaching Staff will share a few words about the John Jay Soccer Program and the tryout process. Around 9:30 AM, all players trying out for the Varsity or Junior Varsity teams will participate in a 9-Minute Cooper Test Run*.
✱ Read More about the 9-Minute Cooper Test Run here.
After the 9-Minute Cooper Test Run on the track (from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM), players trying out will participate in soccer sessions until 12:00 PM. A complete and updated tryout schedule is provided below, and please be sure to regularly check the Program Calendar for any updates. Varsity tryouts will be held from Monday through Wednesday, while Junior Varsity tryouts will run from Monday through Thursday.
One common question we receive from talented Freshmen and Sophomores is: "If I try out for Varsity but don’t make it, can I still try out for JV?" The answer is "Yes, absolutely." Varsity tryouts conclude on Wednesday, so if you do not make the team, you are welcome to attend the JV tryouts on Thursday.
Dates & Times
Varsity
Monday 8/26
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Track / Grass)
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Turf)
Tuesday 8/27
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Turf)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Grass)
Wednesday, 8/28
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Turf)
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Turf)
Junior Varsity
Monday 8/26
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Track / Grass)
Tuesday 8/27
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM (Turf)
Wednesday 8/28
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Turf)
Thursday 8/29
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM (Grass)
Check the Program Calendar for Updates.
Location
John Jay High School Turf Field and/or Grass Soccer Field
2012 NY-52, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Tryout Eligibility
In order to be eligible to tryout you need two (2) things:
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You must be academically eligible to tryout.* You must be passing all of your classes or if you have failed 1 class in the 4th quarter, you must have an overall average above 70%.
✱ Note: Academic Eligibility is determined by 4th quarter grades, not your final average for the course.
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You must register with ArbiterSports (formerly Family ID). To register, click here. You must have an updated physical and all of your papers / permission forms must be signed and on record with the Health Office. If you did not get a physical in the Spring, you will need to arrange a physical yourself with Health Quest. Here is information on how to schedule your physical, if you need one.
Sports Physicals: Health Quest
Hotline
By Appt, M - F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(845) 297-2511 ext. 307
Wappingers Office
1530 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
LaGrange Office
1100 Route 55, LaGrangeville, NY 12540
✱ PLEASE REGISTER ON ARBITER SPORTS BEGINNING ON JULY 27, BUT NO LATER THAN AUGUST 12 so your physical and information can be viewed and reviewed by the School Doctor.
For any questions about ArbiterSports, please contact Wappingers Central School District, John Jay Senior High School, and Van Wyck Junior High School Athletics Department Administrators via email directly at kurt.jesman@wcsdny.org or maureen.myers@wcsdny.org, or call their office at (845) 897-6700.
Team Selection Criteria
Once cleared for tryouts, the soccer teams are selected based on a rubric of the following:
Technique
Technical prowess with the soccer ball encompasses a broad spectrum of skills that are evaluated during tryouts, including, but not limited to:
Dribbling fluently using both feet, utilizing all surfaces of the feet while maintaining head up.
Proficiency in passing with both feet (inside, outside, and laces).
Shooting accuracy and power with both feet.
Ground ball control with various parts of both feet.
Aerial ball control with different foot surfaces.
Heading technique for direction, accuracy, and power.
Demonstrating effective moves to bypass opponents while dribbling.
Tactical Awareness
Players' decision-making abilities, both on and off the ball, are crucial aspects under assessment during tryouts. These encompass various facets such as:
Decisions made when in possession of the ball, including the ability to attack available spaces, identifying open teammates, selecting the most effective passing options, and evaluating risks versus rewards across defensive, midfield, and attacking zones.
Off-the-ball decisions while in possession, such as pressuring the ball if nearest to the opponent, directing the play toward defensive support, avoiding fouls, and maintaining quality supporting runs and passing lanes.
Appropriately employing combination play tactics like wall passes, overlaps, and double passes.
Adhering to proper offensive and defensive positioning to sustain the team's shape.
Employing 'Peeks' to determine the optimal first touch upon receiving the ball and anticipate the available options, showcasing anticipation skills both in and out of possession.
Fitness
Assessment criteria cover various elements, including but not confined to:
Endurance, speed, quickness, agility, strength, and flexibility.
Psychological Dimension
The assessment encompasses your mental attitude towards the game and intangible attributes. Key areas evaluated involve:
Coachability, embracing feedback constructively for improvement.
Will to Win, displaying determination and drive.
Heart, demonstrating passion and dedication.
Hustle, showcasing effort and perseverance.
Desire for success, maintaining focus and concentration.
Team-first mentality, sacrificing personal objectives for the team's benefit.
Commitment to the John Jay Soccer Program through active participation.
Character, Integrity, and Sportsmanship, refraining from negative behavior and displaying fair play.
Academic dedication, balancing soccer commitment with scholastic responsibilities.
Respect, towards teammates, coaches, officials, and the game itself.
For more information or if you have any questions, email Coach Seipp at robert.seipp@wcsdny.org.
Please Remember
The following items must be brought to every tryout session:
Shin Guards (must be worn at all times during all soccer related tryout activities)
Plenty of Water (water will not be provided)
Both a White and Blue Shirt (or reversible jersey / pinnie)