Tryout FAQ
Tryout Registration
How do I register for tryouts?
Players can register for tryouts online using the registration link provided on this site. Registering online allows us to both prepare for expected numbers and keep you informed of any changes. It also expedites the check-in process when you arrive. Players should register a minimum of 24 hours prior to the first scheduled tryout.
Following the above registration procedures allows for a more positive and relaxed experience for players as they check-in.
Do current SBSC players need to tryout? Register online?
Yes and Yes
Should players attend all tryouts?
Yes, players are expected to attend all tryout sessions for their age group if and when at all possible. If you cannot attend then please have your player communicate to the age group coach at tryouts.
Age Groups
How do I determine the correct team and age group for a player?
Players should try out for the age group indicated for their birth year per the matrix below. Tryouts are scheduled for an age group as a whole where abilities are evaluated. Team assignments are based on these assessments.
Season Birth Year
2013 to 2002
Tryouts start with the U8 (2013) age group and my child is U7 (2014). Can he/she still play on a team?
Yes, 2014 players are encouraged to attend 2013 tryouts. If enough players have the ability and desire to play at that level, we would not be opposed to creating an opportunity for them to participate in one of our developmental programs for a year.
I notice you have multiple teams within an age group. How does my child try out for a particular team?
Tryouts are scheduled for an entire age group. At tryouts, players will be evaluated extensively as an age group and placed appropriately on a team based on assessed experience level.
How many teams will there be in each age group?
Generally there are 2 teams in each age group and sometimes 3.
What is the club’s policy on roster size?
Santa Barbara SC will strive to keep teams to a size that allows sufficient numbers for training and maximized playing time. As a general rule we keep squads of 7v7 soccer to 11 or 12 players; 9v9 we will keep squads of 13 or 14; and, 11v11 teams to 18 players depending on the age group. Individual teams will have different needs based on schedules, physical demands, and potential conflicts – all of which can influence the size of a team roster.
Can my player try out for an older age group or ‘play up’ a year?
Players should attend age appropriate tryouts to ensure proper team placement. For a player to be selected to play up with an older team, the Director of Coaching, Technical Staff & respective coach of that team must determine that the player will be an impact player who needs to play up to ensure he/she is appropriately challenged. The Director of Coaching has the final say whether a player may ‘play up’ an age.
My player is younger than 2014 birth year and just wants to train. Can he/she do that?
SBSC offers several age appropriate player academy developmental after school programs throughout the year. Information on available programs can be found on the Santa Barbara SC website.
Tryout Sessions
What should players wear and bring to the tryout sessions?
Players must wear a White T-shirt or Jersey, proper soccer cleats, shin guards and bring a ball and water. Any color shorts are acceptable
What if it is raining the day of tryouts? Will you cancel?
It is unlikely we will cancel tryouts. We will post any changes on the club’s website as well as e-mail all registered participants by 2:00 pm on the tryout date only if the tryout is cancelled. If no email is sent, tryouts are going forward.
Can the parents attend and watch tryouts?
Parents are welcome to observe from the spectator areas (outside the playing and evaluation zone).
How are players evaluated at the tryouts?
The professional and knowledgeable coaching staff evaluates players based on Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological components of the game.
What if a player is injured or cannot attend the tryout session for the team he/she is interested in?
Please email the Director of Coaching ([email protected]) prior to tryouts for alternative options to be evaluated. Players must register for tryouts even if you cannot attend in order to be considered.
Who selects the team?
The Santa Barbara SC age group coaches, assistant coaches and professional coaching staff will select the players for their respective teams. Decisions will be based upon input from the previous year’s coach, Santa Barbara SC’s directors and technical staff, as well as staff designated to next year’s team.
Who will coach the team?
*Please see the prior page for the link to coaching assignments. The club may field multiple teams and coaches within an age group. Our staff is highly qualified to provide your player a quality experience.
When can we talk to the staff regarding player placement?
No discussions will take place before or during the tryout evaluation. No discussions will take place on the field during or immediately following tryout sessions.
Team Placement Notification and 2020-2021 Season Registration
When and how will players be notified if offered a spot on a team?
Player placement will be communicated via email directly from the Age Group Coach to the players after the tryout process is completed.
How soon do we need to reply to an offer?
In order to guarantee your player’s roster spot, players (parents) should reply immediately or must reply prior to the initial registration (night) date/deadline.
The player should be aware, however, that the offer for a particular team may be rescinded after the specified period if the player has not yet accepted the offer and the roster for that team has reached capacity.
if I am offeIred a roster spot on a Santa Barbara SC team and wish to accept the offer, what’s the next step? How do I register for the team?
Registration occurs online through our SBSC specific program. You will be notified by either the registrar or Team Manager when and how to register
Financial Considerations
What will the cost be to play on a Santa Barbara SC team for the 2020-2021 season?
Details regarding player fees will be shared at tryouts for a particular age group. Fees vary among age groups as well as teams within an age group depending on planned activities for the season and the level of commitment required by a team. Within Santa Barbara SC, families will have multiple options and can choose a level of commitment best suited to their needs. Santa Barbara SC is a non-profit organization. We offer first class coaching, facilities, competition, and player development. Santa Barbara SC’s fees are priced competitively. Uniform cost is in addition to team fees.
What does the payment schedule for the season look like?
You will have visibility to your exact payment schedule when completing Player Registration.
The first team fee payment will be paid at the time you accept a roster spot by registering. After that, team fees are generally split into 8 equal payments approximately every month. The younger age group's (2013-2007) payments will be completed by December 15, 2020 and the older age group's (2006-2002) payments will be completed by February 15, 2021. Deposits by age group is as follows:
2013 - deposit $400
2012 - deposit $450
2011 - deposit $500
2010 & older - deposit $600
Red Team - deposit $400
What forms of payment will you accept for registration and subsequent payment installments?
We accept Visa, and Master Card. Please note that there is a 3% convenience fee for using a credit card to make any payments. We can accept debit cards and personal checks. We do not do autodraft/automatic withdrawls from bank accounts.
Do you offer discounts for families with multiple SBSC players?
Yes. Families who register multiple players for the 2020-2021 season will receive a $100.00 discount on player registration for the 2nd and $200.00 on the 3rd and $300 on 4th and subsequent players.
Do you offer financial aid?
Santa Barbara SC has the capacity to provide some scholarship assistance for players’ families with financial need. Details on the SBSC Scholarship Program will be available shortly on the SBSC website.
Who do I contact if I have finance related concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding financial considerations including payment of fees or our need based scholarship program, please contact our Registrar, Cory Williams at [email protected]