Principle: We typically only move players mid-year for two reasons:

1. when a player is in a situation that is a problem for their development;

2. when there is a team need (# of players assigned to the team, team’s level of league play).

In other words, we wouldn’t promote and relegate two players simply because we now think a player on the 2nd team is a little better than a player on the 1st team. We’d normally make that correction at the next tryout in May, unless one of the above situations exists.

Timing: Normally in early Feb. This gives us time to evaluate during the winter and be pretty sure of what our rosters will look like in the spring.

Communication method: Coach offers the player a chance to move teams and explains the reasons for it. The player should be encouraged to discuss it with their parents and they should have the right to ask questions and to accept or refuse the move.

Once a move is confirmed, the coaches inform the teams at training, without a lot of fanfare (coach of sending team lets team know that Ellie and Kate are moving to Premier. Coach of receiving team lets players know Ellie and Kate are joining).

We do not follow up with a mass email to teams: although transparency is good, this can make it a bigger deal than it should be and imply that parents are expected to share or discuss this event. We can let the other players inform their parents.

Justification: Decisions are made based on the overall assessment by coaches including technical, tactical, physical, and mental development. We acknowledge that the process is not perfect, evaluations are subjective, and two coaches will often differ in their assessment of a player. At Cincy SC, there’s not a big difference between the Premier & Elite teams. Both have excellent, professional coaches, train the same amount, and play in competitive leagues and tournaments. We seek the best development environment for each player, and sometimes that comes on the 2nd or 3rd team for a “bubble” player where there’s a greater opportunity for playing time and leadership roles. (Net, team assignment isn’t a big deal, you’re at a great place, regardless.)

Next steps: Club needs to adjust the team list, email group, etc. We may, but often won’t, make roster and player card changes mid-year because the process is cumbersome and without much benefit. It’s not needed for tourneys, and leagues also allow guest players, though it does require a bit of paperwork at times.