CHATHAM UNITED SELECT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Chatham United Select?
Select is a new program within the Chatham United Club designed for committed soccer players who want a higher level of competition. Select teams will be part of the Club, just like existing travel teams. All CUS players will be on either a Select team or a Travel team, depending on their interest and ability.
How does Select differ from other Chatham United travel teams?
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Chatham United Travel
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Chatham United Select
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Fall practices
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2x weekly
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2x weekly
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Spring practices
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1x weekly
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2x weekly
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Professional trainers
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Yes
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Yes
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Participation in tournaments
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Discretion of team, expect 2 per year (including CUS tournament in spring)
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Expect 4 per year (including State Cup in fall and CUS tournament in spring)
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Preseason training
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Yes, form of participation at discretion of team
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Yes, form of participation at discretion of team
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Winter soccer participation
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Discretion of team
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Yes, form of participation at discretion of team
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Estimated Total Annual Cost
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$700-$800
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$900-$1000
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Which age groups will be eligible for Select teams?
Select teams may be formed at the U11-U14 age groups for both boys and girls. U10 teams may also be "fast tracked" as future potential Select (these teams would have a higher activity level than CUS Travel teams including two spring practices rather than one).
Will a Select team be formed at all eligible age groups?
No. Select teams will only be formed for age groups where enough players have indicated an interest to form a Select team, that is expected to be able to compete in the first or second flight of Morris, Mid-Jersey or Central Jersey leagues. If there are not enough players, no Select team will be formed. Instead, traditional CUS Travel teams will be formed.
What is the basis for forming a Select team and who will make the decision that a team qualifies as Select?
Select teams are expected to be able to compete in the first or second flight of Morris, Mid-Jersey or Central Jersey leagues. A Select team will be formed if: (i) enough participants have indicated an interest to form a Select team; and (ii) the children trying out for Select are viewed by the professional evaluators as being capable of playing at relatively high levels of competition. The final decision to form a Select team or a CUS Travel team will be made by the Chatham United Board on the basis of both past performance and expected performance given the assessed skill level of the prospective team. We do not expect that Select teams will be formed at each age group. Most age groups will have traditional CUS Travel teams.
How do I sign up my child for Select?
Players wishing to be considered tor 2008/2009 Select teams must indicate “Yes” to the Select question on the registration form. This is due to the increased commitment level required for the Select versus Travel program. If your child indicates “No” and a Select team is formed in that age group, your child will not be placed on the Select team. Instead, we will attempt to place your child on the most appropriate Travel team (to the extent a place is available).
What if some kids want to be on a Select team but others don’t?
Select teams for 2008/2009 will be formed for age groups where enough players have indicated an interest to form a Select team, that is expected to be able to compete in the first or second flight of Morris, Mid-Jersey or Central Jersey leagues. If your child is currently on a team that has interest in forming a Select team, and your child does not wish to register as a Select player, your child will be placed on a Travel team to the extent a place is available. In such a case, it is possible that an existing team could be “broken up.” If there are not a sufficient number of players, no Select team will be formed and the team is likely to stay relatively intact.
How are children placed on a Select team versus a CUS travel team? Will there be a separate tryout for the Select teams?
Children will be assessed for placement on both Select and Travel teams using the same approach. Children are not guaranteed placement on either a Select team or a Travel team. Places will be offered on the basis of the child’s assessed skill level and potential. However, only players who have indicated they would like to be considered for Select will be placed on a Select team.
Each year, current club members are evaluated by their professional team trainer and ranked according to their current skill level. These player evaluations combined with their tryout results will be used as part of the overall team selection process. The professional trainer’s assessment will be the most important factor with a 60%, weight the tryout score will count 30%, and the parent manager assessment will count 10%. For players new to CUS, the tryout score will comprise the entire assessment for team placement purposes.
The Club will hold an extensive multi-day tryout , run by an independent organization to ensure each player’s skills and ability is evaluated by trained professionals.
The team selection committee will have final say over each team roster. The team selection committee will comprise of the Vice President of Membership, the Director of Coaching/Training, and the Club President or other designated Board Trustees.
Does my child have to be on an existing A team to be considered for a Select team?
No, your child could be on any existing CUS team or new to the Club entirely. We will attempt to place all children on the basis of assessed skill and interest, and encourage all committed players to consider the Select program. Please note, as consistent with current Club policy, there is no guarantee your child will be placed on Select team or Travel team, even if he/she is an existing player.
Will existing A teams be turned into Select teams?
Not necessarily, it will depend on the number of interested players and the assessed skill level of the potential team. If both conditions are not met, traditional Travel teams will be formed instead.
If a Select team is formed for an age group, will there also be a Chatham United travel team?
The Club’s intent is to form a Select team and a Travel team in each eligible age group (U11-U14), if there are sufficient numbers of interested players. If there are not enough players to form a Select team, two Travel teams will be formed to the extent possible.
If there is no Select team formed for an age group, will Chatham United travel teams be formed?
Yes. We do not expect that all age groups will have enough interest or ability to compete at the select level, and therefore, do not expect to form a select team at every level. If no Select team is formed, the conventional Chatham United travel teams will run.
Will Select teams be composed of kids from all the same age groups, or will age groups be mixed?
The Select teams will be composed primarily of players of the same age group. There may be some instances when a player who wishes to play select, but does not have a Select in team in their age group to play on, may be asked if they wish to play up.
Will Select teams play in Morris County or some other league? How is this decision made?
Select teams may play in Morris County, Mid-Jersey, or another league. This decision will be made based on the team’s current level of play and their ability to compete at that level. Teams that are consistently performing well in Flight 1 Morris County will be considered for play in leagues other than Morris County. This decision will be made with input from the Chatham United Board, outside evaluators, and with parent discussion.
Will travel increase for Select teams?
Travel will likely increase for some Select teams, particularly those playing in a league other than Morris County. There will also be some increased travel for tournaments
For Select teams competing in Morris County, regular season travel will continue to be dependent on the other teams in the flight. Again, there will also be increased tournament travel.
Will costs be higher for Select teams?
Our expectation is there will be an increased cost to participate on a Select Team. The increase will vary by team, as all teams currently have differing cost structures (based on number of players, number of tournaments entered, number of practices, etc.). However, we anticipate an increased cost of approximately 25% - 30% to play Select.
Can my child play more than one sport if on a Select team?
This is a family decision. Before committing to a Select team, each family should evaluate the commitment and ensure that their child can make the majority of games, practices, etc required of a Select team participant. However, we expect that children should be able to participate in other sports, if desired.
What is the expected calendar year commitment?
Select teams will play in both the fall and spring. In the fall, Select teams will play a minimum of two tournaments, including State Cup. In the Spring, Select teams will also participate in two tournaments, including the Chatham United tournament. Additionally, Select teams will be required to practice two times per week in both the fall and spring. Winter soccer will be at individual team discretion. Finally, all teams will participate in a preseason team clinic/mini camp, generally held in late August.
How many kids will be on a Select team?
The expectation is that each team will carry 15-17 players.
What if I change my mind about Select or Travel after I have registered/tried out?
You will need to advise Chatham United immediately. If you are withdrawing completing, your child will be dropped as a potential player. If the player only wants to withdraw from Select participation, but wants to play Chatham United Travel, again Chatham United must be advised immediately so the player can be considered for a Chatham United Travel team. The same holds true if you registered for Travel but desire to be considered for Select. Please note that tryout fees are non-refundable.
Is it possible to be asked to join the Select program when you are forming teams if I did not sign up for it?
It is possible, but not likely. If you change your mind during the two week tryout process, again, Chatham United should be advised so that your child can be considered.
How long will Select teams last?
Select teams will be formed for the fall 2008/spring 2009 season, just as Travel teams are formed. Teams will be reconstituted from year to year.
If my child is not placed on a Select team this year, will he/she have another chance?
Yes. New teams are formed each year on the basis of the participant’s professional trainer evaluations and tryout results. Depending on these factors, your child will have the opportunity to be placed on a future Select team.
If my child is placed on a Select team, does this ensure he/she will be on a Select team in the future?
There is no guarantee that a player on a Select team for 2008/2009 will continue to have a spot on future Select teams. Just as with Travel, team placement will be subject to trainer evaluation and tryout results. In addition, Select teams will only be formed to the extent there is interest/ability in the age group.
How many Select teams do you expect to form for 2008/2009?
We currently expect that 2-4 Select teams will be formed for the upcoming year. The number of future Select teams could be higher or lower, depending on interest and participant feedback to the Club.
