The Select program time commitment is significantly higher than the Recreational programs. The fall practice season (varies by coach) is considered to be instructional and is more relaxed. WAVERLY RIPTIDE supports young athletes playing multiple sports, especially in the fall. Given this, schedule conflicts with other activities in the fall are expected and accommodated to the degree practicable. In the spring/summer, a Select player’s primary athletic commitment is expected to be baseball.

The financial commitment for Select is also higher than for the Recreational programs, although the costs remain far lower than privately run travel teams in the area. Additional costs for Select teams relative to Recreational league costs include uniforms, tournament fees, private instruction, travel expenses, equipment, and other related expenses. WAVERLY RIPTIDE Select teams are provided access to Waverly fields for practice and games.

Although the exact number of games played from season to season or team to team fluctuates, Select teams typically play 30-60 games in the spring and summer. Games come from tournament play and from play in weeknight and weekend single and double header games.

Interested candidates must submit a completed coach application/request to the WAVERLY RIPTIDE Board of Directors by the posted deadline to be considered for coach selection.

The Coaches Selection Committee, comprised of at least two WAVERLY RIPTIDE Board of Directors, will interview each candidate. Coaches must agree to abide by the rules, protocols, expectations, and philosophies of WAVERLY RIPTIDE in order to be considered, which also includes expectations for parent/team communications. All of this is discussed during the interview process.

Coaches will be subject to a full background check prior to approval.

Item de1. Tryout Eligibility & Requirements

• All players must attend a tryout to be eligible for team placement

• Players must register prior to tryouts

• Payment is not required until a player is offered a roster spot

• If a player cannot attend a tryout or make-up date, they are not eligible unless approved by the Board

Note:
Head coach’s children must participate in tryouts and be evaluated objectively like all players.

2. Tryout Structure & Evaluation

• Tryouts are held annually (typically early July) for all age groups

• Head Coaches are expected to attend all tryout sessions for their age group

• Additional evaluations (callbacks or extended reps) may be conducted if needed

Independent Evaluation

• An Independent Evaluator is required at primary tryouts

• Evaluators must have no affiliation with the age group

• Evaluations are provided to coaches to support objective decisions

• Evaluation notes are confidential and retained for 30 days

3. Player Evaluation Criteria

Player selection is based on a combination of:

• Skill and ability

• Effort and attitude

• Baseball knowledge and awareness

• Coachability and team fit

All decisions are expected to be objective and data-informed, with the goal of placing players where they can best develop and contribute.

4. Team Formation Philosophy

Waverly Riptide recognizes that players develop at different rates. Teams are formed to support both competitive play and long-term development.

Team Structure

• Competitive Team(s):
  For players demonstrating advanced ability and readiness for higher competition

• Development Team(s):
  For players continuing to build foundational skills in a growth-focused environment

Team structure will vary by age group based on overall player ability and numbers.

5. Roster Selection & Guidelines

• Rosters are reset each season (no automatic placement from prior teams)

• The goal is to place the most qualified players on each team

• Coaches must collaborate to ensure fair and balanced roster construction

• Maximum roster size: 12 players (unless Board approved)

6. Player Movement & Development

• Players may move between teams year-to-year based on development

• Advancement opportunities are a core part of the program

• Players are encouraged to play at their grade level when appropriate

• Final placement decisions consider both player growth and team needs

7. Roster Completion (Non-Resident Players)

• Non-district players may be considered to complete rosters when needed

• All such additions require Board approval

• Players must meet both skill expectations and organizational values

8. Communication & Notifications

Prior to roster announcements:

• Coaches must contact all selected players to confirm commitment

• Coaches must also contact:

  • Players not selected

  • Players moving to a different team

Clear and respectful communication is required.

9. Coaching Resources & Paid Instructors

• Head Coaches may utilize paid instructors to support development

• Must be:

  • Pre-approved by the Board

  • Disclosed to families in advance

• Does not apply to:

  • Occasional instruction

  • Private lessons arranged independently by families

10. Parental Appeals Process

• Appeals are only permitted when a player requests to move down a team

• Appeals to move up a team are not allowed under any circumstances

• All appeals must be submitted to the Board of Directors

11. Age & Residency Requirements

Age Eligibility

• Based on player age as of April 30 of the season year

Residency Requirement

Players must:

• Attend school in District 145 OR

• Reside within Waverly / District 145

Exceptions:

• Allowed only to complete rosters

• Must be approved by the Board

12. Competitive Level of Teams

• Teams will compete at levels appropriate to their ability

• Placement (USSSA classification) is determined by:

  • Team performance

  • Overall roster strength

13. Parent & Player Expectations

• Team placement reflects current ability, not past placement

• Development is not linear—movement between teams is expected

• All teams are valuable and contribute to the organization’s success

• Families are encouraged to communicate with coaches for feedback

• Respect for the process and decisions is expected from all participantsscription