Tryouts and Cut Policy

for High School Teams with more than 16 interested sailors

Due to growing interest in SailMaine’s High School Sailing Program and the increasing number of teams utilizing SailMaine’s facilities, there is a need to implement a Tryout/Cut Policy for teams with more than 16 interested sailors.

Why do we need this policy?

• Limiting each school team to 16 or less allows SailMaine to treat all teams fairly while keeping the overall size of the program within our logistical constraints. 

• For most teams, SailMaine can allot six boats per team for practice, which allows 12 sailors per team to sail at a time.  Even allowing for absences, dentist appointments, etc., which reduce the number of sailors at a practice, a roster greater than 16 would result in significantly less sailing at practice for each sailor.  
• In addition, given the regatta opportunities available, a larger team would result in fewer opportunities for each sailor to compete.

How will the tryouts be held?

• During each team’s first week of practice (three practices, weather permitting), team coaches will evaluate each sailor’s skills during a variety of drills (i.e., boat handling, tactics, capsizing, etc), as well as their attitude and effort. 

• The Team Coach(es) will then create the roster based on performance, attitude, and effort during the first week of practice. 

What happens if a sailor gets cut?

• Sailors not included on their team’s roster this season have several options.  
• If space allows, they may join the Southern Maine High School Team, a conglomerate team open to all and not affiliated with any one school. 
• If they prefer (or if the SMHS Team is full), they may join the SailMaine Intramural Program (again, pending available slots), a basic sailing course where they can advance their skills. Intramural is available in the fall only.
• If a student elects not to sail for SMHS or in the Intramural Program (or if there is no space available in either), a full refund will be granted.  Students are welcome to try out again the next season.

Please note:

• Lack of experience (no ability to capsize, etc), as determined by the Coach and HS Program Director, may be a reason for sailors to be left off the roster even if the maximum roster size of 16 is not yet reached.  Sailors who are new to sailing should plan to participate in our Intramural program in the fall. 
• The conglomerate high school team will also adhere to this policy, though the roster size will be larger due to the many high schools represented.  They are allocated more boats per practice and additional coaching for this larger team. The SMHS roster limit will be determined by the Program Director based upon demand and logistics.
• There is no veteran advantage during the week of tryouts.  If a sailor was on the team last season, they are not automatically included on the roster again.
• Absences from practice due to significant extenuating circumstances will not affect assessment.  If a sailor must miss all tryouts, alternative arrangements will be made.