The Baldwinsville Bees are looking for dedicated student-athletes who take pride in their school and are willing to make a maximum effort in both the classroom and on the volleyball court. Wearing a Bees uniform is a privilege, one that carries both responsibilities and rewards.

Preseason tryouts begin the end of October. Your opportunity to learn more about the philosophy and expectations of the Bees program, and to make your best impression on the Bees coaching staff. Here's what you should know:

You can attend tryouts ONLY after completing all the paperwork required by the Baldwinsville Central School District. Athletic registration packets are available from your physical education teacher.

o You must visit your health care provider and have him/her complete the PHYSICAL EXAMINATION form in the packet.

oYou must take the form to your school nurse

When all your paperwork is complete, the school nurse will include your name on a printed eligibility list. When the volleyball coaches see your name on that list, you may attend tryouts.

Tryouts for the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams begin in August in the Baker High gymnasium. You must attend every tryout, unless you have made specific arrangements, in advance, with the coaching staff.

Experienced volleyball players always arrive early: you must be dressed and completely ready to play at the starting time. Therefore, you should plan to arrive fifteen minutes early.

Final Varsity and Junior Varsity teams will be announced at the middle of August.

Wear comfortable clothes: t-shirt, shorts/spandex, socks and court shoes. Do not wear spaghetti strap tops or shirts exposing a bare midriff. Do not bring jewelry (including earrings) to the gym.

Kneepads are recommended, but not required for tryouts. Ankle braces are recommended for those who make the team, but not required for tryouts.

YOU MUST BRING A WATER BOTTLE AND A SNACK EACH DAY.

The coaching staff will be looking for coachable athletes who have a great work ethic and want to learn to be better players and teammates.

Prior volley ball experience or skill helps, but is not required. Prospective student-athletes will be tested and evaluated for their overall athletic ability and level of volleyball skill. Coaches will apply the following criteria:

oATTITUDE: Players who are positive, competitive and eager to learn.

oATHLETIC ABILITY: Players with the ability to learn and perform complex skills.

oPOSITITON: Players whose skills fit a specific need for the team's overall balance.

Expect to work hard. You will be asked to perform all physical testing and drills at full speed. You should run when shagging balls, when moving from drill to drill and when going to and from water breaks. You will not sit down during tryouts, except during water breaks.

Athletic testing: Prospective student-athletes will be put through a series of volleyball-related physical testing including, but not limited to, standing reach, vertical jump, sprints, shuttle runs, etc.

Attitude Evaluation: Prospective Bees should be willing to try hard, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and keep trying. Coaches will take note of those players who listen, follow directions, and ask questions when necessary.

Skill/Competition Evaluation: Prospective players will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of basic volleyball skills (serving, setting, passing, hitting, blocking) in competitive situations. Coaches will take note of those players who demonstrate progress while learning new skills

As with most team sports, coaches will evaluate players for their ability and potential to fill specific positional needs (setter, right side hitter, middle blocker, left side hitter, libero).

Be among the first to arrive in the gym and among the first to help set up nets and equipment.

Be among the first to line up for drills.

Look the coach in the eye when she speaks to you or to the team.

Be a champion ball shagger.

Be among the first to help take down the nets and put away equipment.

Tryouts are a difficult time. One of the toughest jobs for any coach is the final decision about which players make the team, and those who do not. The Baldwinsville Bees coaching staff strives to make all decisions fairly, without bias, and after extended deliberation and evaluation of each prospective student-athlete. During the tryout process, it is not unusual for some girls to decide they would rather not continue trying out. If you think you'd like to withdraw from consideration for a spot on the team, please talk it over first with one of the coaches; it is possible you may be underestimating your chances.

If you are not selected this season, and would like to try out again in the future, there are other options available to you that may help you in the future.

1. Apply to become a team manager. Volleyball managers have a chance to learn leadership and organizational skills and fill a valuable role on the team. Managers also work with Baldwinsville Bees athletic trainer, learning basic training and first aid skills.

2. Play another sport for the Bees.

3. Attend open gyms and/or volleyball camps. There is an active recreational volleyball community year-round here in central NY. Most volleyball camps are offered during July.

4. Tryout for club volleyball. Hundreds of girls from central NY play in tournaments in the area.