Tryouts
We roster all Division Play teams and Individual Power classes using a tryout and draft process. This makes our programs accessible to everyone and ensures our levels of play are consistent. Tryouts can be a complex process but, don’t worry, we will help you throughout!
This page explains how Division Play and Individual Power tryouts work.
01
Registration
The first step is to register. Tryout registration opens at the beginning of each season. Information on registration, including tryout dates and locations, can be found in the Newsletter (subscribe at the bottom of the website!) or on the Upcoming Season page when relevant. We have several programs, each with its own tryout process, so make sure you choose the right one!
Registering for tryouts is free but you are committing to pay if you are drafted. Dropping out after being drafted is extremely disruptive and can make you ineligible in the future.
Fill out your registration form accurately, especially the list of Divisions/Power classes you are willing to play in, as you cannot be drafted for a Division or Power class you did not select, and you are expected to play in whichever Division and/or Power class you are drafted into, if any. Make sure to consider the Division Play and Individual Power schedules and the level of play.
Be thoughtful when selecting which positions you are willing to play. While all players trying out select a primary position, a player will be expected to primarily play as or train for whichever position a Captain or Coach drafts them. Players who do not know positions should only consider the lowest levels of play (i.e. Division 11, Power H, Power W3).
You can edit your registration at any time from your dashboard. In particular, you can uncheck all Divisions as a way to effectively cancel your registration.
Review the Division Play and Individual Power pages if you are new to Gotham or want information on levels of play and times and locations that different levels play.
At the time of registration, tryout dates will have already been published. If you are trying out for several divisions, you may have to come to tryouts on multiple dates.
02
Attendance requirement
For Division Play, players new to Gotham and those who have played in none of the last three seasons must attend tryouts. Players looking to try out for a higher Division than the one(s) they played in within the last three seasons must also try out.
Returning players looking to play in any of the Divisions they played in within the last three seasons or a lower division do not have to attend tryouts.
For Individual Power Training, everyone interested in participating in individual Power classes is expected to attend tryouts, including those looking to get a spot in the class they most recently played in.
03
Court assignment
For skills-based tryouts, we will assign you a court time in advance of your upcoming tryout date. We do our best to send email notifications and reminders but the best source of truth is your personal schedule.
Note that we need to wait for a given tryout day to be over in order to fully assign courts for the next tryout day. That usually means that Sunday court assignments may be made late on Saturday night. If you do not get a court assignment you can always show up at the start of the tryout day with additional information you can read in your confirmation email.
04
Tryout process
You’ll show up at the time and place indicated on your schedule, bringing your volleyball gear and water. Your arrival time already factors in time to check in, warm up, receive instructions, and try out. Avoid being too early as we may not be able to let you into the building!
Our volunteers will check you in and give you a tryout bib based on your registration form. This is a great opportunity to get help and make last minute corrections to your registration.
If we have space available, you will then go to a warm-up gym, where our volunteers will help your tryout group get organized and make good use of the time. And, when we’re ready to start, a volunteer will explain the tryout process and lead you into the tryout gym.
Divisions 1, 2, 3, and 4 follow a scrimmage format: twelve players line up as opposing teams and play 24 points, with each player serving twice in a row. All other Divisions and Power classes use a skills-based format, where coaches run basic drills that culminate with a facilitated scrimmage. Tryouts are observed by either the Captains for the appropriate Divisions, or the coaches for the relevant Power classes. These representatives will observe, take notes, and occasionally ask players questions.
Once tryouts end, you will receive some additional information from a Gotham volunteer and will be asked to leave promptly so that the next group can come in.
05
After tryouts
Captains will gather to draft teams. After each Division is done drafting, those selected receive an email with instructions to confirm their spot and get ready for the season. At the end of each day of tryouts, those not selected for any of the Divisions drafting that day also get notified.
If you don’t get selected, don’t worry. You can update your registration to add any lower Divisions with upcoming tryouts or you can consider other Gotham programming. If you’re a beginner who did not make Division 11 and/or Power H and/or Power W3, you should consider PowerPlay, which does not have tryouts.
Tryout FAQs
I am new to Gotham (or to volleyball) and I have no idea what Divisions or Power Classes to register for. Can you help me?
Welcome! There is useful information on the Division Play and Individual Power pages. If you’re new to the sport you should also consider PowerPlay, which is a hybrid of training and playing on a league team.
How many Divisions should I register for?
As many as you feel comfortable playing in. You should be realistic about your level of play and volleyball experience. And you should make sure the schedule for each Division you register for actually works for you. Other than that, we encourage you to be open-minded. The more Divisions you choose, the more likely you are to get drafted.
For Individual Power A-H, players must register for at least two and no more than three levels - except those only interested in the highest or lowest level.
Can I add or remove Divisions and/or Power classes from my registration?
Yes. In your dashboard, you should see your tryout registration and a link to edit it. Note that removing all Divisions or Power classes amounts to canceling your registration. Also, changes made after we print draft lists for Captains/Coaches are moot.
When and where are tryouts?
The dates and locations are published in the Newsletter and on the Upcoming Season page. The most up to date answer, including a specific time for you, is in your schedule. Once you’re assigned to a tryout court, you will see it there, including time and location. If it’s the day of tryouts and you don’t have a court but believe you should have one, walk in!
I am new to Gotham but can’t make the tryout date for the Division(s) or Power class(es) I am interested in. Is there anything I can do?
Given how the process works, with one Division/Power class drafting as soon as the previous one concludes, we can’t offer make up dates. We need all Captains/Coaches to see you play in order for drafts to be equitable. If Division Play doesn’t work out this season, you should consider our other programs!
I am a returning player but can’t make tryouts. Is there anything I can do?
If you played within the last three seasons, you can be considered for the same Division(s) and any lower Divisions. For example, a player who participated in Division 3 two seasons ago can be considered for Divisions 3-11 without attending tryouts. You still must register online by the deadline and select the appropriate divisions to be considered.
For Individual Power, a player may be considered - but is not guaranteed a spot - for a class they have previously participated in by doing the following:
- Email training@gothamvolleyball.org in advance of the date of tryouts with the subject “Cannot Attend Power Tryouts”.
- In the email indicate your full name, which class you would like to continue in, and the primary position that you would like to train for (if applicable).
I am still very confused. Can someone help me?
Of course! You can email us at info@gothamvolleyball.org. Keep in mind we’re volunteer-run and get tons of emails during tryout season so make sure to read through the website first to see if you can find the answers to your questions.