Hawthorn Junior Magic Trial Information
Annually Hawthorn Magic invites players to “try-out” to show their skills and abilities and become a Magic Representative Player.
When are the Magic Trials?
Magic Trials are scheduled for October.
Magic Trial Sessions
Magic trials are competitive – we expect that athletes attend each session to display their skills and allow coaches time to observe their overall basketball ability.
What should athletes wear to Magic Trials?
Basketball appropriate attire –
Basketball/athletic shorts
Reversible singlet or bring a light and dark t-shirt.
Basketball shoes or appropriate runners.
Identification Trial Number
Players are assigned an identification number which players will receive upon arrival at the first trial session. It is helpful for subsequent sessions that players arrive with this number clearly marked on their upper arm.
How will players be evaluated?
In order to give each and every player a fair opportunity to exhibit their range of skills, trials will incorporate both skill level and game environment where possible.
What are the player selection guidelines?
Magic has guidelines to assist coaches in athlete selection. These guidelines are given below encompassing skills, tactics and behaviors.
Magic Player Selection Guidelines
*Talent – does the player have the potential to compete successfully at the required representative level?
*Basketball skills – does the player demonstrate basketball skills , i.e. ball handling, shooting, passing, rebounding at the required representative level?
*Athletic ability – does the player possess speed, height, quick hands, strength, jumping ability beneficial to play the game well?
*Desire – does the player possess an aptitude to becoming a better basketball player and shows a commitment to work hard at improving mental, physical and basketball skills?
*Attitude – does the player have a team first attitude and is willing and receptive to coaching instructions?
*Compatibility – does the player exhibit respect towards other team mates, coaches, opponents, officials?
*Program goals and time commitments – does the athlete comply with the time demands of the Hawthorn Magic representative program?
Coaches for Try-Outs
Magic provides a consistency of coaches to evaluate a given age group. This continuity ensures that players are observed by a group of coaches who have a benchmark for performance and knowledge of the overall ability of the age group they are observing.
Many factors are considered when selecting athletes for teams …….
Coaches process and guidelines for Player Selection
*Observation and evaluation at trials in accordance with Basketball Specific Requirements for each age group as well as work ethic, aggression and Basketball IQ.
*A player’s ability in the given year to execute the requirements at Victorian Junior Championship Level, Victorian Junior League, or Regional level.
*Observation and evaluation of performance at practice games during trials.
*Team balance – player’s position, age and ability i.e. adequate number of guards, wings and bigs. Usually higher ranked sides will consist of more top age players.
*If players are new to Hawthorn Magic, assessments will be made according to trial performance.
*If previously at Hawthorn Magic assessments, these will be taken into account along with previous representative feedback.
The Directors of Coaching and Age Group Head Coaches shall have discretion in the relative weighting and importance of the above guidelines in player placement. These guidelines are given to ensure teams are balanced with strong mix of players for the current season and for the long term future development of the Hawthorn Magic Program.
Unforeseen Circumstances with a Player during Trials
In situations where it doesn’t allow for the above trial process to be fair and objectively met, Hawthorn Magic Directors of Coaching, together with the Age Group Head Coach, have discretion to decide on players selection and team placement.
If any clarification regarding the selection process is required please contact the relevant Director of Coaching or Age Group Head Coach.
How will players be notified of their standing within the process?
Players will be informed via email by the Hawthorn Magic Administrator, who is responsible for tracking players and contacting parents regarding unsuccessful/successful trials.
We will not be informing athletes at trials nor via phone of selection.
Registration to Magic
At the conclusion of the trial process, players will be emailed by the Hawthorn Magic Administrator regarding their successful selection and asked to commit to represent Hawthorn Junior Magic.
Team placement and Coach for the season will also be confirmed.
Online registration and program payment will be required to confirm your acceptance.
Team selections can be a difficult task hence to ensure players are selected into suitable teams that best fit their development level for the championship season Magic may make modest changes to teams between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Grading inline with MUVJBL rules of operation. This may occur if an athlete sustains a season ending injury, if an athlete is not coping within the team, and or we feel it is best for their overall development verses facing a season being out of their depth.
