Tryout Info
-West Bend Thunder Tryouts are FREE.
-There are no residency requirements to be on a West Bend Thunder team, but we value representing the West Bend community both on and off the field.
-Players are expected to try out for their age or grade.
***Players tryout for the grade they will be going into.
***The cutoff date at each age is May 1st. Players born prior to May 1st can not play below their grade level. Players born after May 1st can play “down” or one grade below.
***Players trying out for a higher grade, must contact the program and receive permission to do so.
-West Bend Thunder seeks to host teams at the following ages/grades:
8U/2nd or 1st Grade
9U/3rd Grade
1OU/4th Grade
11U/5th Grade
12U/6th Grade
13U/7th Grade
14U/8th Grade
-Multiple teams can be hosted at some age/grades, depending on qualified coaching and able interest.
-Each tryout is conducted with multiple evaluators.
-Players are evaluated in running, fielding, throwing, hitting, and pitching.
-Teams are determined by a combination of “Tryout Score” and “Coach's Decision”.
-Our coaches are given a great deal of control towards team makeup out of respect for their judgment and commitment towards the success of their team.
***Tryout Score - This is the average of each skill and station score. The top 4 scores of each age/grade qualify for the team.
***Coach’s Decision - The incoming coach for that age/grade selects the remainder of the roster. The remaining tryout scores are highly valued. Coaches are also given one veto of any score/player.
-Players must have their own glove, bat, and batting helmet.
-Players will receive a tryout number which corresponds to their online registration.
-Players will tryout during the designated day/time for their age/grade.
***If a player is unable to make their tryout, they must notify the program before the tryout via email.
***The program and the coach of that age/grade will determine if a makeup date can be scheduled.
-All players will be notified within 7 days of their tryout. Players receiving a team offer are often notified within 2-3 days.
-Notified players will have 2 days to accept or decline their offer before it is given to someone else.
-To accept a team offer, parents must provide a written acceptance via email and make a $200 down payment towards the season to secure their spot.
***Down payments can be made via check or Venmo
***Down payments are a contribution towards that player's total annual season fee.
-After a down payment is received, player families will be contacted by their head coach.
-Player fees are set by team and usually total $550 - $600 for the season.
***Fees cover the cost of field rental, maintenance, league fees, umpire fees, tournament fees, insurance, team equipment, and practice facility fees and team uniforms (hat, two jerseys, two pants, socks, and belt).
***Payment are made in July - Down Payment, January - Uniform Order, Late March for the Remainder.
-More information about the West Bend Thunder program can be found on our “Info” page, including game and tournament totals, the WSYBL, and our Core Values.
