The key to a successful tryout is having your team selected by qualified judges.  Some coaches feel comfortable selecting their own teams.  Most, however, agree that having someone else select the team works better.  Regardless of the format you choose, everything should be approved by your administration prior to the tryout process.

General
Most tryouts utilize three to five judges.  It is very important to choose judges who are qualified and have previous experience.  Work to include an ethnically diverse panel of both male and female judges.

Confirm your judges early, as demand is great during peak months.  In your confirmation letter, include a map to the gym, the date and time you expect them to arrive.  If they can reach you at the gym or by mobile phone, leave them your number in case of emergency.

Fees
Judges should receive some compensation for the service they provide.  How much compensation depends on the amount of time they will spend at your tryouts.  Most tryouts should take 2-3 hours to complete.  If you have a large number of candidates, or more than one team is being selected, the tryout may take up to five hours.

A reasonable fee for judges is $25/hour, with reimbursement for gas if there is extensive travel involved.  Be sure to get each judge’s personal information in order to request a check.  If possible, it is better to give them a check at the tryout rather than mail it afterwards.

Professional Judges
Universal Dance Association offers its instructional staff as professional judges.  UDA will provide you with the names and phone numbers of the staff in your area.  Your UDA State Director will be happy to help you find qualified judges for your tryouts! Click Here For the UDA State Director List.

Area Dance Coaches
If you have area coaches that can help you, you can make arrangements to judge each others’ tryouts.  You can either exchange services, or be paid a standard fee.  Make sure this is approved by your administration.

Conflict of Interest
The credibility of your tryout process is very important.  Ask your judges if they have worked directly with any of the candidates.  While there is no way to eliminate general contact (games, camp, etc.), any direct training activities or acquaintances should be avoided.

Scorekeepers
It is always wise to have a scorekeeper who is not affiliated with the dance team or any potential member.  The scorekeeper could be the athletic director, librarian, principal, math teacher, etc.