Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Tell a Player They Have Been Cut From the Team?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Tell players how you will choose before tryouts. After selection, meet each player who is cut one to one, not in a group. Explain that the decision is about fit, not about them as a person, give specific strengths and next steps, and point to other places to play.
The answer
- Before tryouts, tell players what you are looking for, for example skill, speed, work ethic and coachability. Players are more likely to see the process as fair.
- After selection, meet each player who is cut individually. Do not announce it to the group.
- Say it plainly and kindly: the cut reflects fit with the team based on a short snapshot at tryouts, not a judgment of them as a person.
- Give specific strengths and areas to improve, with concrete steps. Do not compare the player with others.
- Tell them about other places to play, and encourage them to keep trying.
- Have a similar conversation with parents, and ask them to encourage their child without pressure.
- Prepare the conversation in advance. A respectful, prepared talk beats silence (RL-VB-0012).
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 17 October 2026.