The Suffolk University Athletics Department currently offers 20 intercollegiate varsity sports programs at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the Conference of New England (CNE). Each of our sports programs will hold a selective tryout period over the course of their playing seasons under the discretion of their head coach. The tryout period will differ upon sport (s) and season(s), but is typically done at the beginning of either the traditional and/or non-traditional playing seasons.

All qualified students eligible to compete under university, conference and NCAA rules will receive a fair opportunity to tryout for any Suffolk University intercollegiate athletic team.

Criteria and expectations for team membership will be communicated with all prospective student-athletes transparently. Roster needs and opportunities will vary on an annual basis.

Final selection on roster decisions rest solely at the discretion of the head coach. A tryout does not guarantee a roster spot for that season.

Following the first official contest of the Fall, Winter or Spring playing seasons tryout opportunities may be limited to none, dependent on the head coaches discretion and length of season.

Prospective student-athletes are encouraged to contact head coaches in a timely manner prior to their playing season to see if and when tryout opportunities are available.

As a member of the CNE, all of our sports are very competitive and roster spots must be offered and earned under the following conditions:

• Prospective student-athletes must ensure that they meet all academic and athletic eligibility standards by the NCAA, CNE and be in good academic standing at Suffolk University.
• If interested in trying out, the student must contact the head coach of their sport for more information on when the tryout period will occur. Coaches' contact information may be found in the Suffolk University Athletics Staff Directory. An informational form with prior athletic history to submit for a tryout can be found here. Only qualified candidates with previous playing experience will be considered. This form is not required, but is recommended.
• Tryout dates/times and length will be determined by each head coach.
• The tryout may include tests to evaluate the prospective student-athlete's strength, speed, agility and sport skills. These skill sets may be evaluated in either an individual or team dynamic under the guidance of the coaching staff.
• Tryouts will take place during organized team activity.
• Prospective student-athletes are encouraged to gather as much information about their inquired sport, including such items as: academic and athletic balance, time commitments, schedules for both practices and games as well as travel. Much of this information can be found on the athletics homepage.

Prior to being cleared for initial athletic activity, a prospective student-athlete is required:

1. Complete all required incoming medical paperwork electronically for the Athletic Training Staff. The link for these forms can be foundhere
2. All incoming first-year student-athletes are required to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) test and ImPact concussion testing administered by our Athletics Medical Staff.
3. Complete all NCAA eligibility and Athletics Department required electronic forms for Athletics participation. These forms will be emailed from Associate Director of Athletics, Anthony Del Prete and are time sensitive links (36 hours).

Following the completion of medical and compliance protocol, the head coach may schedule a tryout period for any and all prospective student-athletes. Completion of this paperwork does not secure a roster spot. No prospective student-athlete is eligible to participate for any organized team workout/tryout without previously completing these steps.

Tryout opportunities and roster spots are evaluated annually, based on criteria including academic and athletic performance, team commitment and chemistry, and social responsibility.

Each head coach, in consultation with the director of athletics, has the autonomy to determine the final roster for their sport.

Roster size in total, and quantity in numbers by position may vary by year and are at the discretion at head coach.

Upon completion of the tryout, the head coach’s final decision will be communicated to the prospective student-athlete on whether or not they will continue with that program for the upcoming season.

Any questions about a current or prospective student-athlete's roster status should be directed to that sport's head coach. If a prospective student-athlete is not offered a roster spot, but seeks an explanation or evaluation it is recommend they schedule a time to communicate with the head coach following a 48-hour cooling off period from the time the decision was received.

Following the tryout period, head coaches are required to notify the athletic training staff, Sports Information Director and athletic administrative staff of any additions to their roster.

Please note, pertaining to bylaw 14.7.2.1.1, an individual who fails to make the team after a tryout is not considered a member of the team and will not be a part of the program for the remainder of the season.   

If a prospective student-athlete fails to make the team, future tryout opportunities may be offered and available, but will be limited to one per year per sport.