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The A Shot For Life Challenge in August has a long selection process. As that process gets more intense in the next two months, please refer to this thread as a helpful guide to some of the guidelines of how the roster for our #ASFLFamily Program is chosen
The #ASFLFamily program is a talent-based program. Players are watched over a 9 month period and there is also an interview phase for all players that are eventually picked
The winner of the A Shot For Life Challenge is named the “Best Shooter in Massachusetts”. We are looking for the best shooters in the state but if a player is dominant they are still eligible to be picked even if their jumpshot is not their biggest strength
There are no freshmen chosen for the #ASFLFamily program regardless of their success on the court. Sophomores are picked only in unique circumstances. Most players picked are Juniors and Seniors
If two players on our watch list are essentially even after the evaluation period, we will always pick the older player. For example if one is a Senior and one is a Junior - if it’s close we will take the Senior knowing that the Junior can be picked the following year
Character is a major factor in the selection process. It’s not also important next to talent level, it’s just as important. The players taken not only compete in our event in August, but they represent A Shot For Life, our sponsors, our partner hospitals, and our alumni full time
Competition is a factor. Players in the NEPSAC from AAA-A and MIAA Division 1-4 are all evaluated for the same roster spots. This presents some challenges because there are vast differences in season structure and competition level
Because the players on our watch list are not all facing the same level of competition, cumulative or per game stats (while helpful) are not a deciding factor. 16 PPG at one school may be much more difficult than 25 PPG at another. Every player is picked on a case by case basis
Our roster works as a team roster, spots are guaranteed back to our players already in the program. Due to college summer sessions not all players are able to come back for their senior summer, but some are able to. Year to year there are a different number of spots available
We put a lot of effort into our relationship with our players. The voices of our #ASFLFamily players and alumni matters to us. It is certainly not a vote, but active players and alumni do have an opportunity to give their input in the selection process
Showing initiative matters. While a player reaching out to us does not guarantee they will get picked, it shows us that they will responsibly do the fundraising that goes along with the roster spots
Previous involvement in our organization can make a difference. If two players are talent-even in the selection process but one has given time to volunteer and be a part of ASFL already, it gives us assurance that they will take the responsibility of the roster spot seriously
We look at the social media of every player on the watch list. If we see any obscene gesture, inappropriate language, or any picture/wording that would result in a high school suspension - they are immediately eliminated from contention regardless of talent level
Players are reached out to in the selection process, but they are not recruited. Because of the responsibility that comes with a roster spot and the demand for those spots - if our first reach out is not answered we don’t send another and move to the next player on the list
