Try outs. Where is the Line Drawn?

Those of us who work in the collegiate setting have had to deal with try outs at least once a year.  Many institutions are quickly moving towards multiple try outs verses one large open try out each year.  As Athletic Trainers, we must be aware that these athletes are often asked to practice against our varsity athletes in order to "make the team."  It often places some in an unfair position when they have not been exposed to the type of training that the varsity athletes have undergone.  One could argue that it may even put them at risk for injury.
It is imperative that the sports medicine staff visit with their team physicians, as well as their legal departments, to discuss the institutions's liability in case one such athlete is injured during their try out.  Rules should be set in place to determine: (1) How long will the try out last?
(2) Will the athlete who is trying out be practicing against a current varsity team member(s).
(3) If an athlete is injured while trying out, what will be the institutions financial responsibility- or if they sign a waiver, is the institution no longer liable?
(4) What type of try out forms must be completed first?  For example, would the athlete who is potentially trying out need to be cleared through compliance, or medically first?
(5) If the try out is conducted off campus, is the practice site liable for any injuries that may occur?
(6) Is the try out documentation different when dealing with a potential recruit?
(7) Does the try out need to be covered by a member of the sports medicine staff if the coach is CPR and First Aid certified?
These are just some of the many examples of angles that should be addressed when the sports medicine staff is beginning to look at their try policy.  It is also important that the sports medicine staff involve the coaches and compliance office in the decision making process, as they often delegate who can and cannot try out for the team(s).