I hear you on the beating the kid that was on the team for a few seasons, but think about that. In order for a coach not to invite an existing player back, the new kid taking that roster spot has to be clearly better than that player. Tie goes to the runner. Plus teams have turnover every year I would imagine. Kids choose not to return for one reason or the other.
Maybe it's more cut throat on the top teir A teams, but believe the others use tryouts to see who's coming back and fill those spots where kids don't return. And of course get rid of any crazy parents.
