Sometimes coaching is more about knowing which button to push!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
To All My Auburn Fans:
You're probably an Auburn fan if
... You can play the Auburn fight song using your armpit.
... Your wife's idea of cleaning house is throwing everything out into the yard.
... The Roto-Rooter man stops by your trailer and asks, "What's that smell?"
... You're a member of the Skoal Frequent Purchaser Program.
... You looked up your family tree and your uncle spit on you.
... You joined Alcoholics Anonymous so you can drink and use a different name.
... You looked out for #1 and stepped in #2 !!!
... You won't buy a Japanese car because you're afraid you won't understand what they say on the radio.
... Your kids go to a private school and they won't tell you where it is.
... Your Granny beats you in the tobacky spittin' contests.
... You can play the Auburn fight song using your armpit.
... Your wife's idea of cleaning house is throwing everything out into the yard.
... The Roto-Rooter man stops by your trailer and asks, "What's that smell?"
... You're a member of the Skoal Frequent Purchaser Program.
... You looked up your family tree and your uncle spit on you.
... You joined Alcoholics Anonymous so you can drink and use a different name.
... You looked out for #1 and stepped in #2 !!!
... You won't buy a Japanese car because you're afraid you won't understand what they say on the radio.
... Your kids go to a private school and they won't tell you where it is.
... Your Granny beats you in the tobacky spittin' contests.
To All My Alabama Football Fans:
....You know you attended the University of Alabama if...your richest relative buys a new home and you have to help him take the wheels off.
....You've ever used lard in bed.
....You think potted meat on a cracker is an hors d'ouvre.
....There's a stuffed possum mounted anywhere in your house.
....You think a six-pack of beer and a bug zapper is quality entertainment.
....Less than half your cars run.
....Your mother doesn't remove the Marlboro from her lips before she tells the highway patrolman to 'kiss her butt.'
....The primary color of your car is "bondo."
....Directions to your house include the phrase, "turn off the paved road."
....You honestly think women are turned on by animal noises and suggestive tongue gestures.
....Your family tree doesn't fork.
....Your mother has been involved in a fist fight at a high school athletic event.
....Your brother-in-law is also your uncle.
....You have refused to watch the Academy Awards since "Smokey and the Bandit" was snubbed for best picture.
....You think "Volvo" is a part of a woman's body.
....The rear tires on your car are twice as wide as the front ones.
....You were conceived in an 18-wheeler at a truck stop on I-20.
....You've hitched a ride back to Tuscaloosa in the back of a hog truck; AND, once you got there, no one noticed the smell.
....You prominently display a gift you bought at Graceland.
....You consider "Outdoor Life" deep reading.
....Your mother keeps a spit cup on her ironing board.
....You've ever worn a t-shirt to a wedding.
....The most overheard phrase at your family reunions is, "What're you lookin' at, jerk?"
....You think beef jerky and Moon Pies are two of the major food groups.
....You think Campho-Phenique is a miracle drug.
....You have more than two friends named "Bubba" or "Junior".
....Your father encouraged you to quit school when there was an opening on the lube rack.
....You think "Grapenuts" is a venerial disease.
....You think the styrofoam cooler is the greatest invention of all time.
....You've ever been too drunk to fish.
....You grew up thinking cream gravy was a soft drink.
....You have a rag for a gas cap.
....You had a toothpick in your mouth when your wedding picture was taken.
....You've ever used lard in bed.
....You think potted meat on a cracker is an hors d'ouvre.
....There's a stuffed possum mounted anywhere in your house.
....You think a six-pack of beer and a bug zapper is quality entertainment.
....Less than half your cars run.
....Your mother doesn't remove the Marlboro from her lips before she tells the highway patrolman to 'kiss her butt.'
....The primary color of your car is "bondo."
....Directions to your house include the phrase, "turn off the paved road."
....You honestly think women are turned on by animal noises and suggestive tongue gestures.
....Your family tree doesn't fork.
....Your mother has been involved in a fist fight at a high school athletic event.
....Your brother-in-law is also your uncle.
....You have refused to watch the Academy Awards since "Smokey and the Bandit" was snubbed for best picture.
....You think "Volvo" is a part of a woman's body.
....The rear tires on your car are twice as wide as the front ones.
....You were conceived in an 18-wheeler at a truck stop on I-20.
....You've hitched a ride back to Tuscaloosa in the back of a hog truck; AND, once you got there, no one noticed the smell.
....You prominently display a gift you bought at Graceland.
....You consider "Outdoor Life" deep reading.
....Your mother keeps a spit cup on her ironing board.
....You've ever worn a t-shirt to a wedding.
....The most overheard phrase at your family reunions is, "What're you lookin' at, jerk?"
....You think beef jerky and Moon Pies are two of the major food groups.
....You think Campho-Phenique is a miracle drug.
....You have more than two friends named "Bubba" or "Junior".
....Your father encouraged you to quit school when there was an opening on the lube rack.
....You think "Grapenuts" is a venerial disease.
....You think the styrofoam cooler is the greatest invention of all time.
....You've ever been too drunk to fish.
....You grew up thinking cream gravy was a soft drink.
....You have a rag for a gas cap.
....You had a toothpick in your mouth when your wedding picture was taken.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Just a Reminder!
During a softball tournament the coach felt he needed to remind one of his players about the importance of team play and good sportsmanship. The coach ask the player if she knew and remembered what good sportsmanship was. They player replied yes. The coach then ask her if she knew she shouldn't curse at the coach or throw things in anger. They player again replied yes. "Good," said the coach, "now could you please go tell your mom."
Joke of the Day!
There was a group of coaches standing around the batting cages and a softball player walked up and said, "do you want to hear a good joke about softball coaches?" One of the coaches replied, "be careful what you say, all five of us are coaches." "Oh, forget it then," said the player, "I don't want to have to explain the joke five times!"
Picture of the Day!
OK so I modified it a little bit. It is still worth a 1000 words!
Thanks Mike for the Photo!
Can You Sleep at Night?
Is it just me, or is the bull crap these days surrounding travel ball getting completely out of hand. The last few years I have personally witnessed sponsors paying off parents to have their kid play on a team, while making others pay to be on the team. I hear and see coaches fighting on the field, coaches cheating in games with illegal players, or better yet coaches just borrowing players once another team got eliminated from a tournament. Heck I even hear whole teams are now getting bought. I read on AL.COM that someone mentioned about putting their team on E-Bay for goodness sake, I think they were kidding but I hope you see my point.
Hey don’t get me wrong if someone offered my daughter a full ride I would take it in a heartbeat, BUT only to a college of her choice. See for me, life is too short and my daughter’s moral up bringing is too important for me to put a price tag on it or hang a for sale sign on her. People think money can buy happiness, friends and one hell of a softball team. To those who feel that way I wish them the best money can buy. For me, I will just do it the old fashion way with hard work, lots of help from good people and be thankful for a loving wife of 15 years, 2 wonderful kids who are growing up with Godly morals and ethics and people I call friends because all I have to offer them in return is my friendship and from time to time a grilled steak by Iron Chef Rin.
I often wonder why so many adults are on anti-depressants or take sleeping pills or drink excessively? My 1st thoughts are that they must be travel ball softball parents or coaches……just kidding. But seriously maybe it is because they have problems that at the end of day they simply can’t deal with. It is hard to sleep at night when you cannot even be honest with yourself. When you live your life lying and/or cheating, you find it hard to trust anyone and become extremely paranoid of those who are around you and sadly begin trusting those who care nothing about you.
As I have mentioned before I write from my own experiences and personal accounts of events as I have witnessed them throughout my life. I share my thoughts in the hopes to positively affect someone’s life like so many have touched and continue to touch mine. I am no saint and struggle daily to be a better person than I was the day before, but when the day has come to an end I am glad I have true friends who accept me for who I am and support me anyway for I enjoy a good night sleep.
Hey don’t get me wrong if someone offered my daughter a full ride I would take it in a heartbeat, BUT only to a college of her choice. See for me, life is too short and my daughter’s moral up bringing is too important for me to put a price tag on it or hang a for sale sign on her. People think money can buy happiness, friends and one hell of a softball team. To those who feel that way I wish them the best money can buy. For me, I will just do it the old fashion way with hard work, lots of help from good people and be thankful for a loving wife of 15 years, 2 wonderful kids who are growing up with Godly morals and ethics and people I call friends because all I have to offer them in return is my friendship and from time to time a grilled steak by Iron Chef Rin.
I often wonder why so many adults are on anti-depressants or take sleeping pills or drink excessively? My 1st thoughts are that they must be travel ball softball parents or coaches……just kidding. But seriously maybe it is because they have problems that at the end of day they simply can’t deal with. It is hard to sleep at night when you cannot even be honest with yourself. When you live your life lying and/or cheating, you find it hard to trust anyone and become extremely paranoid of those who are around you and sadly begin trusting those who care nothing about you.
As I have mentioned before I write from my own experiences and personal accounts of events as I have witnessed them throughout my life. I share my thoughts in the hopes to positively affect someone’s life like so many have touched and continue to touch mine. I am no saint and struggle daily to be a better person than I was the day before, but when the day has come to an end I am glad I have true friends who accept me for who I am and support me anyway for I enjoy a good night sleep.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tryouts Heat Up.
As I sit here thinking about all the excitement being generated this weekend with travel ball tryouts in full swing, I can’t help but think about all the players and their parents whose hopes and dreams are going to be pinned on some daddy/coaches evaluation.
What really qualifies someone to be called coach in the 1st place and then sit in judgment of your daughter’s ability? Do they go through some sort of training? Do they even have any educational back ground to work with kids, let alone girls? Do these coaches provide you with documentation of a background check? How do you know if this person working with your child is qualified to work with kids or better yet not be some child molester just out of prison? Yea I know I am reaching a bit here but I hope I got your attention.
My wife and I have are certified teachers and have been around softball since my wife played in college. We have both been head coaches of softball at the Jr. and Sr. High Level. We have gone to National Coaches Clinics, Alabama State Athletic Conferences, been certified in CPR and 1st Aide, and held various coaches and players clinics over the years. Does this mean we are qualified to sit in judgment of your daughter’s ability? Answer: NO, NOT REALLY. Even with all of our coaching experience and training we still get it wrong.
My point here is simple. Do not feel it’s the end of the world because you do not get asked to play on a team or feel you child is not good enough because some daddy/coach doesn’t pick here. Let me share with you a few tid bits about typical tryouts:
1st of all tryouts can be a huge meet and greet farce. You got people walking around like they are somebody special and everyone is doing their best to be all buddy buddy with the head guy. There is usually so much testosterone in the air that the State of Alabama will issue a “Poor Air Quality” alert…..LOL But seriously, tryouts should be basic, simple and quick because most teams are not ran by those who teach the game of softball they are ran by daddys looking for players to surround their own kid with and put together the best team of talent possible. Travel ball is a huge male/daddy ego thing. Granted there are some coaches out there who will work with your kid but they are very few and far between and those teams are usually not very high profile which is why you are not at their tryouts.
High profile travel teams are looking for players who can already do it and need little to no coaching, because that is usually what you will get…..very little coaching. Some parents want it that way for they do not want some unqualified coach screwing up their kid, which by the way is usually the same parent you call Head Coach….FYI.
Let me suggest a few things to help with tryouts: 1. Go to more than one team tryout
2. Ask questions about the team and its coaches but don’t ask the team or its coaches unless you came to tryouts with waders on!
3. If they are interested in your child they will not let you leave without some type of offer.
4. If your child is boarder line they will be back in touch if they have only limited spots available.
5. Find out how many kids they are looking for ahead of time and be real with your daughter’s ability.
6. Don’t waste your time trying out for a team you know going into it she has no chance.
7. Be real and only go to team tryouts that best suit your child’s ability.
8. Find out what positions they are looking for before you get there so you know if you even have a chance before you missed out trying out somewhere else.
9. Find out how much it will cost you to play on this team.
10. Find out if your daughter is going to be 1-9 or 10-?.
11. Before you commit make the coach commit to your daughter about playing time.
Well I hope this helps someone. Good luck at tryouts and I hope your daughter is what someone is looking for.
What really qualifies someone to be called coach in the 1st place and then sit in judgment of your daughter’s ability? Do they go through some sort of training? Do they even have any educational back ground to work with kids, let alone girls? Do these coaches provide you with documentation of a background check? How do you know if this person working with your child is qualified to work with kids or better yet not be some child molester just out of prison? Yea I know I am reaching a bit here but I hope I got your attention.
My wife and I have are certified teachers and have been around softball since my wife played in college. We have both been head coaches of softball at the Jr. and Sr. High Level. We have gone to National Coaches Clinics, Alabama State Athletic Conferences, been certified in CPR and 1st Aide, and held various coaches and players clinics over the years. Does this mean we are qualified to sit in judgment of your daughter’s ability? Answer: NO, NOT REALLY. Even with all of our coaching experience and training we still get it wrong.
My point here is simple. Do not feel it’s the end of the world because you do not get asked to play on a team or feel you child is not good enough because some daddy/coach doesn’t pick here. Let me share with you a few tid bits about typical tryouts:
1st of all tryouts can be a huge meet and greet farce. You got people walking around like they are somebody special and everyone is doing their best to be all buddy buddy with the head guy. There is usually so much testosterone in the air that the State of Alabama will issue a “Poor Air Quality” alert…..LOL But seriously, tryouts should be basic, simple and quick because most teams are not ran by those who teach the game of softball they are ran by daddys looking for players to surround their own kid with and put together the best team of talent possible. Travel ball is a huge male/daddy ego thing. Granted there are some coaches out there who will work with your kid but they are very few and far between and those teams are usually not very high profile which is why you are not at their tryouts.
High profile travel teams are looking for players who can already do it and need little to no coaching, because that is usually what you will get…..very little coaching. Some parents want it that way for they do not want some unqualified coach screwing up their kid, which by the way is usually the same parent you call Head Coach….FYI.
Let me suggest a few things to help with tryouts: 1. Go to more than one team tryout
2. Ask questions about the team and its coaches but don’t ask the team or its coaches unless you came to tryouts with waders on!
3. If they are interested in your child they will not let you leave without some type of offer.
4. If your child is boarder line they will be back in touch if they have only limited spots available.
5. Find out how many kids they are looking for ahead of time and be real with your daughter’s ability.
6. Don’t waste your time trying out for a team you know going into it she has no chance.
7. Be real and only go to team tryouts that best suit your child’s ability.
8. Find out what positions they are looking for before you get there so you know if you even have a chance before you missed out trying out somewhere else.
9. Find out how much it will cost you to play on this team.
10. Find out if your daughter is going to be 1-9 or 10-?.
11. Before you commit make the coach commit to your daughter about playing time.
Well I hope this helps someone. Good luck at tryouts and I hope your daughter is what someone is looking for.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Pitching: 101 The Begining
I have worked with pitchers for over 10 years and I consistently get asked this question by parents: Which comes 1st, Speed or Control?
My answer is………it completely depends on who you call your pitching coach and the natural ability of your child.
I have worked with pitchers from park ball thru college who all have their own private pitching coach. In order for me to be help the players I coached I had to learn the terms and philosophy of their pitching coaches. Over the years I have discovered that regardless of who you see for pitching lessons there are some very basic fundamental truths about the fast pitch pitcher (more on this subject in a latter post). Early in a young pitchers development they can be classified into one of 2 categories of pitcher: Speed or Control. Neither is wrong or a bad thing; however, this is when what you as a parent choose to do next, will be critical in your child’s pitching development.
The 1st thing you do as a parent when your daughter says she want to pitch is eventually get a bucket, buy some balls, read a book or buy a pitching video. Then you ask a friend whose daughter pitches to get a few tips and then several bruised shins later you decide it’s time to get a pitching instructor. THIS is the single biggest decision you will make that will impact your child’s growth.
Since you know basically nothing about pitching and really have no idea what to look for in a pitching coach/instructor, I will spend the next few moments on some basic things you need to know that I hope you find helpful:
The most important thing you need to know is if your daughter is classified as a speed or control pitcher. If she just rare backs and throws the piss out of the ball with reckless abandonment and you spend most of your time yelling “just hit the mitt” then I would bet she is a speed pitcher 1st, control 2nd type of pitcher. If your daughter is consistently hitting her targets and you find yourself saying to her “throw it harder or faster”, then I would bet she is a control pitcher 1st, speed pitcher 2nd type. WHY is this important, let me explain.
Since I stated there are 2 types of beginner pitchers (speed and control), then there must also be at least 2 types of pitching instructors as well. If your daughter is a speed 1st pitcher and you are taking lessons from a control 1st instructor then you are wasting valuable time and your hard earned money, and vice versa control 1st pitcher going to a speed 1st instructor. This is why so many parents change pitching coaches because eventually they are not seeing the results for that which they are paying. It is classic for an instructor to blame your daughter for her lack of improvement, and if that’s ever the case then STOP right then and find someone else to give your money too. The reason you are not seeing improvement is more so that your daughter’s natural ability is different than the pitching methods the instructor is trying to make your daughter adapted too. Another classic cover-up is for an instructor to try to teach several pitches at one time. Since your daughter can’t possibly learn them all it hides the fact that she maybe be struggling, not at learning the new pitch, but at how she is being taught to throw because you have the wrong combination of speed Vs. control instruction going on.
Bottom line: 1st find out what type of pitcher your daughter is and do not force her to be what she is not naturally. 2nd find a pitching instructor that fits your daughter’s natural ability and not one that you are forcing your daughter to fit their style. 3rd stay away from an instructor, or find a new one, that insist your daughter learn anything but fast ball and change-up under the age of 10. When she moves up to the bigger ball in conjunction with the further pitching distance, then it will be time to begin working on her 3rd and 4th pitch. Learning anything prior to that will be for reasons not related to your child’s development but rather along the lines of instructor issues or a parent wanting their daughter to be the next Kat Osterman at age 10. Remember this: ALL Pitches derive from the fastball. If you have trouble with your fastball then you will have even more trouble learning other/new pitches. There is no quick fix in fast pitch with regards to pitchers. They have to throw and throw and throw to develop. It takes time, a lot of time and then they may still never make it. At least if you are going to put in the time and throw and throw and throw, be sure to find an instructor early in your child’s development that best fits her natural ability and will work at developing her unnatural talents.
For the record: These are my thoughts and in no way should be taken as anything than an opinion. I am sure people out there will dispute what I write and that’s fine. It takes all type to make the world go round. Since I have nothing at stake or anything to gain by taking my time to put my thoughts into words, I hope you will consider your source. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: coachrin@charter.net.
My answer is………it completely depends on who you call your pitching coach and the natural ability of your child.
I have worked with pitchers from park ball thru college who all have their own private pitching coach. In order for me to be help the players I coached I had to learn the terms and philosophy of their pitching coaches. Over the years I have discovered that regardless of who you see for pitching lessons there are some very basic fundamental truths about the fast pitch pitcher (more on this subject in a latter post). Early in a young pitchers development they can be classified into one of 2 categories of pitcher: Speed or Control. Neither is wrong or a bad thing; however, this is when what you as a parent choose to do next, will be critical in your child’s pitching development.
The 1st thing you do as a parent when your daughter says she want to pitch is eventually get a bucket, buy some balls, read a book or buy a pitching video. Then you ask a friend whose daughter pitches to get a few tips and then several bruised shins later you decide it’s time to get a pitching instructor. THIS is the single biggest decision you will make that will impact your child’s growth.
Since you know basically nothing about pitching and really have no idea what to look for in a pitching coach/instructor, I will spend the next few moments on some basic things you need to know that I hope you find helpful:
The most important thing you need to know is if your daughter is classified as a speed or control pitcher. If she just rare backs and throws the piss out of the ball with reckless abandonment and you spend most of your time yelling “just hit the mitt” then I would bet she is a speed pitcher 1st, control 2nd type of pitcher. If your daughter is consistently hitting her targets and you find yourself saying to her “throw it harder or faster”, then I would bet she is a control pitcher 1st, speed pitcher 2nd type. WHY is this important, let me explain.
Since I stated there are 2 types of beginner pitchers (speed and control), then there must also be at least 2 types of pitching instructors as well. If your daughter is a speed 1st pitcher and you are taking lessons from a control 1st instructor then you are wasting valuable time and your hard earned money, and vice versa control 1st pitcher going to a speed 1st instructor. This is why so many parents change pitching coaches because eventually they are not seeing the results for that which they are paying. It is classic for an instructor to blame your daughter for her lack of improvement, and if that’s ever the case then STOP right then and find someone else to give your money too. The reason you are not seeing improvement is more so that your daughter’s natural ability is different than the pitching methods the instructor is trying to make your daughter adapted too. Another classic cover-up is for an instructor to try to teach several pitches at one time. Since your daughter can’t possibly learn them all it hides the fact that she maybe be struggling, not at learning the new pitch, but at how she is being taught to throw because you have the wrong combination of speed Vs. control instruction going on.
Bottom line: 1st find out what type of pitcher your daughter is and do not force her to be what she is not naturally. 2nd find a pitching instructor that fits your daughter’s natural ability and not one that you are forcing your daughter to fit their style. 3rd stay away from an instructor, or find a new one, that insist your daughter learn anything but fast ball and change-up under the age of 10. When she moves up to the bigger ball in conjunction with the further pitching distance, then it will be time to begin working on her 3rd and 4th pitch. Learning anything prior to that will be for reasons not related to your child’s development but rather along the lines of instructor issues or a parent wanting their daughter to be the next Kat Osterman at age 10. Remember this: ALL Pitches derive from the fastball. If you have trouble with your fastball then you will have even more trouble learning other/new pitches. There is no quick fix in fast pitch with regards to pitchers. They have to throw and throw and throw to develop. It takes time, a lot of time and then they may still never make it. At least if you are going to put in the time and throw and throw and throw, be sure to find an instructor early in your child’s development that best fits her natural ability and will work at developing her unnatural talents.
For the record: These are my thoughts and in no way should be taken as anything than an opinion. I am sure people out there will dispute what I write and that’s fine. It takes all type to make the world go round. Since I have nothing at stake or anything to gain by taking my time to put my thoughts into words, I hope you will consider your source. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: coachrin@charter.net.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Why the NEW Name
Well to be perfectly honest it was brought to my attention that the term “crusader” had a meaning which was not representative of our organizational goals and lent to a characterization which is not what we wanted to be associated with, thus the name change to Birmingham Mustangs! So instead of joining our “Crusade” we ask you to “Saddle it Up” or be prepared to get kicked if you get in our way! GO MUSTANGS!!!!!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Tips for Parents
After reading some posts on AL.COM I thought maybe I would offer some tips myself as the tryout season jumps into full swing. Below are things I have 1st hand knowledge of and not anything I am directing towards any team or organization.
Beware of those who make promises or guarantees which are followed by a dollar amount statement or request.
Find out what positions the coaches kid play before making a decision about joining a team where your child position is the same as theirs.
Ask where all the players are from. See if any are coming from out of town. Sounds like a stupid question but if 3 or 4 are coming from out of town then this means you will never have a full team at practice. At first is not that bad but then “playing time” Vs. “practice participation” will be an issue, especially if you are the one who comes to every practice then lose playing time to those who are not penalized for missing practice.
Ask the person making you an offer to guarantee you are being offered a starting spot and not just an opportunity to play or be on the team.
If you child pitches find out if she is being considered for a “Pitcher Only” spot or is being guaranteed a fielding spot when not pitching.
Typically teams have a roster of 11-14 players. If you have a calculator handy do some math on the dollar numbers being asked of you. A common practice among teams is to back load the number of players to the roster to financially support the top 9 players.
Ask if there are any players who are receiving any kind of financial scholarship or free ride to play. Teams will often make a side and private deal to what they feel are the top kids trying out. Then the cost is passed on to YOU!
Another common move is the coaches of the team offsetting their portion of the cost by spreading it out over the other NONE coaches kids amount being paid. Thus if your kid is not one of the 1-9 players then you are paying for others to play while yours sits and watches.
Find out if you have to make a contribution to the building or facility fund which is not refundable.
If they say they are full funded team or you have no cost out of your pocket BUT then say you have to do fundraising, in the end you probably will have paid out of your pocket in supporting the fundraising more than what it really costs to play anyway be careful. Sometimes FREE does cost you in the end!
Find out if you quit or are asked to leave the team if you get your money back.
Find out if your money is being used to support the teams play or being used to purchase training equipment which becomes the property of the coaches/team.
Ask what their policy is on picking up players during the season which can affect your child’s playing time and the financial commitment you have made verses what the pick- up player has not made.
Check Back for there is MORE TO COME!!!!
Beware of those who make promises or guarantees which are followed by a dollar amount statement or request.
Find out what positions the coaches kid play before making a decision about joining a team where your child position is the same as theirs.
Ask where all the players are from. See if any are coming from out of town. Sounds like a stupid question but if 3 or 4 are coming from out of town then this means you will never have a full team at practice. At first is not that bad but then “playing time” Vs. “practice participation” will be an issue, especially if you are the one who comes to every practice then lose playing time to those who are not penalized for missing practice.
Ask the person making you an offer to guarantee you are being offered a starting spot and not just an opportunity to play or be on the team.
If you child pitches find out if she is being considered for a “Pitcher Only” spot or is being guaranteed a fielding spot when not pitching.
Typically teams have a roster of 11-14 players. If you have a calculator handy do some math on the dollar numbers being asked of you. A common practice among teams is to back load the number of players to the roster to financially support the top 9 players.
Ask if there are any players who are receiving any kind of financial scholarship or free ride to play. Teams will often make a side and private deal to what they feel are the top kids trying out. Then the cost is passed on to YOU!
Another common move is the coaches of the team offsetting their portion of the cost by spreading it out over the other NONE coaches kids amount being paid. Thus if your kid is not one of the 1-9 players then you are paying for others to play while yours sits and watches.
Find out if you have to make a contribution to the building or facility fund which is not refundable.
If they say they are full funded team or you have no cost out of your pocket BUT then say you have to do fundraising, in the end you probably will have paid out of your pocket in supporting the fundraising more than what it really costs to play anyway be careful. Sometimes FREE does cost you in the end!
Find out if you quit or are asked to leave the team if you get your money back.
Find out if your money is being used to support the teams play or being used to purchase training equipment which becomes the property of the coaches/team.
Ask what their policy is on picking up players during the season which can affect your child’s playing time and the financial commitment you have made verses what the pick- up player has not made.
Check Back for there is MORE TO COME!!!!
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