How do you know what level the team is you are trying out for?

[Stefwee1]

I have noticed during this softball tryout season that there are different levels/classes of teams; A, B, C.

How do you know which level/class the teams are?

Sorry, this is our first tryout season.

Thanks.

 

[Bullbuck]

My informal guide is as follows: Teams that have fancy websites are A teams. Teams that wear short pants for games are C teams. All the rest are B teams.

 

[CARDS]

Most teams holding tryouts should aspire to play an A schedule however; most tournaments do allow B teams to play up since there is limited true B events.
Any C class teams should be 100% recreational and play in their local recreational league.

Where / Who you play does matter (especially; at the older ages).

You can go to USSSA and ASA website and find out how teams are registered and, events they played in along with finishes rosters etc.

Here are the links:

http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/Team1/#/?gdSport=16

https://www.registerasa.com/User/Players.aspx

 

[Captain_Thunder]

What a team classifies themselves at the beginning of the season doesn't mean 2 cents!!!
You have some teams that Sandbag & many, many teams that will list themselves as 'A" cause they think it will be attractive.......But come no where close to playing at that level. Look at the schedule they have Played already - that will be a much better tell. Everyone at this time of year claims they will be playing at Stingrays, when half of them do not even apply! Or they are going to a National & end up in Columbus playing in the All Sanction WS as their final event.......

 

[lewam3]

keep it simple. If this is really your first tryout experience, then
1. 20 mile radius
2. $800 or less
3. Winter practice facility

 

[CoachTEA]

This is not a super easy question. I see the Beverly Bandits as the "Elite of the Elite"; winners of the PGF Nationals. Look at the teams that participated in that event to see their peers. There are a few teams in the state that compete at or somewhat near that level (in no particular order: Outlaws, Ohio Hawks Gold teams, Lasers, Stingrays --- with apologies to anyone that unintentionally slighted). Like mentioned previously, look at not only WHERE teams played, but also HOW they performed at bigger events like ASA Nationals/Regionals, Stingrays, GAPSS, D9 Events, Scenic City, etc. It is impressive to be selected to participate, but some teams make it on former performance from name organizations.
Honestly the best way is to get a private practice/workout with the team and see how your kid fits in. Look at the costs and the planned schedules and where your kid is projected in the roster/lineup. Most good coaches will "project" but not guarantee where your kid fits in. Look at the "off-season" training plans and what they do as a team. If this is your first travel ball tryout; lewam3 offers some great advice.