I have been thinking about your question because I think it is important to hear from the seasoned veterans on this issue. I commend you for seeking out their advice. A few things came to mind. I am looking at this from a coaching standpoint...
* Be involved with a group that can look beyong their own dd and see the team
* Play for a coach that keeps the lines of communication open. You should hear from him/her throughout the year, not just during the summer
* The coach should know ahead of time the type of schedule the team will play - local, out-of-state, exposure, etc. Know this before making a decision so dd is playing the level she is comfortable with
* Your team may not be practicing together, but every girl should be swinging a bat and throwing. It becomes obvious to the coaches real fast who is putting in effort outside of practice and who isn't
* Coaches are out there because they love the game. No coach is out there to embarass, hurt, humiliate, or be a negative influence on you dd. You chose to have this person as your coach, so allow him/her to coach your dd
* If you have questions about coaching decisions, call a day or 2 later. Don't do it when emotions are running high. Try not to email because so much is lost on a computer screen, and left to interpretation. Don't give in to the temptation to bash the coach in front of dd
* You never know who is around you at the fields. Appreciate all players for the skills they bring to the game, and don't look for flaws to bash on. You wouldn't want parents doing that to your dd.
* Know that while your dd is working to improve skills, so are the other girls. Don't get caught up in the, "She's worked so hard so she deserves __________" or, "She was the best player on her other team" way of thinking. Dangerous! Unlike rec ball, playing time will not be equal. Performance determines who gets the playing time. If you don't like it, work harder.
* Do your homework! Talk to current players' parents at tryouts to get a feel for the atmosphere. Watch the boards. Watch other teams during the summer. Watch girls in the dugout and after games, especially after a loss. This will tell you tons!
* You will be spending loads of time with these people. Avoid drama! Let it go! Many very good teams have folded because of behind-the-scenes drama. It has nothing to do with the girls, yet they are the ones who will get hurt.
* Stay out of the dugout
* You are not a coach, so don't coach! Nothing worse than parents yelling instructions contrary to what coach has taught. If you want to coach, find a team to coach. But not this one.
* If your dd has proper mechanics, damage should not occur. Be sure to keep talking to her about any aches or pains. These girls tend to lie alot so they can play!!!!! Be very familiar with her mechanics so you can spot problems. Most coaches have a working knowledge of pitching mechanics, but rely on dd to work herself through problems.
* As far as burnout goes, as long as you continue to talk with dd and find the team that best meets her goals, this should not happen. The hard-core player wants to play every weekend, and will find to team to play with on her team's weekend off (#2!!!). Not for everyone. There are plenty of quality teams that will play a 5-6 tourney schedule, and those that play during the week, and only play in 2 or 3 weekend tourneys.
* Invest in a cooler with wheels, and a membership to Sam's Club. Buy in bulk because it will get used!
* Pack extra. Hopefully it will become a family mentality and you will feed everyone else's kid at some point
Girls are always looking to see who brough what.
* Light swimming schedule
* Good, quality chairs
* Your car will be dirty. Learn to love it!
* Vacation. What is that? Games every weekend mid-May to end of July. Week at nationals. Tryouts in mid-August. Fall ball Sept-October..........
That's all I have for now.