lewam3 really summed things up pretty well and I can't stand to see somebody out there on the edge alone. I'm stepping out in support and need to add my few thoughts on the subject.
You need to review the travel ball ethics and compare it to the Rec ball train of thought. gtrthang, you have discovered something with your daughter that is inevitable. There is always a top AND bottom to every mountain. While your daughter may have been considered better than others at a Rec level of competition, in the travel ball world she doesn't shine like that new penny in the pot. Perhaps your decision to go travel ball was premature. You need to evaluate your reasoning for this venture as well as have an open mind to your daughter's true level of skill. If you motive was to get her into a higher level of competition to challenge her it sounds as if you found what you are looking for. You should be answering the challenge with a healthy attitude by encouraging your daughter to work harder to achieve a regular player status in bracket play. A much healthier approach than "My daughter was upset and my wife and I arepissed off. Due to this issue and thefact that it seems like none of the outfield girls will ever have anopportunity to move to an in field position due, we're thinking of looking fora new team this fall."
I realize you tried to heal yourself with a follow up post; <quote> "Thanks for the replies. The head coach isn't receptive to feedback on this topic, but we are going to talk with the assistant coach about it. We are also planning on a batting coach. Until recently, I thought her batting was pretty much on par with the other girls, but after seeing the detailed stats earlier this week I found it is lower than I expected, so we'll get her the coaching she needs there to feel more confident. We also just upgraded her bat which helped her with distance there.
I did find out from my wife tonight, for the first time this season they did practice moving the girls around to different positions, including the outfield players to some infield positions. That is a step in the right direction, although there did seem to be attitude when someone new to a position wasn't as good as a person who normally plays there."
My point is your initial reaction was judgmental without all the facts and seeing the situation thru clouded parental eyes. Your initial reaction was to change teams instead of let's get some extra help and practice more to improve our contribution to the team effort. While I get you see the error of your ways now, your reaction as an adult has a direct impact on your daughter's state of mind as well as how other parents and coaches perceive you.
I don't sense you want to be THAT kind of parent. However, I am glad you shared with us so others may be able to relate and understand how an attitude can change your entire approach to an unhealthy path for future development. Stuff like this can become a stigma attached to you and your family and can act like a virus and spread thru the parental herd. The poor coaches end up dealing with the drama instead of dealing with coaching the kids. Again, I don't sense you want to be that way.
You contact me privately and if we can arrange it I'll be happy to meet you and your daughter and give her some 1 on 1 on any aspect of the game you believe I can help with. Let's fix the problem if we can and not become the problem. Good luck!!!
