Every year we dance around this subject about recruiting girls.
But, I don't believe we ever come close to fixing this problem (perceived or otherwise). I think that the fix is relatively simple and straightforward, if everyone is willing to play the same game.
First, we have to all agree that it is permissible for any coach to approach any girl's PARENTS between games, present a business card, and state that they would be interested in evaluating their daughter for their team AFTER THE TRAVEL SEASON WRAPS UP IN EARLY AUGUST. That should be the entire extent of the contact from the coach's perspective. It is, in essence, an invitation to attend that team's tryouts for next year's team.
(All of us are free agents after the season ends. While I think that we are mostly responsible for our daughter's - and our own - happiness, the travel organization needs to understand that it is our right to look.) If that is what happened at this 10U game, I don't know if it is completely unreasonable. (Well, talking during the game is unreasonable, but the approach may be OK.)
Second, travel organizations should - in writing - clearly state strong sanctions against any parent who takes it on themselves to become an unlicensed recruiter for the organization. I would bet that some of these approaches are from frustrated dads who are sure that one more girl could turn DD's team around. No travel organization should have to put its reputation on the line because a parent inaccurately represented themselves as a team recruiter - or even as a concerned parent just trying to help the team.
Third, parents should understand that when they pick a travel team, they are picking in essence picking travel buddies for the next summer. Don't enter into the decision lightly, understand all of the expectations and financial obligations, and be willing to sit there and keep your mouth shut while someone else coaches your DD. Voice concerns privately and directly to the coach, and be willing to live with the answers you get.
Sounds simple, unless this incident really was another coach trying to get a girl to leave her current team during the season. That is simply wrong.
If the travel ball community wants to stop that behavior, the solution is very simple.
The parents who were approached have to be willing to state their names and the name of the team and the coach who approached them. (None of this "I heard from someone that this happened" stuff.)
If that person really is a coach in the organization, let's all just quietly review our tournament lists and refund that team's entry fees. Yes, I mean kick them out of our tournaments. I think a "quality" travel ball organization will dry up quickly if the only place they can play is their own field.
It is radical, but for years I have seen the same posts, with no solution other than saying that it is bad.
