Can your players go to other tryouts?

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I think the way tryouts are set up now is impossible for the teams and just as impossible for the players.

1. Many teams require returning players to try out. That tells them and their parents that they do NOT have the security of a position or even a roster spot.

2. Many teams hold their tryouts before or during Nationals. Players from teams that go to Nationals can't make these tryouts.

3. Teams that hold the earliest tryouts always want an answer from players who may want to try out for other teams later in the month. They force the player to commit or to gamble that she'll make another team.

4. Teams that are really looking for a pitcher or maybe a catcher or an outfielder or a bench player hold "open" tryouts and waste the time and money of dozens of players and their parents who really have no chance to make the team--no matter how good they are.

5. Any coach who says he/she is holding an "open" tryout is lying. If they have an established team, then they have pretty much guaranteed certain positions to returning players. They have to do this. So, when they hold this "open" tryout-- and their top three pitchers and their catcher are returning-- they are simply going through the motions when they start evaluating pitchers and catchers at the tryout. It's deceitful and it's a waste of time. They'll argue that they have players who are trying out for other teams and that they have no idea whether those players will return, so they have no choice but to hold "open" tryouts. That's what makes the whole process absurd.

6. What's the answer? Damned if I know.

 

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@thetruth:

Hey, I (gulp) agree with most of what you've said, and I appreciate the tone of your post. I think the best answer to the problems you have described is to go with the process of offering existing players a return invitation and asking for a commitment before the tryout season. I agree that "open" tryouts should be reserved for newly forming teams (even there the coach probably has a few positions that are filled before tryouts and IMHO should not be advertising for those positions).

As for holding tryouts before Nationals are over . . . that just doesn't appear to me to be an option for organizations who routinely send their players to a national/world series event. So maybe there is some needed self-selection in the process. A team that conducts tryouts while many players are at Nationals is basically saying that they are looking for mid-tier players and families that attend those tryouts are looking for mid-tier teams. Nothing wrong with that as long as the teams and players are on the same page. There are various levels of play available in Ohio and not everyone is able or willing to commit to the high expenses and the intensity of top flight competition.

Finally, there is the "timing" issue when a team does extend an invitation after tryouts. Like you I'm not sure what the best answer is. Extending an offer on the spot and requiring an answer before the next weekend of tryouts is uncomfortable for us, but it is equally uncomfortable to wait the 8-10 days without making offers to the next in line. Being on the team's side in this transaction, I think it is in the interest of all the returning players to make an offer with a reasonable 2-3 days deadline. But I can see how that limits the options, perhaps from the family's perspective impermissably, for the player who is trying out.

 

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The only reason we tryout for more than one team is because my daughter plays more than one or two positions and some teams dont need those positions. You have to be open to the possibilities for your DD. They meet new people and learn more things when you are open to many tryouts. when you love to play softball it doesnt matter what field your on but the fact is we are here to play a good game and do the best we can do for the game.If you are already committed to a team then no dont go to tryouts i agrree but if you are not committed then go for it because you dont know what there is to come.

 

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It is a 2 way street.

If you do not want your players to go to other tryout. Offer them a spot at the end of the season.

The fact is that most coaches want to right to first refusal.......if I do not get someone better than you then I want you back...........you should be loyal....LOL

It is simple. Offer spot and require a financial commitment to hold the spot before tryouts start. On the spots you want to upgrade, do not offer spots.

Players. If you want to stay, approach the coach and ask to give the deposit and be on the team before tryouts.

My wife holds open tryouts every year. Are there girls she knows going into tryouts that she is going offer no matter what..........absolutely. But in her opinion, if you start the "side deal game" you are going to have issues. And then word will get out that you have a locked down team and no one will show up at tryouts. Which is bad because some girls really need to change teams, because they are not improving or not fitting in with the girls but you can not make a change unless you have someone to replace them.

 

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I encourage my players to try to find the best fit for them every year, whether that is with us or not.

These girls are just that, they are girls. They change from year to year and become a different player every year. Maybe the spot she filled for my team this year will not be a good fit for her next year because her skill level has changed, she has grown, or the other players on the team have done the same forcing similar issues and position changes. The best outfielder in Ohio in 4 years might be playing Shortstop for her team right now. Girls that are not catching when they are 12 may turn into catchers when they hit 14u and the best catcher at 12 may get the itch to get out of the gear and play somewhere else and never catch again. It is important for everyone to consider all their options in order to find the right spot for them. That doesn't mean that the player doesn't like her current team or that the current team doesn't like that player it's just trying to figure out what is best for your daughter and family.

Every player should explore her options when it comes to teams and every team should explore their options when it comes to players. The key to the process is staying transparent and honest with all the people involved.

 

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I encourage my players to try to find the best fit for them every year, whether that is with us or not.

These girls are just that, they are girls. They change from year to year and become a different player every year. Maybe the spot she filled for my team this year will not be a good fit for her next year because her skill level has changed, she has grown, or the other players on the team have done the same forcing similar issues and position changes. The best outfielder in Ohio in 4 years might be playing Shortstop for her team right now. Girls that are not catching when they are 12 may turn into catchers when they hit 14u and the best catcher at 12 may get the itch to get out of the gear and play somewhere else and never catch again. It is important for everyone to consider all their options in order to find the right spot for them. That doesn't mean that the player doesn't like her current team or that the current team doesn't like that player it's just trying to figure out what is best for your daughter and family.

Every player should explore her options when it comes to teams and every team should explore their options when it comes to players. The key to the process is staying transparent and honest with all the people involved.

That's what I'm talking about!!! Very well said. Teams change and players change....explore what is out there and find the BEST fit for you and your family.

 

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^^^ Agree Klump! Nice post Nate

 

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finding a "fit is key"... it's your family, your money, your time, your daughter, your right to get to your comfort zone... if a coach holds it against them... you don't want to be there! If the coach was "that good"... would they be at the travel level or higher up making the big bucks or perceived big bucks in collegiate coaching? Coaches only own their DD's and thoughts ... give me a break.

 

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I guess it's about time I agree with you on something, Truth. Very good, and accurate, post. Unfortunately, it is what it is.

 

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At the end of every season, I ALWAYS encourage ALL my players to go to as many tryouts as they can. It is a good way to gauge their skills against others their age, get some extra practice, pick up some drills, and to see what offers they get. Alot of people think I'm crazy because I "allow" my players to go to tryouts other than mine. I am their coach not their parent, they don't need my permission to tryout for a team they want to tryout for. I think it is absurd NOT to allow your players to check out every opportunity that is available to them. I'm constantly being asked..What if you lose them? What if they get a better offer and jump teams? If they are jumping teams, than they weren't happy anyway and it is better to get it taken care of now than halfway through the season. If you are a good coach and you are doing your job well, than there is no need to worry about losing your players.

Klump,


Well said!

 

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I haven't read all post but I will give my opinion and what I do. I will offer them a spot for next season at the end of this one. I will not encourage them to go to other tryouts and give that organization false hopes if they were interested in player. If they want to see how they "match up" to other players then go to certain camps or clinics offered during the year. If they go to other tryouts outs then I going to look for another player too. I am not going to assume that they are staying if they are going to other tryouts; there is a reason why they are going to other tryouts.

If I am an employee of a company and tell my employer that I am going to interviews to just check them out but I not going to accept a job with them; That may not build a very good relationship with us.

 

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I agree with your approach.

Bug the work thing is not a good comparison. Just too many different variables.

If u want your players to stay with u then offer before tryouts.

 

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for all you parents who think its ok to let your dd try out for other teams to see how they "stack up" but have no intention of leaving that team do you as parents tell your employeers that your going to other job interviews but have no intentions of taking that job? see how that goes and let me know. i bet you think its ok to play for your team all season then bail for a better team come nationals!

 

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Job interviews and travel ball team tryouts are apples to oranges the last time I checked I wasn't paying my boss to be there.

Not every team, player, or organization are made for each other. Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for and sometimes I'm sure that a better fit is found.

It's understandable why a coach wouldn't want a player to go, however it would be better to know that someone was looking now rather than in march.

Good Luck to all in the silly season of softball (middle of august).:cap::cap:

 

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for all you parents who think its ok to let your dd try out for other teams to see how they "stack up" but have no intention of leaving that team do you as parents tell your employeers that your going to other job interviews but have no intentions of taking that job? see how that goes and let me know. i bet you think its ok to play for your team all season then bail for a better team come nationals!

It's OK if your coach knew that it would happen if he was not doing a national event. Communication is key here. If you are upfront with your dd's coach from September till nationals he will be totally understanding if he is a good coach and cares about his players pushing to be the best they can be. The player is the most important person here and no one should lose sight of that.

 

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Job interviews and travel ball team tryouts are apples to oranges the last time I checked I wasn't paying my boss to be there.

Not every team, player, or organization are made for each other. Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for and sometimes I'm sure that a better fit is found.

It's understandable why a coach wouldn't want a player to go, however it would be better to know that someone was looking now rather than in march.

Good Luck to all in the silly season of softball (middle of august).:cap::cap:

Just my opinion, but I do believe there is a similarity; One of many life lessons but on a smaller scale. There are many things besides softball that or players will learn from the team that the players will remember and store in there mind to apply it in future.

 

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If your DD is 10-12 years old I understand the logic of going to tryouts to see how your skills stack up to your peers and the experience of doing it. However, you reach a point where a lot of the better kids don't go to the general tryouts. If looking at other options they attend private outs or they are recruited by a top team because of how they performed during the travel season and not a tryout session.
I've told my DD unless you are willing to leave where your at then don't waste the organizations or my time by trying to get in free practice time. If you want practice time then I can make time for that