I hope I’m not being redundant but would like to share my thoughts on the thread.
I encourage players and families to shop around and find that perfect fit if they believe there is something better and if they are not happy with the instruction they are receiving with me and the staff. All I ask is they compare apples to apples when judging us with others and point out they should be sure to get the obvious questions answered before committing to a new club if that’s what they decide to do.
Check the overall cost, not just the fees to be paid. Find out their tentative schedule for the upcoming season that may influence your decision on how much traveling you can afford. How many days a week will you be expected to attend team functions including practices? Will they be participating in a league and where?
I agree that if a family has any interest and decides to change, they weren’t totally fulfilled with us. It is America as mentioned and people are allowed choices. I don’t want them to stay if they are not happy. Now, if they have already tried out and committed to us for the next season, I believe they SHOULD NOT be traveling around trying out for others for any reason. It simply gives others false hope if you have no intentions of considering a move. I would find it offensive if I found out girls that have committed to me were doing this. After all, you have committed. There is nothing to gain here and everything to lose. If I’ve already invited you back, I’ve made a commitment to you for another season. Show some loyalty and respect by addressing any invitations by informing others you have accepted a slot with us and follow that up with a down payment or your dues as agreed to. How trustworthy is your word?
If a family is shopping, contact as many clubs as you can before tryouts. Just remember it is first to sign so if you make the organizations wait, there’s no guarantee they’ll be holding a spot for you when you return. Do your homework early and narrow your list to only the clubs that meet your criteria of expectations. Those should be the clubs you will want to attend the physical tryouts. You may strike many teams off your list before ever attending by simply calling ahead and getting some answers in advance.
Be sure to be honest with clubs about your intentions. If you need more time, tell them you want to go home and think about it. If possible agree on a time line of when you can let them know, then be adult enough to give the club an answer even if it is “no.” I always appreciated the players that would inform me as soon as possible of their decision. If that same player came back to tryouts the following year, I would give them every chance to earn a spot on the roster because I would assume they were not happy where they went and had a change of heart about playing for us.
Honesty is always the best policy.