coaching polls, good or bad idea?

[fastpitchmomma]

over our several years of travel ball we have met the good, bad and down right ugly/slimy coaches; sadly, most only find out about "the coaches notorious for bring in subs, daddy ball, or win at all (regardless of player cost) only after you have paid your money and are stuck! I have witnessed coaches hop organizations every year, which makes it impossible to keep up or remember who to stay away from!

it is my belief that we spend so much money, letting our children live their dream, that we need to start banning together to protect each other's children and our wallet! we need resources to refer to and research prior to tryouts or offers, something that rates the coach (which as far as I know there is nothing like this exists) what do you guys think?

 

[yocoach]

Personally, while I believe this would be a great idea in general, the actual utilization is fraught with pitfalls. Why? Because everyone, parents and players alike, will have their own opinions of a coach, the organization in general and how it was run. Just because a coach changes organizations often does not mean that they are bad. Many of us have to do it due to circumstances beyond our control. As for parents, many view their DD and her abilities through rose colored glasses and are unrealistic. I'm not saying you are but this is often the case. So if 'Lil Suzy' doesn't start every game or play every inning at a particular position for a team or coach, how can you take their word for it when they post negative reviews?

 

[TheSoftballZone]

I think having a rating systems not completely a bad idea, but as said above the information wouldn’t be 100% full proof.

 

[jpkeating]

Gee what could could go wrong with this idea?
Unfortunately it would turn into a shit show quick. The only suggestion I can give to you in really do your homework before try outs, More so on the coach then the Org.

 

[CARDS]

No need for a team rating system,

Let the teams tryout information do their ranking for them...As they say, don't just tell me what you are going to do, show me what you have done...

Parents need to ask the right questions that will be unique for each family depending on what their goals / expectations are.

Go to the tryout section and look at the teams looking / tryout ads. Many and I mean many, lack critical information that parents can use to start to find the right fit.

IMO the lack of information is done on purpose in most cases. In others its just new teams or coaches that do not know any better.

What does lack of information look like?
Statements like: Many returning players, looking for that final piece, competitive schedule, no parent coaches (yes this can be a flag if no details).

We always had great numbers at tryouts for all our teams mostly due to up front and honest tryout ads, a good name in the TB community and how we ran tryouts even though most of our teams were only looking for a couple players we had very good turnouts.

Tryout information or questions that should be included for most age groups:
1. Coaching experience and credentialing (especially for the 8-12u that need developing). Look at tenure with organization or organizations. (Some coaches change teams more than players).
2. Team goals / expectations
3. Returning players (I included their high school at 14u and above since we pulled from a large area).
4. Past events played in. (14u and over or showcase teams what invite events have you attended). Fall or upcoming schedule
5. FEES
6. Any fundraisers. We did fundraisers up until 14U then left it up to each individual family.
7. Showcase teams how many committed players. (Connects with team goals)
8. 14U and above ask about college coaching and showcase TD network. (This helps when getting in events and who you play/pool)

I am sure there are several more people can add....