default
Member
Involved in scouting and recruiting, and reading about the early commits from players, I am motivated to begin this thread on major concerns with the verbals.
As softball moves to the fast track on recruiting, does a coach really know what type of player they are gaining. Before I go any further, look at the following factors:
followed trend of football and basketball to get a jump on the "bluechipper"
a verbal is "not recognized" by the NCAA - signing cannot occur until senior year
When softball adopted this practice in recruiting, it was the top level schools who had access to the top level players out west. They had a level of confidence in the kids they went after with empirical data
this has now become a common practice amoung all DI softball coaches as they are in "keeping up with the Jone's"
The obvious "pro" to this type of recruiting is getting your players in the fold and get a jump on the next class to bring in.
There are many, many, cons that could (and in some instances IS) happening as a result.
Domino effect when one player "decommits" or takes a better offer. This happens all the time in the major sports. Do not expect the NCAA to jump in and mediate as it is unofficial so only thing that counts by their standard is the actual letter of intent - welcome to the real world of business - it happens everyday.
Don't preach the "gentlemens agreement" between the coaches on this one, it will happen.
When it does occur, it effects many, many people.
Another common variable now is college coaches are not getting the same product as offered, in some cases, very bad. Are coaches obligated to stick with a player if they take the "EASY ROAD" and their skills diminish? I know in some cases where the offer is being reduced or pulled as the athlete is not holding up on their part of the "unwritten deal".
Any thoughts or similar concerns?
As softball moves to the fast track on recruiting, does a coach really know what type of player they are gaining. Before I go any further, look at the following factors:
followed trend of football and basketball to get a jump on the "bluechipper"
a verbal is "not recognized" by the NCAA - signing cannot occur until senior year
When softball adopted this practice in recruiting, it was the top level schools who had access to the top level players out west. They had a level of confidence in the kids they went after with empirical data
this has now become a common practice amoung all DI softball coaches as they are in "keeping up with the Jone's"
The obvious "pro" to this type of recruiting is getting your players in the fold and get a jump on the next class to bring in.
There are many, many, cons that could (and in some instances IS) happening as a result.
Domino effect when one player "decommits" or takes a better offer. This happens all the time in the major sports. Do not expect the NCAA to jump in and mediate as it is unofficial so only thing that counts by their standard is the actual letter of intent - welcome to the real world of business - it happens everyday.
Don't preach the "gentlemens agreement" between the coaches on this one, it will happen.
When it does occur, it effects many, many people.
Another common variable now is college coaches are not getting the same product as offered, in some cases, very bad. Are coaches obligated to stick with a player if they take the "EASY ROAD" and their skills diminish? I know in some cases where the offer is being reduced or pulled as the athlete is not holding up on their part of the "unwritten deal".
Any thoughts or similar concerns?