Earn to Play or Pay to Play

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Recently over heard a conversation, where one parent was saying that all girls paid the same and should play the same amount of time. I found this upsetting because I feel that every girl must earn playing time. Any thoughts?

 

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What this a parent of a "travel ball" player?

 

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I am an "earn your spot" parent. If you want to play short stop then show them what you've got over the child that is already playing short stop. Now does that mean that child should never play. No. I do believe that you have to work those kids in somewhere, and they should be given a chance to earn the position they want. And yes coaches that means that you need to keep an open mind, and if that child surpasses your little princess then your dd should lose her spot until she earns it back. IMHO ;&

 

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That parent must be coming from rec ball

 

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I think alot depends on what you agreed to when you signed up.

My DD played competetive basketball where in some games she only played 1 quarter becasue others beat her out. By the end of the year she was #2 guard and earned playing time of almost 3 quarters. We knew this going into this adventure and are ok with it.

Currently she is playing in a pay league consisting of 10 games, it was presented as equal playing time amongst all players considering she is in 6th grade playing against 8 graders i figured it was an ok deal. We paid, she plays equal as it can be, everyone is happy.

Travel Ball will not be this way and was presnted as such.

 

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You pay for a spot on the team, not for a spot on the field.

Everything in life is not always equal, the important thing is that the opportunity is equal.

 

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i agree you pay for a spot on team i do believe you have to work these kids in the game but parents have to understand as well that when it is win or go home we still try to get girls in just maybe not where they want to be.

 

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Let's put a little spin on this one by age group:

Younger age groups, you picked her to play, so obviously the kid has something. You are the coach to help her get better. If you are going to put her in and immediately pull her out on a mistake, that defeats the purpose. Everyone makes learning mistakes. Also, how are they going to get experience playing in the games including big games if they go in with a fear of being pulled at a quick mistake. (See this all the time in Bskt-Ball) had one coach tell her at a young age "she knows her role"... Funny that particular coach never told the girls what their roles were.....

By the time they are in their higher teens, the teams are usually picked on quality of talent and the playing time is usually shared across the board. Playing-- in particular catchers, in multiple high quality games on a 90 degree day, does take it's toll and breaks on some games help. I can honestly say we have been very happy with the time played each year since she was 14.... Making a jump she did from 14 to 18U was a great learning experience for her and she did exactly what was asked of her at that time-- less playing time due to the more experienced players. But those players also helped mentor the younger ones that year. Playing other positions that year also helped her become a well rounded player and at the end of the day, it is a team sport, so do whatever is asked to help your team succeed and it pays off in the end in sports and life......

Yes we pay to participate in travel, but playing time is determined by a multitude of factors.. Especially the coaches, that's why you need to do your homework on any organization before jumping in with two feet.

 

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It depends on level and age group - young rec ball - let everyone play. At Travel ball level or Middle School and High School ball - you pay to 'Participate', you have to earn playing time with effort, skill and putting in your time at practice.

 

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Must be an Obama supporter !!! This politcial correct everything is fair don't offend anyone society is a bunch of bs. Work Hard play hard or go home crying.
At some point in time this never having to earn anything mentality is going to catch up to us!!!!

 

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I usually hear that statement ALOT from rec parents making the jump to travel ball. It drives me NUTS!! Like Benbudda said, you are paying for a spot on the team, NOT a starting position on the field. That must be earned.

 

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Ditto Klump

 

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Pay to Participate! Practice Perfect to Play!

 

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I feel Saturday is the day to get all the kids in games to get the experience they need and to get feedback to them as to what areas they need to work on. When Sunday comes I think you have to go with the 9 who give you the best chance to advance through bracket play.

 

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All our girls know Pool play is where you earn your stripes to play bracketed games!

 

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You pay for a spot on the team, not for a spot on the field.

Everything in life is not always equal, the important thing is that the opportunity is equal.

Ditto! Budda hit the statue on the head! Ummm I mean nail.

(My wife calls me Budda Belly and I absolutely have no idea why)

 

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here is what I think.
Everytime is different and we only had one returning girl from last year. we have 11 girls and we need to make sure they grow and get playing time. We play in a weekday league that we can play girls and pool. When in tournament play we play those how have played the best but we also work or others in to play but a few innings. It isn't about paying it is about coaching and getting better.
I have the philosophy that the Arizona St. coach has that on a travel team any girl should perform at there highest anytime they're called to play.

 

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This is a joke,right??
You want to play competetive ball,but ,you also want fair playing time. Hmmmm...Sounds like a Fat Rat!!!!Take your stinky cheese and roll!!!!
Competitive ball is reserved for those who want to compete.In the sport of competition you earn your spot and your time.If you want to donate a wing to the high school play high school ball!!! Simple. If you want to play competetive ball,then put your best foot forward and play some cotton pickin ball!!!
People who do this make a mockery of those who actually earned the right to be on the field.If you want to be competetive except the fact that it is competitive,you pay a share to be on a competitive team,which means during the tournament you field the best 9 to be at your teams most competitive level to go the furthest,hence competition between 2 competitve teams.

 

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i agree you pay for a spot on team i do believe you have to work these kids in the game but parents have to understand as well that when it is win or go home we still try to get girls in just maybe not where they want to be.

I think that the toughest concept for most to grab is that in select travel ball coaches are responsible for 11 or 12 players. First to help them all get better, and second to help give them the best chance to compete and win come the weekend. The point being, the team is the one thing they all have in common, and the team's success is what we are all working for. Individuals get better because they figure out where they stack up and what they need to do to change their situation (or improve it). I've always said that you pay to participate on a team, and you earn your playing time by committing to the team concept.

 

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i agree wave thats the way it has to be.