How much is too much?

[daboss]

Just out of curiosity, with the economy making a turn forcing the cost of living upwards, how much are families willing to spend for their kids to have an opportunity to play fastpitch softball? How much of a financial sacrifice is too much? How much will people budget for clinics, for pitching and/or hitting lessons? How often do players pay for private instruction? How much is spent for league fees and tournament fees? Is there a budget with a ceiling limit that people will not exceed?

None of this is my business. I don't expect anyone to use your name. Please keep posts anonymous or 3rd party as I am not calling anyone out with my questions. The appearance for the past few years is that families have dipped deeply into their pockets for their kids and that's wonderful. It's a unique family experience that can make memories that last for generations. We are now seeing young ladies of young ladies engulfed in travel sports. However, do people have spending limits?

 

[Passion4theGame]

As a team we decided to scratch our Myrtle Beach trip this year. $1850 for the event & stay to play event. Ends up saving families thousands by not doing this event.

I left it up to our Athletes and they all decided to not go to Myrtle Beach.

They are seniors and ALL of them will be heading off to college in the Fall to obtain their degrees and play college softball.

These Nationals are getting out of hand IMO. $1700-1850 to compete, stay to play you are spending $900 to opt out OR you can book through them and spend upwards of $3-4k for a condo.

We are still playing a highly competitive schedule but less out of state travel.


I think most Athletes get their lessons within 30mins from their home. So I do believe they will keep doing that.

 

[IRdad09]

I believe there will some plans that have to change. I guess I should say potentially change as I feel there should be a team/parent meeting that happens as we are all in this together as a team and their feedback should be considered. As gas prices continue to rise and for teams that travel a lot that has to be factored in. It is not like gas has gone up a couple of cents.

I agree that the majority of girls will continue to do their weekly lessons since most happen relatively close. I haven't seen a price increase for lessons as of yet, but I'm sure its coming.

 

[DanMaz]

its already too much !!!-- now we have this crapola fake administration creating Bidenflation food shortages, highest gas prices EVER and that obviously just makes it worse in a lot of ways!!! however, instructors still have to live so I wouldn't expect them to lower their fees. TD's still need to make their "non profits" and that probably wont change. heck, fees could go up or events could start drawing more local teams and teams may end up eliminating their overnighters like Jeff is doing. Eventually players could start searching for more local teams too instead of playing 2-3 hours away from their homes....
It would take a few years of this garbage economy that sleepy joe is purposely destroying before you would see any drastic changes in travel ball. JMHO

 

[Passion4theGame]

its already too much !!!-- now we have this crapola fake administration creating Bidenflation food shortages, highest gas prices EVER and that obviously just makes it worse in a lot of ways!!! however, instructors still have to live so I wouldn't expect them to lower their fees. TD's still need to make their "non profits" and that probably wont change. heck, fees could go up or events could start drawing more local teams and teams may end up eliminating their overnighters like Jeff is doing. Eventually players could start searching for more local teams too instead of playing 2-3 hours away from their homes....
It would take a few years of this garbage economy that sleepy joe is purposely destroying before you would see any drastic changes in travel ball. JMHO

Since all of our Athletes are committed we geared our schedule more towards Best Events we can play in Ohio & surrounding.

June 10-12 Lasers Nation Showcase (Columbus)
June 17-19 Sheer Madness Showcase (North Ridgeville)
June 24-26 OFF
June 30-July 3 Firecrackers Showcase (Westfield, IN.)
July 8-10 Stingrays Showcase (Columbus area)
July 15-17 All Sanctioned World Series (Columbus)
July 22-24 OFF
July 25-28 PGF Regionals (Peoria, Ill.)
July 29-31 OFF

Getting to play in Columbus close to home is awesome! Was able to cut it down to 3 hotel stays for parents. Compared to last year, we traveled and played every weekend from Memorial Day through End of July. Last year we had a hotel stay literally every weekend but 2.


I think Athletes will still look for the solid Organzations, teams, & coaches. The schedules of where teams travel to might shorten up.

 

[Stedman00]

Since all of our Athletes are committed we geared our schedule more towards Best Events we can play in Ohio & surrounding.

June 10-12 Lasers Nation Showcase (Columbus)
June 17-19 Sheer Madness Showcase (North Ridgeville)
June 24-26 OFF
June 30-July 3 Firecrackers Showcase (Westfield, IN.)
July 8-10 Stingrays Showcase (Columbus area)
July 15-17 All Sanctioned World Series (Columbus)
July 22-24 OFF
July 25-28 PGF Regionals (Peoria, Ill.)
July 29-31 OFF

Getting to play in Columbus close to home is awesome! Was able to cut it down to 3 hotel stays for parents. Compared to last year, we traveled and played every weekend from Memorial Day through End of July. Last year we had a hotel stay literally every weekend but 2.


I think Athletes will still look for the solid Organzations, teams, & coaches. The schedules of where teams travel to might shorten up.

No 2023 graduates? you'll have to start from scratch with roster rebuilding. Which can be a good thing.

 

[Passion4theGame]

No 2023 graduates? you'll have to start from scratch with roster rebuilding. Which can be a good thing.

I have 3 (04) 2023 grads that will stay with me. One is verballed to EKU, one has a couple offers and other is not sure yet.