~ Loyalty to returning Players~

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With tryout season upon us I've been wondering where all of your Organizations stand as far as loyalty to returning players. My dd has played for two different Organizations over the past 4 years. One who she has played for 3 1/2 seasons, one for a half season. One Organization seems to be very loyal to returning players, they occasionally move girls from one team to another within their Org. but for the most part if they show they want to be there and put the time in to improve they have a spot in that Org. the other Organization not quite the same case.

Wondering what the more common practice is?

 

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Common practice is that the coach tells all his/her players that they have to try out for the team every year - and that he/she will assemble the best team possible.

However, unless the player has caused undue stress on the field, in the dugout, or the parents are always in your ear in the parking lot after games, most returning players have a good chance to continue playing for the team.

 

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I agree with Louuuuu, this sounds about right. Returning players will generally be given the benefit of the doubt and will normally be given precedence over new players trying out - therefore, they will generally have a good chance of returning. However, if a player comes along that far outperforms a "returning" player during tryouts, is it fair to the team to keep a lesser player instead of taking the better player? It's not unreasonable to tell a "returning player" that the position is their's, but it's also their job to lose... In other words, work hard enough and perform well so that you are difficult to replace in begin with. I do feel that the TEAM deserves to have the best 10-12 players on the roster, so that the TEAM can be as competitive as reasonably possible. Sadly, there will be players that occasionally will get feelings hurt in these cases... but the reality of the real world is that if you don't perform, your job may be up for grabs.

Should we not be doing something to prepare players for the real world beyond softball? A player will find the team that they best fit into if they and their parents look hard enough. The players with the most potential to produce should pretty much always be given preference, IMHO.

Common practice is that the coach tells all his/her players that they have to try out for the team every year - and that he/she will assemble the best team possible.

However, unless the player has caused undue stress on the field, in the dugout, or the parents are always in your ear in the parking lot after games, most returning players have a good chance to continue playing for the team.

 

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The right thing to do is to let the player and family know as soon as possible to allow them time to get with another organization... it is unfair to hang them out if you know that they will not be back on the team after your tryout. It is a tough thing to do but in the best interest of the player..

 

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I'm not so sure i agree with the dog eat dog mentality?? when it comes to returning players. Let's say you have a young lady thats been in your Org. for 2,3 years. First, you took that young lady 3 years ago b/c you saw something in her correct? You felt she had potential! Who's failing who if you have a girl playing for you for several years and all of a sudden when some new talent comes along she can easily be replaced. I understand there are kids who just loose there love for the game, some get older and don't put 100% into the game anymore and some that just stop progressing. In those cases I completly understand replacing that player. Then there's cases of young ladys that develope slower then others, sometimes less years experience, size, lack of good coach or lack of playing time.

Believe me I completely understand that there are kids out there that probably should stick to rec. Five years ago when my dd started travel, she wasn't even a good rec. ball player lol But she has worked her rear off for the last 2 years, all year round to improve her skills and she not only belongs on the travel ball field now, she holds her own quite well. My point being, I don't want my dd to play for someone who over looks that hardwork and dedication the moment new talent blows in. If I expect her to be respectful and loyal to her coaches and team, I want her to get the same in return.

 

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Well I think you show loyalty to your players that are returning. If you were good enough to play for me the first time I will take you back and then build off that. I'm sorry but I figure it is my job to help you get better. Wow neat concept actually showing loyalty to your team. JMHO.

 

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Loyalty is good! Team goals have to be factored in as well though.

Some clubs are built & continually re-rebuilt each year to compete in the best tournaments around, and WIN them (or else). Some other teams are more focused on developing local talent, for HS and/or College. Still others combine these goals plus others.

Loyalty in our book, would ALWAYS count for something though.

 

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CF, I don't understand your post? You say you agree, but then the rest of it discounts loyalty and goes with the best player? Maybe you are being sarcastic and I am up too late to get it?

I agree with Louuuuu, this sounds about right. If you find a new player that fills a role better than a current player, there should be no hard feelings all the way around.

 

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Jd,

Sorry for the confusion - I am saying that I do value loyalty, and a returning player will always be given the benefit of the doubt during tryouts... but if they are far outperformed by another player, how fair is it to the team to keep the lesser player? Reality of the real world is that anybody can be replaced if they don't work hard enough to keep their jobs. In college softball, new players come along all the time and take the job of another player... the coach isn't being disloyal, they're being practical and realistic. That's why select softball is a different animal, because a team "selects" the players that perform at the highest levels. Hopefully that makes more sense.

CF, I don't understand your post? You say you agree, but then the rest of it discounts loyalty and goes with the best player? Maybe you are being sarcastic and I am up too late to get it?

 

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Cincy Fury, That make perfect sence to me what you are saying. My dd is shopping this year for a new Orgnization and we are pretty sure she knows who she wants to play for. She has had the priviledge of playing in some league games with this team which has been a perfect oportunity for us to see the what kind of coaching this Org. has and how well the team gets along. Something that has really stuck in our heads sence we we first spoke with these coaches is there standpoint on returning players. They feel that once they take a young lady it there job to make them a better ball player and if someone new comes along they would have to be an all out stud before they would even consider replacing one of their girls. The key words (one of their girls) My dd will give all the hardwork, dedication and loyalty to a coach like this that she can.

The proof to me that this mentality works is in this Organizations record. They don't have one team in their Organization that does well. All of there teams do well! All of their coaches work to together to make sure of this and not once have i heard a family have any complaints of this Organization. We are really excited to have my dd be apart of a softball family with this kind of loyalty and comittment to their girls.

 

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We leave it up to the players every year. They know this from the beginning. We chose them and have a open door policy that whom ever wants to return can always come back the next season. This has worked well for us. We have 9 of 11 returning this year. So we feel we have some pretty loyal players.

 

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You win with great players and solid famly support. This is a tough sport and without quality famlies and unselfish behavior it is hard to succeed. Evaluate all of these factors during the process, and be honest with everyone. Its better to deal with it up front then during the season.

 

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Ohio Wave makes a great point ... success is usually more than just assembling the best talent at each position. Chemistry, desire, commitment are important, ... okay not like football & basketball where "fluid playmaking" is vital .... however, we all have seen average teams who love being on the field together going far because they "just don't want to go home" yet. And, we have seen star studded teams that hate each other and are revving their engines in the parking lot while coach is still talking after last out (can't wait to get outte there!).

We always factor the "intangibles" (attitude, unselfish, family, work ethic, commitment, etc.), along with the talent. Amazing how muuch better a good player plays, and how they "pick up" others after a mistake, when they truly are happy to be there, "together".

Loyalty between team & players is an after thought to "loyalty among players" .....

 

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Well said pickledad. Family support of what your trying to accomplish is critcal. Unselfishness is a rare trait in youth sports. When you find those families, hang on tight.

 

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CF, thanks for clarifying. This is an interesting topic. I can see both sides of it.

 

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There always seems to be side stories with these situations. I have found very rarely is a player let go because of talent alone. Bringing in a "stud" player does change things, but always something behind the scenes also.

 

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Everyone has their own definition of loyalty. What about players that have been with their team but continue to miss practices & tournaments for vacations, other sports camps, etc...? Should the team keep taking them back with this lack of commitment? The direction of the team & the team goals change.

 

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Everyone has their own definition of loyalty. What about players that have been with their team but continue to miss practices & tournaments for vacations, other sports camps, etc...? Should the team keep taking them back with this lack of commitment? The direction of the team & the team goals change.

I think these are the players you do let go, it's obvious they really don't want to be there anyway. Not the ones who are dedicated but still need work. Let's face it, they all need to continue to get better.

 

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my dd org must not dd had to move up from 12 to 14 same person that did the tryout last year her coach did them again must not be goog enough to play for them at 14u

 

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You don't keep players on a team just because they were on the team last year. At 14u there are so many teams out there that managers take players just to fill rosters. Be honest parents some kids that play 14u will never suceed at 16u. Teams that have 4-5 avg. or below should inform those girls about their ability and chances on returning to the team for next year at 16u. Loyalty is one thing but honesty is the only way. Weeding out the lesser player is a natural way of life. We all started out Rec. Ball and moved on. Moving up to 16u then 18u is the next rungs on the ladder. You try-out and the best available make the team. Best available is a combination of things. Just talent won't get you far.