New to travel...tryout contract question...

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This is not like a job interview. It is more like a job fair. A lot of employers, and a lot of applicants trying to match up with what is best for each.

I am sure the coaches for the teams with early tryouts want that instant commitment. And they have every right to offer a roster spot and say it is only open for only x days. But the parents/players have every right to seek the best situation for them also. I would think that a coach would rather a girl be sure before she commit vs. having that doubt in the back of her mind and leave later.

 

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Look at it as what it is. A contract is a contract. You sign, you make a commitment. Morally or legally, it shouldn't matter. Why are you signing it if you want to go to more tryouts? If you want to go to more tryouts to see how your daughter compares to other players, but you want to commit to that team, then sign the contract. Tell the coach up front that it's what you want to do though. If you're looking around for better opportunities, then do NOT sign. It tells me you don't feel a "fit" with the team. It is a hard thing to "know" what to do so early in the season, (not to mention so early in the trip down travel lane). Go with your gut.

(Besides, you want to be careful about your rep).

 

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How many teams still make you sign a contract?

 

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We are leaving our first travel team that we have been with for 3 years. Don't know about contracts. Please explain more.

 

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I've signed one before. Coach or team? I don't know. Should have made the coach sign one though. NO DADDY BALL!

 

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Before I would sign anything I would make sure I knew what their intentions were for my dd. Will she be a starting pitcher, is she going to be considered as one of the top 9 or will she be 11th 12th player, will she be coached in the position(s) of her choice or yours, etc....

Make sure they are offering you what you want for your dd. IMHO I would want to go to many tryouts before commiting to any team. Good luck to you and your dd.

 

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Before I would sign anything I would make sure I knew what their intentions were for my dd. Will she be a starting pitcher, is she going to be considered as one of the top 9 or will she be 11th 12th player, will she be coached in the position(s) of her choice or yours, etc....

Make sure they are offering you what you want for your dd. IMHO I would want to go to many tryouts before commiting to any team. Good luck to you and your dd.

That is a really good post. It goes for all of us I think, sometimes parents and DDs are so excited about making a specific team they forget to ask those questions.

 

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Having tryouts that early and then giving a "contract" seem sort of unusual to me, however, I wouldn't knock them out just based on that. I think depends on opportunity in terms of positions and how you feel about coaches, fees, schedule, etc. If you think it is the right fit in terms of playing opportunity and the others all align it is not a problem, in fact them locking up everyone may work to your advantage since you have a good idea who is going to be there. If not, I wouldn't sign. If you are good enough to make this team you should be able to find a team that fits that wants you.

 

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Sad and Uber both make very good points! If it was my DD I'd probably go to a few more tryouts. That is unless the team making the offer was one of your first choices and you get the answers to the questions sad mentioned. GOOD LUCK!:yahoo:

 

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I see alot of concerns about early tryouts. I dont know about anyone but the fall ball league we signed up for starts Aug 23......thats only 3 weeks away....teams up north will be filling fast.

 

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My DD was given a contract in early July wanting us to commit for next year. We are going to be new to the tryout scene this year (DD picked up in May by current team) and it really put us in an awkward position. This team has a great reputation but that doesn't mean it will be a good fit for us. After discussing the issue with someone who is well known to the travel world, we told the coach that we were not ready to commit this early in the season.

If you want your DD to go to the other tryouts, I would just be honest and tell the coach. I believe she will probably have other offers, too.

 

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DD has been offered a position on a team after trying out, however, we would like to go to several other tryouts to give her more opportunities, the team that offered her a spot has given us a contract with 72 hours to decide, if we decide yes then find a better opportunity are we held to that contract?

Its a Chess Game ... And tough on BOTH sides. I advise you ask LOTS Of questions. Coaching philosophy (Play the best and settle the Lineup , or some coaches like to Moves kids all over the place giving them more "Experience" ) Ask about who he has at your kids best positions ... you dont wanna dump your DD on a Team with 2 1st Basemen if your Kid PLAYS 1B. Does he have 3 Good Pitchers or 2 Good ones and a Solid one at least , its a LONG year if your pitchers are not finding the plate. Do they Hit in the Winter to get ready ? Scrimmage ?? Hard to be ready if they dont lace up till March. Do they have issue with your kid playing Hoops or another Sport ?? Who did the Coach Manage the previous year ? And ask around. Its a LOT of cash to spend , and a LONG LONG Summer if things go south. ASK QUESTIONS !!

 

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Look at it as what it is. A contract is a contract. You sign, you make a commitment. Morally or legally, it shouldn't matter. Why are you signing it if you want to go to more tryouts? If you want to go to more tryouts to see how your daughter compares to other players, but you want to commit to that team, then sign the contract. Tell the coach up front that it's what you want to do though. If you're looking around for better opportunities, then do NOT sign. It tells me you don't feel a "fit" with the team. It is a hard thing to "know" what to do so early in the season, (not to mention so early in the trip down travel lane). Go with your gut.

(Besides, you want to be careful about your rep).

I agree BE HONEST, IF you DD can Play ... They will Hold a Spot IF They think there is a Legit shot they are going to land her. I fear (as a Coach) That many kids who are Good but nothing special sign "contracts" only as an Insurance policy for their kid ...fearing they wont find a Better team or that no one else will necessarily WANT their DD. I feel for you , but If you kid is wanted on a Decent team and is Good but not great geezz dont sign and then Jump Ship. Makes coaches Crazy ... and Paints you as a Low Life. And that coach will tell anyone who wants to listen about Your DD... And woe to you all the Next Time you venture out to the Tryout Circuit !

 

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we don't make them sign a contract on the spot. We have them sign a contract later... like weeks later... just to explain the "entire" deal. We do XYZ as a team and expect the parents/DD's to do XYZ as members of the team... more importantly covers the financial obligation and to make sure we are serious about curbing "straight jacket" situations. Haven't had this issue in my 2 full years, witnessed it a year before I took a full head coaches spot. It's a good thing when a "clean break" is required... no surprises for all parties and our intention is to communicate all aspects up front. Just another tool to help out.