Roster Size- How many players is too much

[Mr. Soft Balls]

What do you feel is the correct roster size for a D-1 or D-2 High School? How many would you keep on Varsity and how many on the JV? DD's high school had 15 Varsity and 19 on the JV team last year. Alot of playing time was not split so there was girls that had to sit the bench almost the entire year with little to no playing time.I thought both numbers seemed a little high. I was thinking 13 or 14 girls for each team was more rational. Am I out of line? Also, just being curious, what about travel team roster sizes?

 

[brownsfan]

I think we had 12/13 last year on Varsity with about 15 on JV. As for the concern of playing time, that is earned.

As for travel, it depends on your schedule. If you know you're doing a lot of traveling and playing in a lot of tourneys that has double elimination; better have a larger roster of no less than 13. If more loacalized and single elimination, not as much.

 

[softballmom2000]

DDs high school team had 18 on varsity and 10 on JV. There were girls that floated between, but they really only got any playing time when they came down to JV since the rule is the V players coming down have to play. Otherwise most of the time, those floaters sat the bench on V or pinch ran.

 

[Converse Kid]

13 for Varsity and travel ball. That gives you 2 back up pitchers, 1 catcher, and one utility to sub infield/ outfield. 18 players for JV. For one you are trying to develop girls for the future and with 18 you can scrimmage yourself. Now, if you are playing tournaments with unlimited substitutions of base runners. Throw previous numbers out and start over.

 

[ech92]

I must be too nice , I feel like you shouldn't take more than 13 players unless you have a plan on getting them all some playing time . If the girl is good enough to make the team she should be good enough to play ( at least some ) . If shes not good enough to play then don't take her ! I'm not talking equal playing time , just some playing time !

 

[brownsfan]

I'll stand by my convictions of more than 13 in travel, especially at the upper echelon playing anywhere from 6-11 games on a weekend; week in and week out. Trust me, playing/pitching time evens itself out. BUT, if your talking staying local; then yes...12 players is enough. I've seen what happens twice when you don't carry a large enough roster.

 

[Mad Hornet]

I'll stand by my convictions of more than 13 in travel, especially at the upper echelon playing anywhere from 6-11 games on a weekend; week in and week out. Trust me, playing/pitching time evens itself out. BUT, if your talking staying local; then yes...12 players is enough. I've seen what happens twice when you don't carry a large enough roster.

http://www.batbusters.org/roster/show/2051830?subseason=244910

Go ahead, count em...

 

[CARDS]

What do you feel is the correct roster size for a D-1 or D-2 High School? How many would you keep on Varsity and how many on the JV? DD's high school had 15 Varsity and 19 on the JV team last year. Alot of playing time was not split so there was girls that had to sit the bench almost the entire year with little to no playing time.I thought both numbers seemed a little high. I was thinking 13 or 14 girls for each team was more rational. Am I out of line? Also, just being curious, what about travel team roster sizes?

When DD was in HS we had 18 to 20 on varsity 15-18 JV and 11-15 Freshman during her four years. This was a D1 program that did not cut players and it was pay to play.
All seniors were on Varsity however; most did not start and a couple never played but got to pinch hit or pinch run occasionally.

To compare HS to travel is tough... HS players represent their community and have the ability to fall on a couple teams. Travel ball however, is more to collect athletes from a small or large area to compete in venues that are semi to extremely competitive.

In travel we were a Ohio team that played a very aggressive national schedule with a roster of 13 and there were some tournaments where we struggled getting the all the ladies playing time. A lot of the teams from the South and West USA had rosters 15 to 18. During our college showcase games a lot of teams had all four grad years on their roster and like HS the some (not always) struggled getting playing time .

 

[MD 20/20]

I think it all depends on your HS numbers. We are not fortunate enough to have 15-20 real players. We have our 9 starters and then a couple who might push the bottom 2 a little for varsity, but I think it also depends on what you have.....If your 9 are set, then rotate your bench players. Don't let 2-3 girls rot their year away on the pine as insurance policies. I think anything more than 12 is a waste. I'm hearing back-up pitchers, and catchers....Don't those girls play other positions? Our catchers are C/3B, our Pitchers are P/1B/OF, P/1B and P/OF. When they are not in the circle, they are still in the game. I know injuries happen, but I have not seen a game where there were 3 injuries to a particular team in 1 game.

 

[coachjwb]

As many players who can help you win varsity games without dragging down the spirit of the team.

I personally always loved having a large roster and figuring out ways to get players in the game to utilize their strengths to help the team ... some were fast runners, some were good hitters, some were good fielders, some were good team leaders who the other players loved. Unfortunately, there always seemed to be 1-2 on the team who you thought could help if they could keep a positive attitude while not getting a lot of playing time, and that turned out to be wrong. Probably around 13 is the point where you can start to expect diminishing returns ...

 

[spartansd]

HS ball as many as you can keep happy. And I think you need minimum 15+ come Playoff time. Pitch runners and subs.

Travel is all age dependent. But at 16U you need 14 minimum if you are going all over. Injuries alone from basketball kill you. And no I am not kidding. I think the issue I see at the higher levels is that the better athletes play multiple sports. So they get injured. Especially playing basketball. Also I am seeing more players with shoulder/elbow issues due to bad mechanics catching up with them.

And you need at least 2 pitchers that can carry you. Pitching time is not an issue. Quite the opposite. Very few pitchers at 16U even want to be on a team with less than 2-3 pitchers.

 

[GeneralsDad]

Spartansd, I agree 100% with everything you said. As long as everyone knows their roles and has realistic expectations, load a bus full! I know girls who were happy just supporting their friends and being a part of the team. As for 14, 16, and 18U, I would prefer 15+ with at least 4 pitchers for a true top tier team.

 

[Mr. Soft Balls]

Thanks for all the comments, brought up some valid points I had not considerd.

 

[FastBat]

I would guess around 12 for both. Usually they only have a few games per week, on different days.

However, if the coach wants to carry more, that is acceptable. Some carry as many as 18 players during tournament play. But, I think the coaches would have to be very honest with players about PT.

PT is earned! Isn't it that way every team? By HS, I would think, the player's should be accustomed to earning their positions through hard work and dedication. So, I would think only 10-11 players would actually get playing time during each game.

 

[GeneralsDad]

The best answer to the High School roster was as many as you can keep happy. In travel it is probably directly related to your level of play. If you are regularly playing deep in to larger tournaments, a larger roster is needed. If you play smaller tournaments, or are usually eliminated early, it would make no sense to carry 15 girls. Food for thought: How many times have we read on here, or witnessed ourselves, a talented team stumble and hit the losers bracket very early. Team runs the marathon through the losers bracket and makes the final. Monday morning OFC post - Congratulations, but we just ran out of steam.