Ten-fifteen years ago, you have 30 girls trying out for 2 teams. Now you have 2 girls trying to decide between 30 teams. I've never seen it so bad until this year. In southern Ohio, we are all but going on recruiting visits just to fill rosters. Maybe we need to merge and start making divisions in each program. Such as an A team being the best players, B being second tier, etc. Just food for thought. Anyone else seem to notice there are way too many team and very few players these days?!
I'm not sure what you mean as far as divisions in programs? Help an old soul out here.
If you are referring to divisions of like-age teams within noted organizations, I believe we have already seen that happening. I'm sure parents will argue the fact, perhaps because the selection process wasn't perceived in that manner. Most of the families that would be participating on a team with a little less talent overall would not want to be referred to as second tier. I believe it's human nature for a family to have higher expectations when they decide against participating in a cheaper cost recreation program compared to a travel team organization that demands more of their time and money.
If they were told at tryouts the girls would be segregated by talent with the best being placed with "Coach Allthat" and the rest would be placed with instructional coaches to help them improve their skills, many would walk if they didn't get selected for the "Allthat" team.
I'm not speaking for any of the iconic programs, but I am aware of organizations and their practices behind the scenes. Like-age teams normally have a selection process where a certain coaching staff would get first pick during tryouts. The rest take their turn. They don?t mean to hurt anyone and normally provide quality coaching for all teams involved. The problem is getting the families to understand and buy into the concept.
First of all; I believe the intent is great and serves a huge purpose. If handled correctly, this is similar to a feeder program much like MLB. Teams that have less-skilled players could expect the player fees to be lower because they probably should expect to play in tourneys closer to home. If the organization's Gold Team is plagued with injury or the same, they could call up a player or 2 from the other teams to fill empty uniforms. This keeps the "Allthat" team firing on all cylinders while giving hope to the players from lower tier teams? incentive to improve and play hard.
Only those families that are realists will understand and be team players. I mention the families instead of the players because I feel many of the issues come from the parents. The players will normally get their attitude from the support network at home. This helps with the mindset of expectations. If the families would keep it real, I believe everyone would benefit from the experience.
Too many teams for the number of players available? Perhaps, but I feel there will be an adjustment and things will again settle in. There were plenty of girls 15 years ago that wanted to play travel ball but back then, there weren?t enough pitchers to go around. This game has changed so much in terms of popularity and level of skill, it only makes sense to expect more players wanting to get in on the action. Regardless of the issues, I believe it?s a good thing and good for the sport. Now if we could only get Rec programs to expand to adult fastpitch leagues so girls would have a chance to play after they complete school ball and have entered the working class field.
