Switching Teams??

[Sbcrazy]

Is it to late to switch teams? Our coach has promised several things and is doing none of them. Would other coaches frown on that? We as parents we don't want to look bad,our daughter is a talented young lady we just want the best for her. TIA

 

[Welby]

At this point, I would say yes, if you don't want a negative impression of being a "team jumper". And also leaving now is complicated. You have to be released by your coach of the team your leaving. And believe me, I've seen this happen. It can get ugly with the coach and other families on your team. Also, word travels fast in this small little fishbowl of travel softball. People will talk.

 

[Fairman]

If the coach hasn't delivered on much of anything this early in the preseason then by all means check out other opportunities. It is unlikely to get better. Your dd has a limited shelf life to get better, to play and to be well coached. We wasted two complete seasons playing for the wrong teams and it made a difference on her level of college ball that that she could contemplate when the time came.

Don't stay in order to fulfill an obligation unless the team is fulfilling their obligation to you. This is a two way street.

Yes its true that you could get a reputation as a problem and shunned but if the coach is truly awful you won't be the only on jumping ship and you could be without a team come July. Maybe there is nothing better out there but maybe there is. Make some calls and see.

PS: Unless you have signed the USSSA/NSA/ASA/Etc roster forms there is no release required. These forms are generally signed prior to your first tournaments so don't let that scare you. You've had your indoor work sessions , the tourneys are paid for and you've ordered the uniforms, don't expect to get any refund but run don't walk to better situation, but do look before you leap the grass isn't always greener once you get there.

 

[Watching22]

I believe Fairman summed it up nicely. If you feel your dd committed to a team and gave 100% so far and the coach has not fulfilled his/her end of the bargain, then by all means, do what you feel is best for your daughter.

The vast majority of softball players don't stay with any particular team their entire travel ball career - for a variety of reasons. Many choose to leave a team or organization at the end of a season, but many are forced to leave at some point during the season - also for a variety of reasons. And no, it doesn't mean their days of playing travel ball are over.

Most kids who play all the way through have anywhere from 8-10 seasons. Seems like a lot but it goes by quickly and you once a season's over, you can't get it back.

So moving forward, be honest with your prospective coaches and teams and if they don't return the courtesy then move on to someone that will.

 

[Pacerdad57]

M we hung on for almost an entire season. Coach/organization never came through with anything promised, apparently just looking for monies from families. This affected at least four familes during this season. We ended up going the sub routine by the end of the year, and joined a new.org in august. It has been nightand day from old team to new. As long as the dd holds hp her end, the coach holds up his, and all of tthegirls just llovethis team.
So, it'snot always a negative to leave, sometimes the negative connotations go with the old coach, not your dd.
People also see a poorly run organization and fully realize why some e would leave it.
hope you find your right match.

 

[tjsmize3]

"Team jumpers" get their reputations either for playing on several teams in a short period of time or for always looking for that "next best thing."... or both! Agree with most of what is written above, staying too long in a less than optimal situation only harms your daughter. I once did the same thing as well for 2 yrs and regret the decision to have stayed that long. Very few people would fault you for just trying to find a healthy situation for your daughter to thrive in.

 

[Doom Leader]

Here is my two cents, lots of coaches promise big things to players, if the coach is saying one thing but doing something else ( like telling team that they are playing in big showcase tournaments or traveling out of town then playing local and small time tournaments) then yes it should be ok to leave and find the team that does what they say they are going to do.
If these are the reasons why players want to leave, NOT if positions are promised and another player beats them out.

 

[CoachTEA]

Sbcrazy - there is some great advice being doled out on this thread. One recommendation I would make is simply make sure you meet with the coach and make sure you listen to their side of the story. I have been on both sides of the equation and what I appreciate the most is honesty.

 

[Bell-n-Rose]

We are in a similar situation and I appreciate all the feedback that's been given!

 

[manitoudan]

If you are not changing teams at least once a year you are falling behind the competition . Cmon , get moving .

 

[Sbcrazy]

Appreciate all the feedback. It's a tough decision want to make the right move.