Younger age groups 10-13u - 11 girls. 14u & up - 12-14 girls. Jobs, boyfriends, school activities, and type of schedule are all factors.
BTW - tag line is epic
... parents just have to accept that their DD's aren't going to play every inning
In my opinion, 12 is too many. I think you are asking for playing time and parent issues by having that many kids on a roster. I have yet to see kids tap out in the 3rd or 4th game of the day because they were tired and couldn't go on. I know many coaches think they need extra kids in case kids need a break, but it generally never works out. You are usually stuck rotating 3 kids in right field for an inning at a time which ticks off parents. You certainly need a 2nd catcher to give the starter a break from the hot gear, but I would generally only keep 10 kids, maybe 11 if you are able to find a solid 3rd pitcher.
SSandy - you hit the nail on the head! The key is setting the expectations upfront and living with what you established. I try to tell parents my exact thoughts on where I am headed with things based on what I know at the time. Sometimes parents only hear what they want to hear and that is an issue, but if you are open, honest, and upfront with issues hopefully cool heads will prevail.Agree 100%. This is travel ball you commit to play and should be there unless there is a major family event or illness. These girls sign up to play, parents pay a lot to let them. They want to be on the field not sitting in a rotation. An inning here and there I understand we have done it, but if girls are sitting out whole games you are going to have irate parents and rightfully so. No one wants to pay the cost of travel ball for their DD to sit 50 to 60% of the time. Coaches need to put their expectations out there at tryouts and if people are not willing to commit to the practices and travel schedule then travel ball is not for them. JMHO
You be so right. And that should mean every parent. Having the team studs on the bench for a few innings here & there benefits the player by letting their brain take a break...
With a team of 12, there is no reason for someone to be sitting out 50-60% of the time IF properly managed. In the scenario I described above, no one should be sitting more than 25% of the time or so.