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Member
Just wondering how playing time typically works on travel teams. Is it similar to varsity ball in high school where there is a set starting lineup and the reserve players rarely play? Or is it more equally divided given the $800-$1000 to join the team? Or is it something else?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
It is how the team is presented. Hopefully the coach of the team has stated how playing time will be distributed and under what conditions, or something that conveys that information.
Typically there are a few situations
- Level of effort during practices and games determines if you will be given anything other than minimal play.
- More playing time during pool play then the "best 9" plays during the tournament phase.
- Each player plays in each game but maybe not equal innings.
- And 1000 other combinations.
The cost to play on the team usually has nothing to do with playing time though if things are not clear up front on how that time is determined it can be a point of contention. One thing that parents and coaches alike need to be aware of is being transparent on where the player stands on the team at different points in time. Did the player just barely make the team out of tryouts and the coach has made it clear they just see her getting in occasionally? Is there opportunity for that to change (there should be)? If the player isn't getting in at all is it because of ability, attitude, effort or what? Private communication is the key to understanding and then you go from there on what to do about it.
Quite often this isn't a case of mom or dad thinking they have a super-star when in reality they don't, it is usually a matter of communication. Many jump to the parent having a perception issue and while that is true to some degree it isn't the majority of situations.