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Honesty!@!
Character, Integrity also comes to mind.
Honesty!@!
This list could go on and on and on... just because few people have the exact same expectations and priorities. As for us - at 14u and above, we were looking for a coach that had a history of taking the team to college showcases. We weren't looking for a "cream puff" coach who had to walk on eggs to avoid upsetting our DD. On the contrary, we just wanted a strict discipline oriented coach that had high expectations, and demanded a strong work ethic - similar to what you would expect to find in any decent college coach. We also didn't look for the team coach to teach pitching or hitting skills - we had that covered from private instruction. But many folks expect a "Swiss army knife" coach who even teaches the kids how to use chopsticks.
When I look for a coach for my dd, I look at alot of qualities.
*I like a coach who has experience.
*I like a coach who isn't afraid to correct my dd if she is doing something wrong.
*I like a coach to be able to relate to, talk to, and communicate with my dd, my
husband, and myself.
*I like a coach to have knowledge of the game and rules.
*I like a coach who awards playing time based on performance.
*I like a coach who challenges the girls and keeps them competitive.
*I like a coach who doesn't scream at the girls, but is firm and in charge.
*I like a coach who gives my dd the opportunity to improve her game every year.
*I like a coach who is brutally honest and tells it like it is.
I could go on all day!!
If you are truly serious about which team your DD joins, don't wait until a tryout to "try out" the team and the coach. You really should go watch this coach during the CURRENT season (the one that just finished) to get an idea of how they handle the visible aspects. How do they do warm-ups? Do they seem disorganized? How do you view interactions between coaches and players? Do you hear negatives and *gulp* profanity coming from the dugout area? These little intangibles will tell a lot about the "big picture" of the team.
As mentioned above, read OFC posts from parents who advertise their team affiliation. Do they sound like good team ambassadors, or are they bashing other teams, coaches and trainers? I know for a fact that there are SEVERAL I would immediately disqualify if my DD was still looking for a travel team. Remember - you will be spending the entire summer with these folks. If they peg the "annoying meter", you will have very uncomfortable summer.