Whats more important? Winning or playing time....

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Im asking this because I know I will get some fantastic responces on here from parents and coaches that have been around.. So I ask.. What is more important, winning or playing time? Who is this more important to? The parent or the player?
I was at 2 tournaments over the last 2 weekends watching and getting an idea of the true talent that is out there on a lot of these team. My DD was with me because she loves the game as much as I do. As Im watching these kids get loose and warm up Im thinking wow these 11 or 12 kids are talented and very amazing ball players for their age group. As the games get started I noticed what I thought was one of these teams better girls was on the bench.. She didnt play the entire game or next game.. This team won both games very big. So I turned to my DD has been 10 yrs old for 3 days now playing and starting on a 12u team. I asked her.. ' would you rather play every inning of every game for a team that doesnt win a lot OR sit every inning of every game for a team that thumps everyone in its road?' She said Dad, Im 10. I would rather play and lose so I can get better at my age. Back to while Im watching this game, the parent of the kid that is sitting is just cheering her heart out which we love from our parents as coaches dont get me wrong.. Which lead me to believe this 12u kid would rather play and lose than sit and win but her parents find winning more important. I as a dad and coach find myself torn and conflicted with this same question. In class A travel ball there is a chance for colleges to see your kids at every age group. So if a parent is in this game for their child to get a scholarship, they kid as to be able to sniff the dirt and not sit the bench to be seen. Or is it a 'title' my daughter plays for Blank... but in all honesty your daughter hasnt seen any playing time for a year. just shows up and wears the uniform.. I have heard a parent say to a kid that didnt play, hey, we got the win. When is winning more important than playing time? Who is winning more important to? The parent or the player?
I have heard that its 'being with friends' as a reason. I cant believe that. For the simple fact is these girl bond quickly with teams and form new friendships. No girl plays Class A travel ball to ' be with friends' there is a love and talent for this game that doesnt wanna sit on the bench to win or to just be with friends. Maybe the parents have 'friends' and they fear the change to give thier DD more playing time in another organization? Whos to say? I would love some more insight on this topic. Thanks for reading..

 

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I can't believe there would be a parent or player who is ok with sitting every inning if they want to play collegeball.

 

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I would like to think the same Blue.. The top teams get seen more by colleges. Some parents could feel that their player has a better shot as a bench player for the larger named organization than playing for a lesser organization that doesnt get a lot of attention from colleges to recieve a chance to play college ball.

 

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Doesn't matter who you play for if your butts on the bench, no PT no college is going to be interested.

 

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If she was a good player and not playing for 2 complete games, the only thing that makes sense is that she had an injury of some sort. Possibly a concussion or something else that gave no physical indication of her not being 100%.

Then again, aren't you still looking for players...in this same age group?? ;&

 

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Thumping every team? Which teams? If nearly every game is a blowout, the team is probably playing far below their talent curve - which means the team's players are untested. A kid on a "path to the top" MUST be tested every game. Winning is merely a reward - but ONLY if it's beating a formidable opponent. I suspect there are very few college coaches who would recruit a kid who is happy riding the pine. College coaches want hungry competitors, and a hungry competitor will not be happy on the bench for long. They are only happy when they are on the field helping their team. Possibly two strikes here - being on a team playing below their talent curve, and being content on the bench. But who's to say - could be an injury... I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.

The top competitive teams are loaded with kids who are never happy sitting. That's not to say they they are not respectful of coaching decisions - they cheer their team from the bench. That's just a part of a winning attitude, and understanding the game.

A kid on the bench for two games straight? I agree that maybe it's an injury issue, but if not, I can't imagine a happy player. Also, thumbs up for the parent who cheers the team regardless of other circumstances!

 

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Can you expand on age group as well?

at younger ages 12/ 14 every kid should be in at least one of those games... At the end of the day it's youth sports at those ages and they made your team didn't they? Wins and losses are just numbers, don't get me wrong winning is important, but at the end of the day it's youth sports!!!

Even at showcase ages, I have seen coaches bend backwards to get the kids in the game before worrying about the win as well. Important to win yes, but as Sammy stated, cheering, supporting, respecting decisions when not in the game and having the head in the game in case you go in, are important as well for both the kids and parents.. I've seen coaches teach on the bench to the girls stating, what pitch would you throw, or what would you do if the ball goes "X"? There's a lot more than between the white lines...

but at younger ages they all should be in the game at some point ...Never forget ( ITS YOUTH SPORTS remember..) unless an injury or discipline reason....

just my two cents..

 

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This is friendly season. Bat your team every game and play them in multiple positions. Only reason not to is illness or injury.

 

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I'm almost assuming that you're asking this question just to ask the question, as opposed to it being something that actually happened this weekend. As others have mentioned, short of an injury or illness, there is no good reason in my mind why a player would be sitting two straight games during winter ball ... and then you also say she is one of the better girls and they were huge wins ... just doesn't make sense. We haven't sat anyone more than a few innings in any of the 25 or so games we've played to date. How are they going to get any better for the more serious outdoor season by sitting?

 

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No longer looking for players but I was glad to share a few of mine with your organization these last 2 weekends.

 

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I really can't see any coach picking up a player that is very talented for a Class A team and then sitting them multiple games without reason. Every girl plays a role and thats why there is no I in team. Example maybe she is diabetic and having some sugar issues or something. My daughter does not play travel ball to just to win. She plays because she loves it and if she stops loving it then she will stop playing on her own. If she sits we still cheer on the team just like she is playing. We are there to support her and her team as a unit. Winning is just a bonus. If you see a team beating up on every team they play, then they are not playing the right teams for them. I am banking on my daughter's college scholarships coming from academics way before softball. Just realistic IMO.

 

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If she's good enough to make the team, she's good enough to play. (injuries notwithstanding)

She may not start. She may not play the position she wants, she may DP, she may Flex, she may courtesy / pinch run, but if she's on my team, she will play (again unless injured or ill) and contribute in some way on the field.

I've coached hundreds of games and I can only count a couple games where a player sat the entire time.

 

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I think playing time should always be important no matter what. At 10u-14u, I believe it is essential to development. 16u-18u needs to take showcasing into consideration and who you play for becomes quite important.

 

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I agree that playing time is important, but I also agree that there may have been a legitimate unseen reason. Injury, discipline, sibling who is not on the team, a sub... None of us know for sure.

 

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I agree with most here saying playing time is the top priority at the early ages. That said - so is earning your time and position. In Florida the issue of not getting enough playing time - in the parents eyes - is quickly handled by starting a new team. There are pros and cons to that at early ages.

 

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I agree with most here saying playing time is the top priority at the early ages. That said - so is earning your time and position. In Florida the issue of not getting enough playing time - in the parents eyes - is quickly handled by starting a new team. There are pros and cons to that at early ages.

That's pretty much how it's handled here in Ohio too, usually with no regard to the players feelings.

 

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I agree that playing time is important, but I also agree that there may have been a legitimate unseen reason. Injury, discipline, sibling who is not on the team, a sub...

i agree, in our high school team, if you miss a practice you dont start, no matter how good your talent is.

 

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in addition to the highly sought after playing time, the amount of work at home must go up as well to become "UN-sittable". Can't solve all issues in game play nor why would you. Most think that game time is the only time they should play and Oh of course at scheduled practices. First question I typically ask when approached about playing time (which haven't asked in awhile) is how much has "Sally" worked out beyond schedule team events? Where's your log, why wouldn't you write it down? This helps a discussion point and pushes the conversation into data based evaluations instead of gut-feeling response full of emotion. Knowing that question will be asked, it helps get to the real issue which may mean a player is on par with another and time on the field is rotated. Not easy to swallow but reality when you have a team of solid players. Of course this isn't an ambush type of reply...

 

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Young ages - keep no more than 11 and play everyone. they are getting experience. You may have to keep a core in the game to stay competitive. But everyone should get at least 75% playing time. Older ages, oufielders know they are outfields etc.. Not as much quibbling for pt - who plays where depends on who is coming to see you play. If a college wants to see you at ss - you are going to play there. Recruiting trumps winning. As a coach, that stinks but that is it.

 

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Playing time is very important so as a parent its your job to find the right fit,when at tryouts really look at how your dd stacks up ask what her role will be. I do beleave a good will give every player a role and if she works hard and fills the role she will be given other opportunities.

Last year a friends dd played on a very good 10u team, she pitches on this team she was more of like a inning eater pitching only a few innings a weekend.when tryout season came around this year the coach spoke with everyone of his players one on one,to them he said he would love to have there dd back but he want them to go to other tryouts and to attend his as well. After tryouts he then again sat with the player and parents.he then stated that her role would probably be about the same this year. So if they were ok with that he would love to have her,but he beleave that she was good enough to get major pitching time on many other teams so if she had other offers he woul d completely understand. They did decide to play with another team and are very thankful to her old coach for his honesty.they are great friends and he has already attend 2 of her winter tournys to watch her play!!! Class act!!!
So if coaches are honest and we as parents are honest with ourselves about our child's abilities it will workout in the end!!!