default
Member
I have been around since FP Softball wasn't cool. So, it has been awhile. Since then I have fielded many questions about the game and several quesrtions have kind of stuck out over the years.
I will address "What do you do when someone tries to recruit your players during the season?"
How many of you remember the tournament that use to be held in Hilliard ever year. It was a major draw and some of the best teams in Ohio attended. I believe it was call the All American Girls Pemiere Softball Tournament. (correct me if I am wrong) It was a great tournament and well run until the end of the road. (I kind of wish they would start it back up.)
One year, during that tournament, I noticed a well know coach (who is no longer with us... God rest his soul) that went from game to game. With him, he carried a photo album. In the album was pics of many tournaments they have won in the past. He visited the parents (and players) in just about every game showing them the pics from past tournament (mostly the tournament win pictures... with him prominently in the front of every pic). He even approached my pitcher, who was trying to warm up for the upcoming game.
My parents listened politely but were a little uncomfortable. After our game, I asked to meet with the parents and players to discuss the "recruiting effort".
Initially, I was very... I guess you would say.. POed. But...
If you think about it... If you are not doing the right things, in the right way, then who do you blame if your players leave? To blame the "recruiter" is an excuse. Nothing more, nothing less.
When I met with my parents and players, I told them that if they would like to take the "recruiter" up on his offer, I would not hold any grudge against them. After a couple of seconds of silence, my parents and players burst out laughing. It was a defining moment in my coaching career.
Do what is right with your players (and parents) and they will walk through hell with you and enjoy the stroll.
Enough said.
I will address "What do you do when someone tries to recruit your players during the season?"
How many of you remember the tournament that use to be held in Hilliard ever year. It was a major draw and some of the best teams in Ohio attended. I believe it was call the All American Girls Pemiere Softball Tournament. (correct me if I am wrong) It was a great tournament and well run until the end of the road. (I kind of wish they would start it back up.)
One year, during that tournament, I noticed a well know coach (who is no longer with us... God rest his soul) that went from game to game. With him, he carried a photo album. In the album was pics of many tournaments they have won in the past. He visited the parents (and players) in just about every game showing them the pics from past tournament (mostly the tournament win pictures... with him prominently in the front of every pic). He even approached my pitcher, who was trying to warm up for the upcoming game.
My parents listened politely but were a little uncomfortable. After our game, I asked to meet with the parents and players to discuss the "recruiting effort".
Initially, I was very... I guess you would say.. POed. But...
If you think about it... If you are not doing the right things, in the right way, then who do you blame if your players leave? To blame the "recruiter" is an excuse. Nothing more, nothing less.
When I met with my parents and players, I told them that if they would like to take the "recruiter" up on his offer, I would not hold any grudge against them. After a couple of seconds of silence, my parents and players burst out laughing. It was a defining moment in my coaching career.
Do what is right with your players (and parents) and they will walk through hell with you and enjoy the stroll.
Enough said.