Selecting a travel ball organization

[jonriv]

My advice is always this:

The highest level team in which your daughter get's the most playing time- IMO it makes no sense to sit on the bench of a great team-nor is it great to be the #1 player on a lousy team

You want a team that affords the most exposure at a level you can actually afford $$

Make sure you respect the coach and what they are teaching
It is important that your Daughter gets a long with other players on the team

[Defty]

My advice is always this:

The highest level team in which your daughter get's the most playing time- IMO it makes no sense to sit on the bench of a great team-nor is it great to be the #1 player on a lousy team

You want a team that affords the most exposure at a level you can actually afford $$

Make sure you respect the coach and what they are teaching
It is important that your Daughter gets a long with other players on the team

Great points. Totally agree!

[Backnine]

I think this sums it up!

Its actually ironic that they are called organizations because that is often what they lack (organization).

I wish the head of these organizations would hold coaches to certain standards so that if you joined a certain org. you could
expect some degree of united coaching philosophy, method or approach. I don't mean cookie cutter but how about being a decent human beings before you allow a coach to put on your org.'s name on their jersey.

[curveballerguy124]

Do yourself a favor...... Have her take up golf!!!!

[Dynamutt]

Really important points made by all...
I’d just echo the importance of making sure that you are good with the coach’s resume and character/personality. Being associated with a successful organization is NOT sufficient recommendation! Whether the coach has successfully led a team of teenage girls is more relevant than what the organization has done. One more suggestion- if possible, read the contract carefully BEFORE you commit to joining and make sure you’ve counted the time & financial costs of travel, fundraisers and lessons in addition to dues. After you accept the offer you’re pretty much over a barrel.
Good luck - the right fit is out there!

[DirtyRiders]

It always comes back to what your goals as a family are and what goals you have for your player. We are completing our 3rd year of travel ball and will be heading to 14u in the fall. We have played for 2 “organizations”. One of the organizations was very reputable in So Cal and the other a little smaller. Playing for a top organization means you are more likely to get good coaching, be on a better team, play at a higher level, and gain more exposure in the recruiting process. There will also more than likely be more players on the team than a smaller organization. But it could also mean less playing time, more pressure on your kid, more miles, and a more cut throat environment. Whereas a smaller organization may mean a little more laid back team expectation, playing an easier schedule, not the best coaching and leadership in the organization, and less recruiting opportunities. Some families want their kids to be on winning teams and nothing else matters. Some families want to be in a top organization and nothing else matters. Some families want their kids to get recruited and that’s all that matters. Some families want their kids to play and be happy and that’s all that matters. As far as other parents on a team, you’re gonna find some great people and some not so great. If the team you select has some not so greats don’t sweat it just sit out in the OF or off to the side. The odds of all the parents getting along is slim to none especially in the top organizations. It all comes down to your why.

[Sue Trubovitz, Turbo]

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Enjoy Softball

[Schmick]

Find a team that does not have a coaches kid playing the same position as your kid and that went to PGF the last season.

[mjdavis]

Find a team that does not have a coaches kid playing the same position as your kid and that went to PGF the last season.

Great idea! Wouldn't it be cool if next to a coaches name on a team roster it stated which position his/her daughter played, or stated "no daughter on the team"!

[NumeroUno]

Find a team that does not have a coaches kid playing the same position as your kid and that went to PGF the last season.

Great idea! Wouldn't it be cool if next to a coaches name on a team roster it stated which position his/her daughter played, or stated "no daughter on the team"!

I coached with plenty of coaches who had kids on the team n didn’t favor them or baby them.