New to travel ball...any advice for our first tournament

[fpmom]

DD is going to her first tournament next weekend...any advice? Age 12U.

[DonnieS]

Bring your camera - you have a lot of fun ahead of you. I remember those early ones, wondering when we would actually win a bracket game. But it happened. Have fun.

[greenandblue]

Yes.......convince her to participate an indoor sport.


Seriously, have fun, and enjoy your child and her activities now because she will be grown and gone in the blink of an eye. (My baby turned 21 yesterday)!
You will pack more things than you'll need, your feet will hurt, you will eat more junk food than you thought possible.
Assuming she's playing in heat, have her drink gallons of liquids the day before and morning of the tournament.
She will probably want to eat carbs, sweets and fruit.
Don't let her eat a lot in between games, wait till the day is over.
SUNBLOCK!!!!
Sunblock stick for the face because it doesn't run in their eyes when they sweat.
Extra socks, especially for those of us blessed with children with smelly feet. Don't let her take off her cleats in the car, make her put them in the trunk, if you have one.
If you are a mom, and it's hot where you're playing, bring an extra bra to change into halfway thru the day. (I know that's too much information for some of you)! But it makes a world of difference.
TWIZZLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have fun!!!

[Tucson]

Don't get wrapped up in "bashing the coach" or talking about another player. You never know who is listening.

[texas_snowman]

Get a paper route...you're gonna' need the extra dinero

[coolstuff]

Having been through this just three short years ago, I have to add that you must enjoy the wins and be supportive during the losses. She will be learning the game, so that also means she will be making mistakes. If you are in this for the long haul, consider this year as the foundation for the years to come. If your daughter is a better softball player at the end of the summer than she is today, your season will be a success.

[wadeintothem]

Never question or heckle the umpire. They are always right.

[melsdad]

Never question or heckle the umpire. They are always right.

Or brain dead

[FPINFO]

THE ADVISE I RECEIVED WHEN WE BEGAN WAS " STAY POSITIVE AND ---DADDY BALL--- WILL NOT GO AWAY AND IF YOU CAN DEAL WITH THE (DADDY BALL BULL &%!$) MADNESS AND YOU HAVE A COACH WITH A GOAL AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GAME THEN ENJOY HAVE SOME FUN!....

[12inchballs]

and.....Never post in all caps. Make every attempt at correct spelling and punctuation.

Good luck!