Sftball Junkie wrote:I saw this on a try out add and almost fell out of my recliner. I have heard rumors that this happens in So Cal but have not seen it first hand.
Would you take your kids to a tryout if the org was charging for tryouts? If so, what would you be looking for out of that tryout???
My thoughts:
1st: If you are that stuck on yourself that my kid has to pay to try out for you I am probably not interested.
2nd: If you are going to charge me for tryouts what on earth are you going to charge me for during the season?
My response to your thoughts:
1. Is your recliner at a desktop computer or you on a laptop. I'm continually looking for better web surfing habits!!!
2. Tryout fees usually only work when you're an elite team, and you are drawing too many kids to your tryouts. If you're an above average team you may have just pushed a family to a different team. I'll never attend an RBI softball tryout (too far) but the ability to ask for tryout fees should be an indication of interest, and not how you feel about your program.
I feel if you have that many kids trying to make your program why not make another team?
I digress. There is a way you can charge for tryouts! Make your tryouts a camp sponsored by your 18Gold team. It would work wonders for the younger kids! Give 'em a T-Shirt...make it a two day event. Supply hot dogs and capri suns. The older girls do ALL the work. The parents/coaches stay out of the way. Win Win! $35 a pop you get a t-shirt, a couple nathan's dogs (can't cheat people with crap hot dogs), the younger girls look up to the older girls.
As long as the camp provides good instruction, is organized, and is run timely it's well worth the $35. Look in your local park and rec community guides and this is on par with their summer camps.