Going from independent to affiliated

[OCTravelCoach]

3 years ago our manager took off with the team money and I decided to take the team over. It's been an independent for 8 years and you know the tough road independents face in recruiting talent especially in competitive Orange County.

My question is this and I'm looking for some solid advice here. After we complete Fall/Winter, I'm considering exploring becoming an affiliate.

What are the pros and cons of doing this?

Who are some key contacts who can help me (names, emails or phone numbers of who would be helpful)

What are the pitfalls I need to avoid?

This is a great group and I appreciate the help.

[Sam]

They will want your money.

They will likely not get you fields.

They will overcharge for your uniforms.

The name might get you a player. The name will not allow you to KEEP players.

Good luck.

[OCTravelCoach]

Just got back from Triple Crown Arizona, saw 371 looks at the post and only 1 reply from Sam, who says don't do it, it's a ripoff.

Any other opinions out there?

[3rd Base Coach]

O K.
Here's another.
Sam is correct.

[hotwheels]

Listen to Sam, he's right!

[Sftbll4ever]

Sam is correct in most cases, but, you may get lucky to find one that is not like that. We are happy with our organization and pretty much everything Sam said does not happen with us. Although when my youngest did play for a different org. it DID happen.

[Intel]

Look at it this way,

What does your organization get out of the deal? What do you lose?

What does the gaining organization get out of the deal? What do they lose?

Until you answer these questions, I would not recommend it.

[OCTravelCoach]

Intel:

The only reason for me to join an established organization is the support in terms of:

A: potential players from that organization's younger teams.
B: Sharing of coaching/managing knowledge among veteran coaches
C: Fields and fund-raising
D. Name recognition for recruiting players

As an independent I'm carrying a huge load as team manager, head coach, bookkeeper, etc.

There must be some pluses to this otherwise these affiliates wouldn't exist.

But so far, I'm hearing loud and clear don't do it.

Is there another side of this??

[Intel]

OC Travel Coach:

I think what you might be hearing is that you have not thought this all the way out. You are focusing on what you and your team will be gaining, but what will you be losing? What does the gaining organization get by you joining them? Additional fees, dues; access to your players, what else? What do they lose? Is this a winning proposition to your team. Do you really think your team will stay together in their organization?

Have you looked at other options? Maybe you could join with another independant, or maybe you just disband the team? What advantages and disadvantages do these and other options have for your players. Are your players better served by taking the whole team to an organization or are your players better off joining various different organizations that have a need for their individual skill set.

Good Luck

[OCTravelCoach]

Intel:

Wonderful insights. I can only do that assessment by having conversations with the organizations about the pros and cons of making such a move.

I'm not rushing into anything, just exploring options for the future. The heavy lifting has already been accomplished.