Do you allow your players to attend camps and showcases during the high school baseball season? Never had this come up before until this year.
Some players want to attend a camp/showcase on a weekend we are off from games. I do have issues with this for multiple reasons, but do not want to seem unsupportive or unreasonable.
I'll hang up and listen...
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If the players are not playing that particular weekend what's the harm? Especially if you have a few players that have an interest in playing in college. This is the chance for your players to get on the radar of colleges they're interested in attending. Great opportunity to show your support for their dreams and goals. If no game conflict you have zero downside and the all upside of coach that understands the big picture!
Even if you had a non-conference game and a few of your players had that same opportunity, let the 2nd string guys get there shot, or JV guys. It will give you a chance to develop a few of your younger players.
I really appreciate your post. A coach that is considering alternate view points and getting out of his comfort zone.
Excellent Coach!
CoachW... a few things...
First, check your scholastic regulations. Our fed in California does not allow participation in any contest while in season. Many camps and showcases include games (contests). This would be a violation of fed rules and subject both the athlete and HS team to consequences.
Beyond that, you should set a culture of communication within your program whether it be regarding camps, showcases, outside lessons, outside conditioning, practices for other sports, conditioning for other sports, etc. The players need to understand that without communication, it is impossible for you to monitor and protect their arms, general health, eligibility and possible consequences to their team and teammates.
Gov, I appreciate the spirit of your post but, unfortunately, when allowed, it usually becomes the better pitchers that are most sought after to play that extra ball and so their arm health is put in jeopardy. During the season, players are already playing/practicing for roughly 15-18 hours a week. There is plenty of time the other nine months of the year for them to play more if they want. HS summer or fall is when a coach can get creative and mix and match the players in the program to various playing opportunities, including the ones he may provide.
CoachW... a few things...
First, check your scholastic regulations. Our fed in California does not allow participation in any contest while in season. Many camps and showcases include games (contests). This would be a violation of fed rules and subject both the athlete and HS team to consequences.
Beyond that, you should set a culture of communication within your program whether it be regarding camps, showcases, outside lessons, outside conditioning, practices for other sports, conditioning for other sports, etc. The players need to understand that without communication, it is impossible for you to monitor and protect their arms, general health, eligibility and possible consequences to their team and teammates.
Gov, I appreciate the spirit of your post but, unfortunately, when allowed, it usually becomes the better pitchers that are most sought after to play that extra ball and so their arm health is put in jeopardy. During the season, players are already playing/practicing for roughly 15-18 hours a week. There is plenty of time the other nine months of the year for them to play more if they want. HS summer or fall is when a coach can get creative and mix and match the players in the program to various playing opportunities, including the ones he may provide.
Appreciate where you're coming from... My thoughts were keeping it to a simple showcase, where even if you're a pitcher, your counts are limited. But candidly, my two boys are primarily position players where this wouldn't have too much of an effect. But I understand the arm concern by the players current team coach.
Is this camps at colleges? Haven't seen any around here during season because college baseball is also going on.
