Getting on the Field

At the HS level (for MD Public Schools)
- February 28th for Practice;
- March 20th for first game.

At the College level (for MD Colleges - it varies)
- a few are already on for practice (cleared snow)
- First Away Games - Feb 19.
First Home games - various
Feb 26 first home games / Mar 17 first home game

Thanks Bear, I already knew that. I was looking for opinions on when people thought the kids would get on the fields with all the snow on the ground. I do not think for the high schools the snow will be gone by March 1st.

I do not think HS teams can start until March 1 this year. Last year it was 2/28, but this year 3/1 falls on a Monday. The first game date is also 3/21. Cupshot - I think you are correct - it will be close to 2 weeks before on field practice will get going even with shoveling the fields. Although, I am sure Calvert Hall has their turf field plowed and in game shape by now.

I am predicting March 17 to see green. Luck-o-the-Irish.

To tell the truth, I think more productive work can get done inside the first couple of weeks anyway. When it is cold and windy out, the players are thinking more about getting warm than focusing on getting better as a player and team. I hope every school has access to a gym to get stuff done. Inside practice is a time to be creative. When I coached high school, it was a great time to spend 30-45 minutes a day in a classroom going over things on a chalkboard (whiteboard nowadays). And don't forget about blacktop areas. They are great to use as well.

I can't see too many field (atleast the infield part) being ready for another month.

I agree with Larry that using a gym can be beneficial to start a season. It allows a coach to be creative, reinforce and teach fundamentals, and players can get much needed drill work. There are some major obstacles to indoor practices:
1. competition for gym time for all the programs.
2. getting a TRUE look at players trying out. this is a major issue with today's litigious parents.
3. trying to simulate game speed
4. time
5. inside practices get old after a period of time

I wish all the coaches and their programs good luck with the start to their seasons and hope they make the most of what they have.

Keep in mind that when you have tryouts indoors the conditions are the same for all trying out--- the tryout field is level

Very true - each player will get the same opportunity. I was just trying to point out that some players may shine more in full field activity. You are correct that each player will be given the same opportunity to showcase their skills.

Mother Nature is making progress. I'm hopeful.

quote:

Originally posted by cup shot:
Thanks Bear, I already knew that. I was looking for opinions on when people thought the kids would get on the fields with all the snow on the ground. I do not think for the high schools the snow will be gone by March 1st.

Dear Cup Shot,

At the HS level (for MD Public Schools)
- February 28th for Practice was spot on;
- March 20th for first game is spot on

At the College level (for MD Colleges - it varies)
- a few are already on for practice (cleared snow)
- First Away Games - Feb 19 was spot on.
First Home games - various
Feb 26 first home games / Mar 17 first home game was spot on.

Anything else?

Whatever Bear

Cup Sh^t,

You may want to rethink being a Dad, since you are embarrasing your son.