January 30th is approaching

Nope. Not unless invited.

Texan,

I'll invite you out to our place, but it is a haul.

FD, sending you a pm.

Despite no one caring one way or the other at our school, I try to be there to watch some of the first tryout -- just because I like it. No, I don't talk to the coach or yell things to my kid but I know some here still consider it "intruding". To each his own.

I actually work closer to DeSoto than Plano -- perhaps I'll watch funneldrill's workout.

Scrimmage with Birdville on 2/6 at Plano East -- things will need to be tweaked.

And I should say that the coach puts a huge effort into "tryouts". It isn't a one or two day affair as is done some places. He evaluates through the class in the fall, through intrasquad scrimmages, and then even through some inter-school scrimmages. Then around the end of February makes the decisions. An awful lot of work for him, but IMHO it is great for the kids.

But I won't go to the practices or intrasquad scrimmages unless my son invites me.

I usually show up and watch from my truck in the outfield parking lot....at least for a little while (especially if it's good weather)

Nothing like seeing the green field with young men on it for the first time of the spring. Makes it all worth while.

PD,

Fortunate for you that the coach does that at your school. At my son's school, freshmen (of which he is one) have three days to tryout. No frosh were allowed to participate in the fall team, so they have three days to get it done.

While I think the coach should be able to determine the very best and very worst, it will be tough to separate the 'tweeners. I told my kid to make it easy for the coach to keep him...

Having said that, I think I will stay away from watching...don't think I could take it.

Gentlemen, stay away!!!

Most of the people on this board will get to see 30+ high school games and 50+ summer/fall games this year.

In public the coaches may condone your presence at practice but privately they hate it when parents show up at practice or tryouts (there are exceptions).

I don't attend out of respect for my son's request. The other players notice when someone's parent is sitting in the outfield, standing behind the bathroom or doing 4-5 drive-by's. My son's team actually places bets on how many times a certain parent drives by every day. Trust me, they notice and it becomes a distraction.

Enjoy the games. I'm as anxious as anybody.

This is such a small deal at our school that it's ridiculous to keep talking about it (but I do). If your guys can't focus on a workout without noticing who's watching, I wonder how they react to that first big district game when the stands are packed -- or the first time there are scouts there (and believe me, the kids know when scouts are there). Coaches should WELCOME parents -- that way, when cuts are made, he can refer to the obvious -- "your son doesn't hit well enough to contribute on this level". I don't go to football practices, but many do -- why should it be considered "odd" to go watch the baseball team practice? We have the luxury of watching from a distance -- no one is within 35 feet of a fence -- in many cases, I wonder if the kids even notice.

Have any of you actually received an invitation from your son to come watch???

Last year, my son was fine with me watching. But it was normal at his old HS for parents to attend tryouts. Just don't talk to the kids or stand too close to the fence...

Each school is different. What is small and ridicuous to you and your school is big and important to others. Our coach doesn't want us there and we respect his decision.

PD- our boys have played in and attended more than 30+ playoff games the last four years. Focus in practice or games is not an issue.

By the time your son is a soph-senior, I think they like to see parents at the games ONLY. My son has not invited me to attend practice/tryouts and I don't expect to get one. Remember, these kids are growing into young men and believe they can handle things on their own. I believe most coaches prefer it that way. We as parents have to let go a little. I'm as anxious as everyone else, and will be at the first scrimmage game on 2/7.

Ballgame -- it's ridiculous for our school -- I didn't say it was ridiculous for yours. And you identified it as a distraction -- distractions = lack of focus.

"Gentlemen, stay away!!!" -- why doesn't everyone accept the fact that there is no "right" and "wrong" here? Your coach or son doesn't want you there -- fine, it would be disrespectful to go. As you implied, that may not be the case universally.

Kellerdad -- you started this so you could sit back and giggle.

Bighit -- where are you???

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:

Kellerdad -- you started this so you could sit back and giggle.

Now, why would I do that??????

Games? Wouldn't miss one for ANYTHING.
Practices? Got other things to do and junior, although he would never say anything, is probably like 95% of most 16 year old boys and would just assume the old man would stay away from practices and give him some time away from the old ****'s prying eyes.

But if I had MY choice he would WANT me there and the coach would WANT my help and advice at every practice. That would be great!

PDiddy, I am with you.

If I want to go, I'm gonna go.

Age and money have it's privileges.

I'm older than the coach.

He expects booster club attendance and contributions. (I don't care what you call it, it is a contribution.)

And if the first day of practice is pretty (after the tryouts), it's a nice way to spend a couple of hours.

Think of it as a kind of a PTA meeting.

And if the coach told me not to go, I'd probably go every day.

But it is a good place to observe............quietly

FO -- I think the biggest cause for disagreement on this subject (every year) stems from the fact that some cannot see attending a practice as an enjoyable past-time....or, as you point out, a nice way to spend a couple of hours. They see it more as a way to pry and spy. This is my third time around and all three of my sons welcomed my interest. Neither of the varsity coaches ever displayed displeasure in having people around.

Some see this subject as black and white. If you go, you're "invading your son's privacy -- he doesn't want you there -- neither does the coach." Concerning having "better things to do" -- I can't think of a better thing to do than support my son in his activities -- baseball or otherwise.

I never go home and recap/analyze or scrutinize the practices -- but watching once in a while certainly provides insight into the program. I would wager to say that most parents that "just can't understand where this coach is coming from!!!" never witnessed a practice and probably pass on pre-game, post-game, and other team activities. JMO.

Everyone --- relax and enjoy this part of your son's life, whether you are at practice or not -- it will be over before you know it....and chances are, you'll miss it.

-PD

There's no disagreement. I just stated my opinion, right, wrong or indifferent it's just an opinion. And, you don't need help from anyone else to gain support for your opinion.

I already respect your opinion.

Thanks for the unsolicited English lesson. Here's one for you, Semantics= loosley, delibrate distortion or twisting of meaning. Politicians use this frequently.

Back to Baseball, FunnelDrill as a coach what is your opinion on this. Your views seem a little more contemporary (current, modern, popular, prevailing).

I have nothing to hide, come out and watch. The only thing I ask my parents is that they not communicate with their kids, or any of the other kids, during practice and games.

I know that parents coach their kids at home (I do the same thing with my 11 year old daughter in basketball). I know (and encourage) parents take their kids to lessons. I just ask that my time with the kids is not interrupted and that the lessons are done inconjunction with what we are doing (i.e. don't go get a pitching lesson on a Thursday night when you know you are pitching on Friday).

The UiL hamstrings us enough as it is, I value every minute I have with my kids.

One thing I agree with is that the most kids don't want their parent there. Don't take it personally, it is age appropriate and they probably feel that way in more ways than just showing up for baseball practice.

My advice to you dads is this...if your son's coach does not want you there, and has stated such...stay away. Personally, I disagree with that policy, but I would respect it because in the "long run," it will save your son a lot a grief on many different fronts. Read in that what you would like.

Can this week go any slower!!!

Ballgame -- I didn't mean my earlier comments as an English lesson -- and I have no desire to change your opinion on this subject. I respect your stance as well. Also, I don't think my interpretation of the meaning behind the work "distraction" was a deliberate distortion.....it was simply an interpretation (right or wrong). I guess this subject is sensitive to me when people imply that those that choose a certain path are wrong....while those that support the other side are right. I will always defend those that decide to attend practices, within the guidelines that we have discussed here -- and I understand why some choose not to, for whatever reason.

And I could probably use your help with English!

Thanks, KD.

funnel,

Well stated!

My kiddo is only a fish, but I have heard some coaches don't particularly want parents around the practices and tryouts, so I will not risk it and I plan to stay away. I really wasn't planning to attend on any regular basis, but I might have dropped by once or twice.

I don't see this as a supporting or not supporting your child whether you attend practice or not. Support can come from your interaction away from the school (i.e., paying for lessons, hitting ground balls, asking about how things are going in practice, positive feedback, etc.) as well.

Bottom line, it seems that it is a case-by-case basis. If your child is fortunate enough to play for funneldrill or someone like him, you may watch and enjoy. If your child's coach (or your child) prefers you stay away, that is probably the best course of action.

You all can thank me for stating the obvious in future threads.

I have to ask those that attend practice...
Do you lurk in the hallways of your son's school, do you sit in on his classes, do you follow him in a car a few car lengths behind his car, or do you just observe him during baseball practice??

ALOT of coaches in ALOT of sports have a problem with spectators during practices. Practices are for the team - games are for the fans. Have you ever noticed that most college sports practices are "closed" and that means to everyone - parents included.

My son plays football for Army and I can assure you that Bobby Ross does not want me on the side of the field watching practice.

We need to respect this time and respect our son's privacy even if our sons or their coaches don't come out and request that we stay away. I believe that most high school coaches, if given the option, would choose a "closed" practice but because of all the trouble that they would endure they don't come out and say that.

Like I said, I would LOVE to not only observe practice but I would like to actually be out on the field helping run some of the drills. So believe me I understand how hard it is to stay away.

Interloper here from VA. Yes--I watch as much as I can. In fact, my son misses it if miss. Coach does not mind, in fact, he encourages it. Now, I certainly don't stalk my son--just enjoying the ride along with him.

T-bird -- you're absolutely right -- whether you show up at practice or not does not reflect a greater level of support for your son -- no question about that......but, in the same manner, showing up (if your son and his coaches are ok with it) does not reflect meddling.

And crawdad -- you have always had a hands-off approach, which is probably the perfect way for you to handle your relationship with your son. Hats off to you -- continue to do your thing. But your analogies are a bit extreme, don't you think? Perhaps that is your intent. If you actually see watching a baseball practice and lurking in the hallways as similar activities, well.......never mind. it's all good.

PD,

Agreed and I wasn't implying that attending was meddling. It just seems that we try to paint all situations with a broad stroke and it just doesn't fit every situation.

crawdad,

Agreed as well, although my wife is a teacher and if she wasn't working herself, she would like to be in the hallway following that kid of mine to see what the &^%$ he is doing in class besides paying attention.

Actually, I think that it's wise that you do pick a day per semester and drop in on your son's classes. Sit in the back and find out whats going on. In fact, MOST school districts encourage it.

I have been reading this and I guess my feelings are:

1. If your coach says it is closed tryout/practice, then honor the coaches request.

2. If your coach says tryout/practice is open and son says, don't go then don't go.

3. If coach says it is open and son doesn't care then go...............

Seems pretty simple to me.
(but then again I am a simple mind)

On the classroom topic KD mention sitting in a classroom to observe, my husband has often said we should do that when son A or son B comes home to complain about a teaching issue. My response has always been if we go, sit in the back of the classroom wouldn't the teacher be on their best behavior and would we really see/hear any issues? Sorta like when they are being observed by their principal once a year do you really think they just wing it or do you think they put on the best dog and pony show they can.......

If there is a question about a teacher then go talk to the teacher one on one if you don't get anywhere then go higher.

IS THIS THE LONGEST WEEK OR WHAT!

In most cases tryout decisions are not already made, however there was one instance I know of that a certain team posted their starting roster for varsity right around Christmas time. Once that was done several kids just gave up.

No it was not this past Christmas.

As for going to Practices---Oldbat hit it on the head though.

Depends on the coach and the son...easy enough. And yes I do just show up at the school checking on my kids sometimes.

Great summary OBN, I can certainly agree with your views.

Welcome interloper -- are you anywhere near Connecticut?

By the way KD, PD is right. You got things rolling here. About as good as with the rumors.

Interesting suggestion regarding watching your son in class...my son would not want to see me in the halls much less in the classroom but if I did go anyway I bet I would see my son on HIS "best" behavior ....

Regarding baseball practice, my son is a fresh (newbie) and I don't watch practice but I know some other parents watch...I don't know what the coach thinks about parents watching but I know my son wouldn't want me watching so I think the best thing for my son is for me to stay away...

Anyone who thinks that the majority of tryout decisions are not made prior to official tryous, especially on the varsity level is kidding themselves IMO.

While things can change once tryouts, scrimmages, etc. start I think many high school coaches already have a pretty good idea who will be where, prior to tryouts.

Yup, that's right honest and unbiased.

They are not gonna start completely over at the beginning of each year.

"Coach can I fill in behind the 2B, there no one there right now, and get some reps."

"Coach I've played 3B before."

"I could catch some pens"

Make running catches in the OF during BP.

Hit a couple of dingers.

Run ahead of the pack part of the way on the poles, but mostly right behind the lazy senior.

Pick up the balls during BP.

Make spectacular plays at your spot during BP.

That's how you change the plan momandcpa.

Sheez, I'm ready, too.

quote:

but I would like to actually be out on the field helping run some of the drills

...some of us have gotten over that, crawdad.

...some of us. Not many.

quote:

Originally posted by honest and unbiased:
Anyone who thinks that the majority of tryout decisions are not made prior to official tryous, especially on the varsity level is kidding themselves IMO.

While things can change once tryouts, scrimmages, etc. start I think many high school coaches already have a pretty good idea who will be where, prior to tryouts.

After seeing my kids everyday of the school year in athletic period, watching them play summer and fall ball...if I don't have a good idea, by January 30, who is going to make the team...then I need to go coach track or something!

Honestly, I can make most of my cuts while watching the kids play catch as they are warming up the first day of off-season workouts. And so can the kids!

quote:

Originally posted by funneldrill:

Honestly, I can make most of my cuts while watching the kids play catch as they are warming up the first day of off-season workouts. And so can the kids!

Yep

I am so proud of myself! I finally got something right!

Slow down honest and unbiased.

You can't get insurance until you have at least 100 karma points.

From a recent thread regarding "Tryout norms"......and a very wise poster

quote:

Year-round, whether we like to admit it or not.

H & U --- keep plugging away, every squirrel finds an occasional nut.