Summer high school teams/"mandatory" summer play

Beenthere....
Schaumburg High School has had an "unwritten" rule that a player WILL PLAY on the high school team...be at ALL games during the summer, if they have any hopes of playing the following spring. They don't care if you were invited to a tryout for 10 pro teams...you can't miss! The kids are discouraged from playing on any "other team" because it is not in "the best interest of the high school team". Because of this a lot of players shy away from the legion teams and travel teams. I did a travel program, but worked my schedule around the high school schedule. Knew who was pitching before and after we played, so that I didn't "use up their arms".
Personally, I think a high school coach should encourage his senior players (whom have been in his program for 3 years already) to go play at the highest level they can...just be back in time for tournament time. They will be better players...help the team more...and it would let him play the younger players and give them valuable playing experience....but what do I know??

One of the schools up north have the same "unwritten rule". The kids can play for anyone they want during the summer but only after their HS summer league game is done, etc. Thus if your HS game starts at 4:00, you would be available to play for your "travel" team around 7:00pm. Almost impossible as you can see...especially due to Saturday games or practice.

last i checked,a hs coach can not make a kid play.if your are a marginal player then the coach can say he did not make the team the following spring because of whatever reason.but if you are a bluechipper and then do not make the team or do not play while on the team i think that will open up the door for lawsuits.all they have to do is supoena a few so callled experts in the field to determine that this kid had a future in baseball at the next level and i think then a hs is in trouble!again i am not fuylly informed on the rules.if ihsa makes a kid play or changes the rules to protect the hs or coach then they are doing a diservice to the player and his lifes goals as well hindering his improvment against the talent at a national level.i would love to see hs coaches coach summer teams because they are good for the game,but they should recruit guys(at least the majority)from other schools.there are a tremendous amount of good hs coaches in il. that have alot to contribute!

Since the summer program that OPRF uses is not a school program, there are no official rules that hold anyone back from travel ball. In our case the coach is on the $ with travel ball. Sometimes the top players that are travelling stay home on the weekends and most of the time they are encouraged to play at the higher level. This winds up benefitting the guys who do not see as much playing time.Creates better chemistry and better players.