Trying out on numerous teams

Tell them we are reviewing our options and ask when do you need us to let you know of our decision. We want to make sure we make the best decision for all involved. Honesty and openess should be appreciated. If you lose your spot because you do not respond within the time frame the coach gives you, then you can not blame him for moving on.

Good question, gbb. I wish all coaches were as upstanding as Vanlandingham.

And his recommended response certainly seems to me to be the best approach.

A few coaches may take a "well, if you really want to play with us..." stance. And at that point you just have to make a quick decision. The first of which is, "Is this type person one whom I want my son playing for?"

I'd recommend set up the tryouts with the teams you are interested in. Don't wait for them to call you!
You are paying to play, so you decide who gets your money. Make a list of questions to ask about coach philosophy, game schedule, travel, expenses, extra training, roster size, etc, etc. Check with current & former players & parents, too. Ask questions!
Be honest with all, but don't commit until you are ready.

quote:

Originally posted by baseballmom:

You are paying to play, so you decide who gets your money.

If I decide who gets my money, then I'm going to call this particular coach today and tell him, I've decided my son is playing for him no matter what he thinks

Go for it, DP!!!
My point being, buyer beware.
Ask questions...Teams put the preponderance of their Spring team together in the fall...So think ahead a little & do your homework before parting with those hard earned $$$'s.

I have noticed that some of the talented and the go getters come from other teams at times due to be a good sportsman and always being active on a team. You may not get the "supreme" team but might find your way on it the next year do to your (hard work-talent) and how well you conduct yourself.

My two cents

ditto on the comments of who is paying for play. As the parent, you need to do your homework and make sure your son knows pros/cons of the teams being considered. Help him with the decision, the bottomline you need to go with the team that gets him playing time at the position he is going to play in high school.

penja,

I've seen players blossom on teams a step down from the top. The key is for those players to perform well against the top teams. That's the key to getting noticed by the elite, you need to make them notice you.

quote:

penja,

I've seen players blossom on teams a step down from the top. The key is for those players to perform well against the top teams. That's the key to getting noticed by the elite, you need to make them notice you.

Totally agree on playing on the best caliber of play you can get. The problem is there is still politics here. Sometimes you play for the select team you want on their 2nd team instead of the first team. Everyone as a parent truly desires their kids to be best and play along the best. Reality is that there is only certain amount of roster spots in large cities. The point I was making to the young man was he may have to play the 2nd team in efforts to get recognized by the first team everyone in the city is dying to play on. I am recommending the always have a great attitude and keep hustling. Sure a few young men make it on incredible talent yet have terrible attitude. Most young men wanna be there and really play hard. Sometimes the great attitude and willingness to play on the lesser team makes a much easier choice for the 1st team coach to grab you over a guy who is playing same level as you yet is frustated he had to play 2nd team.

Some more 2 cents in hopes of making a quarter some day