WWBA

I think you saw coaches in it for themselves and their organizations rather than for the kids.  There is no good reason to see no action.

Do you mean no playing time in 5 or more games?  

I'm thinking a coach/program that gets known for dragging kids across the country, asking them to miss school, and spend money on hotels/airfare etc - and then not even putting them on the field - is going to find it hard to find players in the future.

 

If you have no plans on playing a kid - tell him so he doesn't waste time, money and opportunities with other teams. You are essentially taking a big opportunity away from players to future their careers when you don't put them on the field in that tourney.

 

I don't know how true the no playing time statements were, but if that is the case, it a classless, scummy move by the coaches involved.

My son went as a pickup catcher to the PG World Series this summer.  Played one game out of 7 or so.  Lesson learned,  It happens for sure.

Unfortunately many of these large events are about the ego of coaches and organizations and parents.
If it was about helping players they wouldn't be picking up kids from all over the country when they don't offer to kids in their organization. 
Feel bad for kids who don't get in the game or get adequate playing time while there. Snake oil salesman is a good description of said coaches.

I have to agree with everyone above.  It is impossible to play everyone all the time because the rosters need to be large.  However, IMO, any kid that is traveling should get an opportunity to display his ability.  If that is not likely to happen, it should be very clear ahead of time. That said, I think most teams that played last week at the WWBA do try to get everyone a good opportunity.

My son had a great experience at the East Cobb WWBA, and his coach did his best to give all the kids an opportunity.  This did hinder the effort to win the tourney with a talented team, but the boys all got exposure.  I do agree some coaches should think of the kids first, but who's to say the coaches didn't spell out their roles before the trip?

I deleted a few posts in this thread, starting with one of our "old timers" questioning the motives of the OP (a first time poster), and a bit of banter back and forth.

 

I still remember being a newcomer here... even though I've been a member for something like 12 years and have owned the site for 8+.  I remember feeling a bit nervous to post at first, and a little uncomfortable at a couple of the replies I received (I also remember Mary Ann reaching out via private message to tell me not to feel bad!)

 

Newcomers are welcome and valued here, just as "old timers" are. But in my opinion, the "old" have a little more obligation to make the "new" feel comfortable, than vice versa.

 

Julie