Thread: National's Just for the Experience?

Yesterday we were at a tournament where we went 0-3 never has happen before. We have in the past gone 2-1. The team was clearly not in the game, tons of errors, stupid things dropping balls after making good catches and just not catching balls to make the plays all rec ball mistakes. We didn't win our way in to nationals, we hosted a tournament so we get to go. Most of the parents are already planning that we would get blown out after the bracket play and be heading home early. Very poor motivation going with the intention of losing. My daughter who plays well and always has her head in the game and is focused really doesn't want to go. We have one player who's family "accidentally" schedules vacation so she will not be there her dad is also a coach and 2 others are currently injured one a vital part of the team and don't know if she will even be able to play. We would be going with 9, the majority think it is just a slumber party. My dd really thinks it is a waste of time but we will not let her quit. I wish these parents would get a reality check. What to do?

I feel for ya.

I figure it's about 1500 for me to go to NC from NJ for Pony Nats (regionals really) If you are someone that doesn't get paid when not a work that figure goes way up. I can't find a scenario where we play in the quarter or semis so it really seems like a big chore to me. I have told DD while I really like watching her play, lugging the easy up, ice chest and chairs to the distant fields played on around Cary in 100F temps is not my idea of fun.

I agree, it kind of depends on the cost.

DD likes a good slumber party and also likes playing softball.

I would say there's value in going for the experience even though you're not a legit contender, but if the players have no interest, there may be no point in making the trip.

You can go with 9 and have no gripes about playing time.

In their defense, it's probably been a long season. The group is tired and might be ready for a break. If that's the case, take the softball out of it and schedule something fun like a camping trip where the girls can swim and play frisbee.

I am not sure what the other players think, I know my daughter really would not like to go. She rarely ever sits and loves playing but hates the BS. I think the majority of the parents keep saving what a great experience it would be. One parent even said it will be more playing time for the girls who usually sit if we go short handed. I don't mind spending the money if the team was well informed and going with a good attitude.

If it is something that was a goal and a plan from the beginning of the season I would think you would want to go ahead and go, especially if without your DD 8 other girls don't get to go. I would also be with Momo'sDad make sure you have fun, you are there anyway so make the best of it.

Originally Posted by Love Watching Softball!

I am not sure what the other players think, I know my daughter really would not like to go. She rarely ever sits and loves playing but hates the BS. I think the majority of the parents keep saving what a great experience it would be. One parent even said it will be more playing time for the girls who usually sit if we go short handed. I don't mind spending the money if the team was well informed and going with a good attitude.

I hear ya! I am too much of a realist. Some will say "playing in nationals/world series will be a great experience". I say winning or at least competing is a great experience. Spending $400 plus dollars to get a butt kickin, that is an experience, but not a good one. If a team does not have a chance of winning, then I wouldn't go. 20 years from now do you think girls will fondly remember going to nationals and going O-fer.

My DD team is a first year 14U team and when we did not qualify for nationals by July 1st (no surprise) we decided to go to PCB for the USFA World Series. Had a great time, good competition, and we had a great balance of softball/fun. I am always amazed at teams that chase a berth to nationals, especially at the younger age groups.