Numbers and Solutions

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Jun 1, 2015
500
43
I have a uniform problem - probably sounds very petty, but welcome to softball. Background:

- Players/parents are responsible for a majority cost of their uniforms. This past year, parents paid $41 and the team covered the rest of the cost (for tops/bottoms - this was agreed upon by everyone). The reason stems from the very first season where uniforms were $41 per player (for top and pants - we got a discount for quantity ordered).
- Players chose uniform numbers. Duplicate number choices went to the player with higher tryout score.
- Money is collected up-front - if a player quits the team before the season, uniform money is non-refundable but they receive their uniforms regardless.
- Any players who played for me in 2015 but didn't return in 2016 lost their number/roster spot.

In 2016, I varied between 8-10 players due to injuries, playing for other teams, etc. I had a player (call her "D", played for me in 2015) who came back to play for me for the last 4 games to fill a lineup. She did NOT start the season, and was given a chance to rejoin before the start, however she had other athletic conflicts. Her uniform number (chose in 2015) is the same as a player who tried out and played in 2016 (#11).

ASA rules state no duplicate numbers may exist on a lineup. Our summer league, while playing ASA rules, is somewhat lax on interpretations like this (since we're not school-sanctioned). However, I don't want to take chances. So I have offered "D" the following option: The team would cover the cost of her uniform top (the $41) IF she chose a different number. "D" is now very adamant about even playing now because of this, saying she has "worn the number since youth ball, etc." Not invalid reasons, etc. "D" was our league's 1st team SS as a 9th grader and will return as the starting Varsity SS (and would almost positively be my starting SS if she plays).

I've made everything above very clear to her. Is my compromise appropriate or should it be more "Take it or leave it" regarding the matter?
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
If the current player (#11) is adamant about wearing that number, then the other player is SOL IMO. If she's not, then you're okay. The only other solution would be to say that neither of them gets the number and both of them must choose another. If player D doesn't agree with either of those choices you made, say 'too bad and seeya somewhere down the road.' You can't let the animals run the Zoo so to speak. That's the Zookeepers job.
 
Last edited:
Jun 1, 2015
500
43
what does current #11 say about things?

Her opinion from last season, as I recall, was (paraphrased), "She had her chance to join, and she didn't, so she lost out and that's her fault". Which I've told "D" about countless times when she was contemplating rejoining the team before the season. ("If she didn't join, she risked losing number, roster spot, etc.) I figured the compromise was a reasonable choice. I've got at least 3 fundraisers planned for next season that should (in theory) draw us enough money to where $41 on a uniform top as a compromise to ensure she'd play with a different number was reasonable. But I also looked at is a flood gate for other players to do the same exact thing, and as YOCOACH said, I'm the zookeeper - they are the animals - you play ball or sit out.

I like to be as flexible as possible and I'm thankful for VERY supportive parents this past year, but I have also said to my girls that players are valuable but players are also replaceable if you place yourself above the team. "D"'s father runs our local Youth Baseball/Softball program and is one of my closest friends going back over 15 years. He is a very convincing speaker, so I highly doubt he'll have any problems if he speaks up. But I'm also prepared if "D" doesn't want to play - she'd almost guaranteed be my starting SS, but as a coach, I cannot worry about losing 1 player when I have others devoted to play who are putting the team ahead of material circumstances.
 
Jun 1, 2015
500
43
The only other solution would be to say that neither of them gets the number and both of them must choose another.

I see where this idea can come from, but I'm not a fan of it because I don't want to punish the other player for something she was not subject to dealing with. I figure there's about 4 months until the start of the season/practices, etc, so there's time still. Even "D" recognized, in her own words, she was "being a little b***h about the matter", but she tends to get easily frustrated, insecure, and it shows very openly. Usually time and approaching things rationally works with her, so that's what I plan to do.
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
She sounds kind of diva-like. I was always contrary so I tend to err on the side of not giving divas what they want. Turning away from a team because the coach won't make an existing player give up her number? Eh. You've offered to cover the cost of a new uniform with a new number of her choice. That seems completely reasonable to me. If it's not good enough you can find another short stop. JMO.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Lol, I understand why issue.

DD is #78.

She was a caption on school team so got first choice, grabbed the smallest one she could get, maybe #3. Not even sure, she might know.

She is #78 damn it.

I do not think a revolte would start if she lost her number, think a day of potting and mover on. I do not think she is that petty.

If players wants to quit because of #, I will show her door do not need her.
 
Jun 11, 2012
741
63
DD has had her # since 10U but her freshman year at the HS there was a senior with that #. DD chose to reverse her # thatg season and then when the senior graduated she got her number back. She's been lucky that her number has been available on every other team she's been on. But it wasn't her first choice all those years ago but her first choice was taken as were 2nd and 3rd choices so in a moment of panic at 7 years old she chose our house number and it's been her number ever since
 

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