HS Tryouts -Should I scope them out?

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WARRIORMIKE

Pro-Staff Everything
Oct 5, 2009
2,815
48
At the Jewel in San Diego
So warriorangela has High School tryouts today. Should I go spy on the talent and coaches to see what tryouts are about? Or should I stay home and pick her up after tryouts?

I'm curious to see what goes on, but don't want to be to obnoxious.... lol
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Our HS tryouts were closed, but a parent could hide in the woods with binoculars if the curiosity was going to kill them. We typically only have 20-25 players at tryouts, so it was never really a question of whether or not DD would make the team. Plus by the time they reach HS most of the really good players are know through the TB circuit. Very few surprises unless a new player moves into the district.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I think that closed practices is a clear indication of a weak coach. If you are confident in your abilities there is little reason to close a practice. I have heard all of the excuses and rationalizations but never a valid reason.
 
Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
With my older daughter, my fellow coach at the time and I dropped our freshmen off at their very first winter workouts (they couldn't drive yet). we "snuck in" the building and watched the workout from the lunchroom that overlooked the gym. at one point the coach stopped practice and pointed up at us and all the girls laughed. that was the last time I did anything at a high school game other than root from the stands lol

It's not always an easy stance to take, but it's the right one for your DD I do believe :)
 
Sep 17, 2009
1,637
83
I think that closed practices is a clear indication of a weak coach. If you are confident in your abilities there is little reason to close a practice. I have heard all of the excuses and rationalizations but never a valid reason.

I would agree with this for travel, and even then only at younger ages (because once they are in 16/18U girls should fend for themselves), but not for high school. In general everything kids do in h.s. (class, clubs, activities, dances, etc) they do without their parents around. Generally high school sports practice should be the same, I'd say. There's always cases that could be exceptions, for instance when you worry about abuse of some kind, but that shouldn't be the rule. My two cents...
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I have rarely seen an injury in a HS class, clubs, activities, dances, etc. Athletics are another story. The majority of softball coaches in HS, TB, REC have suspect skills at best. Some level of parental oversight is appropriate. With respect to coaching your DD, trust must be earned not blindly granted. As long as the observation is respectful, there is no reason to close a practice.
 

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