Guest Players and Playing Time

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Jun 1, 2015
500
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My 16U team's season starts Tuesday. We're playing a total of 12 games plus our end-of-season playoff tournament from Tuesday until the end of July. At the end of this past Wednesday's practice, my starting SS (and arguably one of my best players) had to resign her position due to work-related issues, which currently puts me at 10 girls (7 of which are 12-14).

Flash-forward to Thursday. Two little league players (played for the same team - one is my cousin, catcher with a solid bat and busts her rear, other girl I'm not as sure about) approach me hearing that I was looking for a player or two to join my roster for the season. That would put me at 12 girls, which would benefit me more than the current 10 (9 on some days when my starting P is unavailable). They're coming to my practice tomorrow to run with everyone and see how they fit in and hit/field/run, etc.

Here's my dilemma. I've never had 12 girls for a team before - The past 2 years, I've had the unfortunate dilemma of having EXACTLY 10 girls (in our league, you can bat/field 10 without a DP/Flex). How should I, assuming they make it, handle the guest player's playing time during the season? I would like all 12 to get time at some point, BUT I also know it's not fair to the girls who've been practicing since April to sit for girls who just barely came on, especially starting. But I've also realized the 2 coming on may play better than any 1 or 2 (or more) I currently have. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Just want to be prepared for the kids/parents' remarks in the event they pop up because of a decision I made.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Start with the premise that if guest player is not treated well they will not come back.

IMO you need to treat them slightly better then current players.

(Guest players are always good)
 
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Jun 1, 2015
500
43
I was fortunate that both players' mothers (again, one mom/daughter combo are cousins/family) were there when we were discussing the matter. The 2nd girl (said I wasn't sure about her abilities)'s mother said, "Honestly, even if she sits for the majority of the time, it's the exposure that's only going to help her in the long run when she gets to Modified and beyond". So I don't feel as bad if she doesn't play as much compared to the rest of the team - she could be a late game sub, CR/PR, etc. I wouldn't also want to see people complain because the other is family and that's why she's getting playing time. I told my cousin, "When you play for me, the family ties are off, and you're a softball player like everyone else is", and she understood. I don't think there should be problems, but I also (pun intended) want my bases covered just in case.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
IMO you need to treat them slightly better then current players.

I disagree with this statement. Your core group of players have been there since Day1 and I would imagine are paying monthly dues. It's critical you treat them very fair or you will not have a team in the future. With guest players, you let them know that the regular team players have priority over their playing time but will do your best to get them into the game and have them contribute. Every player should have at least two positions that they know well so if you lose your starting SS, for example, someone can fill in for them.

The bottom-line is treat all the players (both regulars and guest players) the way you would want your DD treated and all will be fine.
 
Jun 1, 2015
500
43
No monthly dues for my girls - we get donations from businesses and fundraisers we've held. We're not travel ball, and I don't even know if you'd call us rec ball. The only thing the girls had to pay for was their uniform (which was only $41 at that). Plus no DD for me.

All of my players are required to be familiar with infield and outfield positions so they have an understanding of all sides of the defense. We do a lot of defensive work in practice (everyone does fly ball drills, everyone does ground ball work, etc.) so they should have a working knowledge of how to handle most all positions.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
No monthly dues for my girls - we get donations from businesses and fundraisers we've held. We're not travel ball, and I don't even know if you'd call us rec ball. The only thing the girls had to pay for was their uniform (which was only $41 at that). Plus no DD for me.

All of my players are required to be familiar with infield and outfield positions so they have an understanding of all sides of the defense. We do a lot of defensive work in practice (everyone does fly ball drills, everyone does ground ball work, etc.) so they should have a working knowledge of how to handle most all positions.

I still think you error on the side of the regular player. I'm sure they and their parents helped with fundraising and the guest players have not? Again, be fair to all players and make sure they all have a great time. 12 players is not that many, use the DP/flex and during pool play, bat the line-up. Move around all players so they get lots of opportunities. Good luck.
 
Apr 21, 2015
7
0
DD has been guest playing and he tries to at least DH her. If she catches he rests her the next game and today she got to leave early. They did play 5 games though. Guest players are doing the team a favor so they need to be treated well. We heard one parent complain but chilled out because they ended up getting another hurt player and really needed her.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 
Jun 1, 2015
500
43
No pool play or anything like this. I may not be making my season/league clear enough. We play almost a version of any regular HS season - 12 "league" games + single-elimination tournament at the end of the season. Still, I do feel as though erring to the regulars is the smart(ER) thing to do, but I don't want to neglect the players willing to come on and help out by being extras for the season. I've got a lot of girls who are young and very weak defensively, and they're also weak offensively. I'd like to have the ability to mix the 2 in with the rest - maybe half a game in the outfield, used as a runner/PH here and there. I know our team's going to take lumps this season - if we win 3 games we'd be very fortunate, so I see potential for time. I just want to make sure it's clear that while I value everyone's opinions and time, these 2 players may keep us from forfeits, and so I want to allow them the chance to shine where/when appropriate.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Honesty is always the best policy. Decide how you will play guest and let her know the situation and go from there. We had a tournament last
year where we started with 10 and 10 minutes before game one a player got sick. We were lucky to be in town and called a kid who played for our
team the year before so she had a uniform and showed up for the rest of the weekend. We told her and our players she would play when she came.

This kid was always a favorite of mine and the added bonus was she hit her first HR that weekend.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,132
113
Dallas, Texas
With guest players, you let them know that the regular team players have priority over their playing time but will do your best to get them into the game and have them contribute.

That might work for some rec kid who never played tournament ball, but it is not going to work for a good player.

You tell me that, and I would say, "Nope." If you don't have a spot for them to play, then you don't need them.

Contrary to what you might think, it is not a great honor for good players to sit the bench and watch your team play. If you want someone as good or better than your starters, then you have to treat them the same or better than your other players.
 
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