Alabama high school softball "outside participation rule"

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I didn't know that the HS sports world revolves around softball and its preservation.

Then how would you explain the intent of the rule if not to keep the various HS sports viable and prevent encroachment from the private sector during their respective seasons? Granted it is quite possible that the rule is arbitrary and there is no rational intent or logic associated. We have seen that before.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Interesting. Players going to 6 days of HS practice followed by one TB practice and they are sore the next day. Wonder what they are doing or not doing in their HS practices?
 
Jan 18, 2010
4,284
0
In your face
I would personally like to see a free market where both TB and HS function on their own merits and not to the state sponsored exclusion of one over the other. If you want to play HS ball, by all means you should do that. If you want to play TB that should be an option also. Likewise if you want to do both, that should be your choice. If a TB or HS coach has an exclusionary rule that is certainly their prerogative and the free market will respond, or not. However, the idea that the intent of the rule, implemented at the state level is to protect the student athlete simply does not wash. Were that the case no outside participation in ANY sport would be permitted. I know many players that play HS ball and also skateboard, jump from perfectly good running airplanes, surf, and whatever and the coaches do not take issue. But TB, you can't be doing that!!!

I understand what you're saying, but I'm not sure you understand the reason for the rule. It's to keep the HS coach from "controlling" every aspect of his players for 48 months ( 4 years ). It has nothing to do with Sally going water skiing on Saturday, or shooting some hoops at the park, or bowling on Friday night. Why? Because the softball ( or other sports coach ) will not benefit by being directly involved. Same reason there are dead periods and the 50% rule.

What we had before was Coach Z's players were required ( if they wanted to stay on the HS team ) to play school ball, TB with the same roster on weekends, TB with the same roster in the summer, TB with the same roster in the fall. Which pretty well eliminated persons who wanted to play multiple school sports. The independent rule, dead period, and 50% rule provide a wedge between the athlete and the coach.

As a former TB coach myself, the state rule had no negative impact on our ability to play around the HS season. Like I said before, we typically play 50 or more games in a little over 2 months, we play large HS softball tournaments on the weekends ( one probably the largest in on the east coast, 50+ schools ), it's a very difficult calendar alone.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
I understand what you're saying, but I'm not sure you understand the reason for the rule. It's to keep the HS coach from "controlling" every aspect of his players for 48 months ( 4 years ). It has nothing to do with Sally going water skiing on Saturday, or shooting some hoops at the park, or bowling on Friday night. Why? Because the softball ( or other sports coach ) will not benefit by being directly involved. Same reason there are dead periods and the 50% rule.

What we had before was Coach Z's players were required ( if they wanted to stay on the HS team ) to play school ball, TB with the same roster on weekends, TB with the same roster in the summer, TB with the same roster in the fall. Which pretty well eliminated persons who wanted to play multiple school sports. The independent rule, dead period, and 50% rule provide a wedge between the athlete and the coach.

As a former TB coach myself, the state rule had no negative impact on our ability to play around the HS season. Like I said before, we typically play 50 or more games in a little over 2 months, we play large HS softball tournaments on the weekends ( one probably the largest in on the east coast, 50+ schools ), it's a very difficult calendar alone.

So the reason that HS players can't play TB during the HS season is to keep the HS coach from controlling their life for 48 months? You are right. I do not understand that rule.

Now if we are discussing the composition of TB team rosters with regard to participation for the same HS team, I am with you 100%. That is a flagrant offense down here in Florida. Unfortunately FHSAA just looks the other way.
 
Jan 18, 2010
4,284
0
In your face
So the reason that HS players can't play TB during the HS season is to keep the HS coach from controlling their life for 48 months? You are right. I do not understand that rule.

Now if we are discussing the composition of TB team rosters with regard to participation for the same HS team, I am with you 100%. That is a flagrant offense down here in Florida. Unfortunately FHSAA just looks the other way.



What we had before was Coach Z's players were required ( if they wanted to stay on the HS team ) to play school ball, TB with the same roster on weekends, TB with the same roster in the summer, TB with the same roster in the fall. Which pretty well eliminated persons who wanted to play multiple school sports. The independent rule, dead period, and 50% rule provide a wedge between the athlete and the coach.


Yes, we are on the same page. I guess the only difference is TSSAA doesn't look the other way.
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Then how would you explain the intent of the rule if not to keep the various HS sports viable and prevent encroachment from the private sector during their respective seasons? Granted it is quite possible that the rule is arbitrary and there is no rational intent or logic associated. We have seen that before.

One of the reasons :) the rule was developed to prevent idiot coaches from subjecting players to sport-specific overuse in situations where the parents don't know better to prevent it. Idiot coaches and ignorant parents abound and are not limited to rec, HS, TB or limited by size, age, gender, shape, etc.
 
Last edited:
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
Michigan has a similar rule. You can practice with a travel during season but no scrimmages or games. I don't know about Alabama but the typical 6 days a week hs softball schedule and the occasional Sunday tourney games. Not sure where my dd would have time for travel ball
 
Last edited:
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
If it is too much, don't do it. But shouldn't that be YOUR decision? Who is calling the shots regarding your DD, you or the school system? How much of your parental authority are you prepared to relinquish?

You a absolutely have a choice. If you don't like the HS rules don't play school ball. It is your choice.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,473
Members
21,443
Latest member
sstop28
Top