Starting from scratch

Hello there,

So, after discussions with several parents on my 8U Little League team, we're going to go out a guage interest in starting a USSSA team.

Option 1 is to contact a local organization and see if they're interested in adding a team of 2008 and 2009 girls. This option is most likely the simplest at the get-go.

Option 2 is to do our own thing, and go through the process of registring our team as our own and going from there. This option gives more leg-work, but also the guarantee of coaching the team, and running the team the way we want to.

Definitlely leaning towards option #2, so if any of you have started from scratch this way, any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone have any input as to the time frame it takes to get registered start to finish. Part of the reason I ask is that right now, we'd be an 8U team. I'm not sure if it's possible, but getting registered quickly and playing a tournament or 2 this summer would be great before they're thrown to the wolves in the 10U division next season (going from coach-pitch to kid-pitch + the bump in competition might be a bit of a shock for the girls.) I'm not even sure if this is allowed, or if the girls have to meet some sort of pre-req before playing a tourney?? I'm a complete novice when it comes to the club scene, so I'll be learning on the fly. Again, any input is most appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!

MacLobo said:

Hello there,

So, after discussions with several parents on my 8U Little League team, we're going to go out a guage interest in starting a USSSA team.

Option 1 is to contact a local organization and see if they're interested in adding a team of 2008 and 2009 girls. This option is most likely the simplest at the get-go.

Option 2 is to do our own thing, and go through the process of registring our team as our own and going from there. This option gives more leg-work, but also the guarantee of coaching the team, and running the team the way we want to.

Definitlely leaning towards option #2, so if any of you have started from scratch this way, any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Registering with USSSA takes like 10 minutes and some money for team insurance (rego + insurance will be less than $200). They make it REAL easy.

If you have the girls and a field to practice on, no need to be part of a bigger org first time out. Have a fun 2-3 tournaments this summer, get your feet wet and makes lots of new contacts for the following season.

Go for it.

MacLobo said:

any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

- Cheap uniforms. Spend your money on better things. Buy two simple jerseys. Black pants, black socks.
- Go watch a 8U travel tournament before you play one. It is VERY different if you haven't seen it before.
- Win-loss record is meaningless - make sure you and the girls have a lot of fun no matter the score. We got KILLED 4 of our first 5 games. We were competitive by end of year and we won our first tournament in 10U with what was basically the same bunch of girls
- Play girls all over the field especially during pool play. You can do a little more 'best positions' on elimination day, but don't go cutthroat and once a game is out of reach (either way), time to aggressively more players around.
- Bownets, balls, tanner tee.. that is all you need
- Have a parent meeting. Set expectations. It is a BIG adjustment from rec for the parents as well.
- If you need help teaching skills, go get it. This is one reason you save money on uniforms - to spend it on coaching if needed.

Have a big party at the end of the season

marriard said:

- Cheap uniforms. Spend your money on better things. Buy two simple jerseys. Black pants, black socks.
- Go watch a 8U travel tournament before you play one. It is VERY different if you haven't seen it before.
- Win-loss record is meaningless - make sure you and the girls have a lot of fun no matter the score. We got KILLED 4 of our first 5 games. We were competitive by end of year and we won our first tournament in 10U with what was basically the same bunch of girls
- Play girls all over the field especially during pool play. You can do a little more 'best positions' on elimination day, but don't go cutthroat and once a game is out of reach (either way), time to aggressively more players around.
- Bownets, balls, tanner tee.. that is all you need
- Have a parent meeting. Set expectations. It is a BIG adjustment from rec for the parents as well.
- If you need help teaching skills, go get it. This is one reason you save money on uniforms - to spend it on coaching if needed.

Have a big party at the end of the season

Click to expand...

Appreciate the input!
I've coached pretty much this same group of girls the last 2 seasons. Most of my parents are involved in club sports in one way or another (baseball, soccer, volleyball, etc.) so most are pretty informed.
Luckily, I've already got my net, tees, balls, etc. so shouldn't be too expensive at the onset. I'm also pretty close to the little league softball VP, so I get easy access to the field, too!

I think we're ready on those fronts, just need to get the girls ready for the boost in competition. We've been steam rolling the ref league this year, so the first close game might be a shock for them! But they're itching for some comp!

It should be a very easy to get signed up and ready to play in a tournament. If it is just girls on your league team you might check with them about insurance and see if their policy covers your team for the rest of the season. Ours does and might save a little time and money for you.

The biggest issue if moving up to 10u next year is pitching. If you do not have a few girls in lessons already then it's going to be tough. And a couple of girls in catcher lessons would also be great. The third drop strike is a killer first year 10u.

Go out, play some and learn while still 8u. I am new to the travel ball but have seen enough that we will not be back in Rec league again.

Also if you have a couple girls that can pitch try Fall Ball might be tough if girls are in other activities and you will get completely pummeled (like 30-0) by some trophy hunter coach who has his team that will be first yr 12U next year playing down (maybe he will be nice enough to throw his #4 pitcher and play all the subs after the first inning) but better to jump in the deep end during the fall when it's a lot more relaxed...also don't do this if your pitchers are not ready, you need at least two pitchers who can consistently not walk in half the lineup every inning.

Otherwise just jump in and have fun

Work with a good PC or accomplished bucket parent who can help guide pitchers. If you have competent pitching you will have a great season and have no trouble getting additional players as needed. If you don't have pitching you are in for a rough ride.