Choosing a new org

Rick M said:

So here's my question to the softball minds of DFP: Do you choose to play on the weaker team (right now) that has great coaching and an established showcase/recruiting pipeline, or go with the stronger team that is basically a startup but has big plans?

Click to expand...

At the younger ages go for better coaching and more playing time. Playing is the reward, great coaching is rare and as long as the team is in the happy zone between about .450 and .700 it will be a decent situation.

The reality is that travel is a season-by-season thing. At the end of each season you get to assess this season and next and decide whether you stay or go or what you are going to do. Almost every team turns over a few players each season for a variety of sometimes good and sometimes bad reasons. Sometimes you get lucky and stay with a team long term in a great situation that matches where your daughter currently is in talent/maturity/skill/seriousness/friendships/recruiting goals/parent group/coaches/etc...etc - sometimes not. Nothing wrong with any of those things.

Thanks again to everyone for all the advice. For those that asked, DD does have a private hitting and pitching instructor (h/t to DFP for turning us on to the Tincher program). Most of the advice has pointed to what I was feeling already -- playing time is the most important thing, followed by good coaching. Winning means more to parents than the players (DD herself has told me this).

The plan as of now if to go to every tryout possible, discuss some of the points brought up here, and let her make the final choice.

Rick M said:

The plan as of now if to go to every tryout possible, discuss some of the points brought up here, and let her make the final choice.

Click to expand...

Make sure she knows you have veto power over her decision. Sometimes kids do not see the whole picture in a situation. Especially if they are younger.