I was new to TB not too long ago. Thankfully, several people on the site and one in particular took an interest and helped me out quite a bit. They gave me ideas and things to think about so I could compile a list of questions which enabled me to find the right team for DD. Now, if it's at all possible, I would like to try and return the favor if I could so I will publish what I came up with. If anyone can think of more pertinent questions...please feel free to add them.
Here was my checklist:
How much are fees?
When are they due?
What do they include? i.e. uniforms, practice facilities...etc.etc.
How much fundraising does the team do and does this affect the fee structure? With some teams, the more fundraising you do, the less the fees are.
How many girls are on the team?
If DD's a pitcher...How much mound time will she get depending on where the team places her in the order?
In other words, our team carries 4 pitchers. My DD is number 2 vying for the #1 spot. She splits evenly with the other but #3 might only see 3 innings in a tournament and #4 would be lucky to see 2 innings during pool play. If we make it beyond the first elimination game, they will see a little more or depending upon who we face, a lot more.
If DD isn't pitching, will she be starting in another position or will she have to earn her way to play another position? If she's not starting somewhere and has to earn her spot (as most teams do), what does the coach suggest she work on and in what order so that she may improve and earn a starting spot?
How far does the team travel for tournaments?
Our team only travels in a radius of an hour and a half of Akron, OH with the exception of Nationals and a large tournament in Columus, OH. However, some teams will regularly travel quite far from home so you have to take into account expenses for hotel stays and food. Most will travel to one of the ABC organizations' national tournaments if they qualify. Where is it this year?
Does the team keep stats? Most do. Do they post them anywhere? Most don't so they avoid controversy. However, if you have an Android phone or iphone, you can download GameChanger or other software and keep your own score and stats to follow along the season.
These are questions that should be asked of any coach before accepting an offer on a team. If the coach hmms and haws over any of these questions, I would be very concerned. Also, talk to some of the other parents on the team. Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with them during the season. If you plan on moving teams, talk to parents of all the teams around. Many have been around TB for awhile and will have the low-down on each team.
Here was my checklist:
How much are fees?
When are they due?
What do they include? i.e. uniforms, practice facilities...etc.etc.
How much fundraising does the team do and does this affect the fee structure? With some teams, the more fundraising you do, the less the fees are.
How many girls are on the team?
If DD's a pitcher...How much mound time will she get depending on where the team places her in the order?
In other words, our team carries 4 pitchers. My DD is number 2 vying for the #1 spot. She splits evenly with the other but #3 might only see 3 innings in a tournament and #4 would be lucky to see 2 innings during pool play. If we make it beyond the first elimination game, they will see a little more or depending upon who we face, a lot more.
If DD isn't pitching, will she be starting in another position or will she have to earn her way to play another position? If she's not starting somewhere and has to earn her spot (as most teams do), what does the coach suggest she work on and in what order so that she may improve and earn a starting spot?
How far does the team travel for tournaments?
Our team only travels in a radius of an hour and a half of Akron, OH with the exception of Nationals and a large tournament in Columus, OH. However, some teams will regularly travel quite far from home so you have to take into account expenses for hotel stays and food. Most will travel to one of the ABC organizations' national tournaments if they qualify. Where is it this year?
Does the team keep stats? Most do. Do they post them anywhere? Most don't so they avoid controversy. However, if you have an Android phone or iphone, you can download GameChanger or other software and keep your own score and stats to follow along the season.
These are questions that should be asked of any coach before accepting an offer on a team. If the coach hmms and haws over any of these questions, I would be very concerned. Also, talk to some of the other parents on the team. Remember, you will be spending a lot of time with them during the season. If you plan on moving teams, talk to parents of all the teams around. Many have been around TB for awhile and will have the low-down on each team.
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