Try Out Question for Newbie

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Jul 19, 2019
2
1
Hey All,

Last year my daughter had her first ever Travel experience, playing for the 10U Bunnies. She loves the sport, did great, and really loves the girls.

This year, Team Bunnies really want her back. She wants to go back. So we said "yes" because this is her choice.

However, we still want to try out for other teams. Even though we've committed to a team. DD wants to see what the national teams are like, see how she stacks up, and she loves tryouts. I like the idea for three reasons:

1) Team Bunnies is short players at this time. Not sure how they'll attract anyone else. Missing Catcher(s) and pitcher(s) at this point. Only 7 girls committed thus far (all the girls from last year).

2) I think this is the last year she's with Team Bunnies. She's already talking about wanting better competition and other teams have asked about her. So a tryout with a national team could be good prep for next year.

3) I want to tell these teams we tryout for that we would love, love, love to pick up with them at any point in the season to better get to know them and prepare for next year.


When we set up these tryouts, we had not yet committed to Team Bunnies. We have now committed to Team Bunnies.

Is it ok to go tryout with these teams? Is that "not cool" to Team Bunnies or these other teams? Do I tell either Team Bunnies or the team we tryout with before hand?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Aug 19, 2015
1,117
113
Atlanta, GA
If you've committed (as in said a definitive "yes, we will play for you next year") to the Bunnies, no, it's not really cool to keep trying out. Because presumably if you get another offer you like better, you'll leave the Bunnies in the lurch. Although it's a free country and you can do whatever you want, it's still bad form. The softball community is small and people who burn bridges often gain a reputation as a team hopper (ironic, given "Bunnies!"). You don't want that rep, especially with your DD being so young with many years of ball ahead of her.

Although I don't really think this is totally kosher either, you could be upfront with the Bunnies and say you've changed your mind and you will continue to do tryouts. This sends them the message that you are a "maybe" at best and that they'd best be looking for someone for your spot in addition to the other spots they need to fill. Just be aware that there could be negative consequences to this, such as your backup spot being filled and/or your daughter having to pay the price for your behavior in terms of playing time and/or unfavorable treatment from your coach.

In the future, don't commit until you're sure. Either sidestep the conversation and tell them nothing or tell them you're a possible yes, but you're also looking at other options.
 
May 20, 2016
433
63
Agree on not committing too early. Especially to a team with no pitchers or catchers. Could be a long year. Personally we try out for different teams every year, pretty much knowing where we are going. Think it is good to see what's out there.

As for your case, mentioning to a coach at tryouts you are already committed elsewhere will likely annoy them.
 
Oct 21, 2016
189
28
If you haven't paid the down payment then you are not committed to the Bunnies. If current team only has 7 and no P or C then and you don't look at other teams you will ways behind when/if the Bunnies collapse. Just be honest with the Bunnies and tell them your taking other try outs for the experience and just in case team doesn't go forward. I'm sure your DD is your first priority and not the Bunnies, so having a back plan is the smart thing to do. Your mistake was probably to say yes to Bunnies so early, but it was only verbal.

Do what's best for your DD, even if that means changing gears and teams. Just do it respectfully and honestly with current team because the softball world is small and burning bridges will come back to haunt you.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Just be honest with the Bunnies and tell them your taking other try outs for the experience and just in case team doesn't go forward.

This ^^^ is a good approach. With only 7 committed players, and still needing some very important pieces, you are essentially working on a contingency plan in case the Bunnies aren't able to field a team. Your commitment is to PLAY with the Bunnies, but if they can't play because of a lack of players, there should not be an expectation that your DD will stay forever. Be honest about your intent - both with the Bunnies, and with teams your DD tries out with.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,712
113
Chicago
Have to be Frank here, It seems like your DD is a real Thumper at the plate you may want to hop to another team as soon as someone dangles that carrot, but jumping after making a commitment really Bugs some people.

The best way to frame this, Roger, is to do whatever Energizes your DD. But you have to decide soon. If you wait until Easter, all the good spots will be filled and she may not have a team to play on at all.
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,394
113
Texas
Have to be Frank here, It seems like your DD is a real Thumper at the plate you may want to hop to another team as soon as someone dangles that carrot, but jumping after making a commitment really Bugs some people.

The best way to frame this, Roger, is to do whatever Energizes your DD. But you have to decide soon. If you wait until Easter, all the good spots will be filled and she may not have a team to play on at all.
Well played!
 
May 29, 2015
3,715
113
If you haven't paid the down payment then you are not committed to the Bunnies. If current team only has 7 and no P or C then and you don't look at other teams you will ways behind when/if the Bunnies collapse. Just be honest with the Bunnies and tell them your taking other try outs for the experience and just in case team doesn't go forward. I'm sure your DD is your first priority and not the Bunnies, so having a back plan is the smart thing to do. Your mistake was probably to say yes to Bunnies so early, but it was only verbal.

Do what's best for your DD, even if that means changing gears and teams. Just do it respectfully and honestly with current team because the softball world is small and burning bridges will come back to haunt you.

That. Be up front with the Bunnies and let them know you have some concerns about the current trajectory.
 

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