| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Gatravelbaseball
56 Posts |
 Posted - 05/16/2018 : 10:37:39
|
What would/should it be? (12U and younger)
What is the earliest reasonable date to expect people to be ready to commit to a team for the upcoming season?
To me, that means they've at least finished the current season, and ideally they've had time to look around, ask around, attend a try out or two, and really consider their options.
I'm asking because it seems that every year we start seeing tryouts listed earlier and earlier, to the point that it's getting ridiculous.
|
|
|
CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2018 : 13:45:30
|
| 8/1 |
 |
|
|
Renegade44
211 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2018 : 14:21:45
|
| Well you have to ensure that continuing revenue stream........... |
|
|
|
Punishers
688 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2018 : 15:29:20
|
| Finish the current season first, then shop around before you start hearing the "Development" and "We put kids in college" speeches. The craziness comes earlier than summer every year. |
|
|
|
bama21
278 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2018 : 06:57:35
|
If you tryout for a team, then you should be ready to commit (or not), if you are offered. Most tryouts are not free, so there must be some interest there if you are paying to tryout. Also, most of the teams you try out for will have a list of kids that would be next, if you decide not to accept. I believe it is reasonable for the team to expect a commitment in a certain timeframe, so they can get the roster set.
I also believe the team should let you know who the other players are that committed, so you can make an informed decision. Similarly, you should know who the coaches are.
Basically, it is mutual respect from both sides. |
|
|
|
Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2018 : 08:01:33
|
| Hypothetically it should be around Aug. 1 and you do see that with older age groups but I noticed you said "12U and younger"...it was our experience that you almost HAD to commit WAY before then or be left out in the cold. We often started getting the pressure to make a commitment as early as March and anyone who thinks there is still a spot on a top team at the big academy tryouts in July is delusional. Ok, maybe "a" spot but that's it. If you have a team in mind secure a private tryout. I feel like most rosters were set by early summer. Keeping in mind most of those teams are still coached by dads at 12 and under and often it's just a function of wanting to keep good chemistry/players/families together and imo at those ages it SHOULD still be about "fun" so no harm in signing up early if you are happy where you are! Especially if its a Cooperstown year...go where you will enjoy this experience! Don't "hold out" only to see all your buddies go there without you and be stuck without a team. |
Edited by - Crazyforbball on 05/17/2018 09:00:03 |
|
|
|
KentMurphy
96 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2018 : 09:05:42
|
The earliest date to commit: when you know the choice you're making is the best for your player/family. 05/01, 06/01, 07/01, or even 08/01... There's no magic number.
There's two sides to this 'early commitments' discussion...
Coaches getting a jump start: You've got teams (either newly formed, or current ones who know where they need to improve) that want to get a jump on locking down 'free agents', as quickly as possible. If a coach clearly knows he's going to have (either by his own choice or the family's) a certain number of openings to fill, why not start early-- trying to find/lock down players for the next year. Then the coach doesn't have to deal with all the stresses of 'tryout season'.
Players want to find their best 'home': players are looking to either find a spot ASAP and have the decision making over quickly, or may want to shop around or hold out for the best offer. It's just as stressful having to go and 'showcase', in hopes of getting an offer. The earlier this happens, the less stress. Not to mention, sometimes the 'early bird gets the worm', and if it's a team you all want to be a part of, why not get the offer early, accept it, and have a stress-free rest of the summer.
I think as the ages go up, the process begins earlier due to fewer unknowns. At 8-9U, there's tons of unknowns. Folks coming from rec parks to travel and not knowing the full landscape, not to mention 'all-stars' don't wrap up until later in the summer (so tryouts/teams getting set are July/Aug.). At 10-11U, things are starting to be come more clear, so tryouts/teams getting set are Jun/July. By 12-13U (and above), coaches and programs are more 'known'. People have played against, or seen, or heard about the 'who's who' of coaches/teams (who to play for, who to avoid), so teams fill quicker (May/Jun.).
Of course ALL of these dates are out the window, if the coach chooses to not 'rock the boat' and wait until his season is completely wrapped up, before focusing on next year's roster. If his team is playing in Disney, that tournament is late July-- so his 'next year's team' wouldn't be set until Aug/Sept, where as, if you're wrapping up the first week of Jun., your may have your tryouts mid-June, and set your team before the 4th holiday.
It may only appear to be earlier, because your son, gatravelbaseball, is aging up and the 'landscape' (players/coaches/teams/even families alike) has become clearer than ever. |
Edited by - KentMurphy on 05/17/2018 09:21:31 |
|
|
|
agent21
97 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2018 : 00:15:34
|
| Seems to me the older ages (15U and up) would wait to try out/commit to a team until after the PG and other summer tournaments were over. Once high school is over and these tournaments kick in, who has time to be attending tryouts that start June 1st? |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
IF travel baseball had an official signing date...
