Selecting a Select Team
by Henry Poole
With this summer’s sport seasons concluding, parents may find themselves asking: “Do we stay with the same team or look for another?”
Having your child on the “right team” makes practices and games a joy or a horror story.
The terms “right team” and “wrong team” transcend mere winning and losing. Simply put, the “right team” is the one that best meets you and your child’s needs.
The more accurate information you gather, the more likely you are to make the best decision.
First, really listen to your child. Statements like “I want to be on a team with my friends,” or “I don’t want to have to play every weekend,” or “I don’t want to play for a coach who yells and screams,” or “I want to play on the best team there is,” reveal your child’s priorities.
Then take a family inventory about time and money. How far are you willing to drive to get your child to practice, and for how many days a week? How much are you willing to pay up front to place your child on a team? How many weekend “motel tournaments” can your budget stand?
The next step is looking for a team. The Internet is a great place to start. Most United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) teams can be found there, plus other teams’ websites as well.
The team’s head coach is the most important factor in your child’s team experience. Develop questions and don’t hesitate to ask them to the coach.
With a select team, the team is not the only one selecting. You are, too.
Coaches would rather take time to answer your questions up front than see you or your child possibly cause problems for the team due to disappointment or disillusionment. Approaching a coach in the spirit of sharing information rather than an inquisition gets the best results.
A head coach ought to state clearly basic philosophy, core coaching concepts and team goals.
A head coach should know what coaching style or mix of styles he or she uses and why. Coaching styles range from “The Dictator” or “The Drill Sergeant” to “The Cheerleader,” and all points and admixtures between.
Which works best for your child?
Find out policies on playing time and assigning positions.
After talking with the coach, talk with two or three parents whose children have played for that coach.
Such discreet conversations can produce real insight. “What has it been like for your child to play on this team?” “What are practices like?” “What kind of coach is he/she?” “How do the parents get along with each other?”
Armed with an arsenal of accurate information, you’re ready to make the next big decision for and with your child: “To try out or not to try out.”
Tryouts? TRYOUTS? Well that’s another story entirely.
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