Id venture no but the travel ball experience can be quite beneficial to that pursuit can it not provided travel ball doesnt become a means to an end which, unfortunately, it often is. How dedicated is your child? Youll usually stay within a 30 minute radius for games and practices. I dont believe in definitive s. Since tournaments and games are . Here are the 10 biggest problems in youth baseball and softball, and how we can fix them. Bottom line: give your kids a childhood theyll want to replicate with their own children not one theyll react against. She also coached collegiately for 3 years at the University of Montevallo (D2). I never felt that way until I got to college, but looking at the demands of travel ball, I totally understand how the kid feels. I made the switch from Little League/rec ball to travel ball when I was ten years old, and from then on I consistently played at the highest levels possible. I would urge you to consider how trustworthy Jesus is, how he can reconcile you to God, how he has paid for your sin, and how his Spirit can enable you to love others and enjoy life with them in a gathering of people joined together at a local church. The Sleep Foundation. Are you prepared and willing to skip regular family vacations because your weekends and your travel budget are going into softball? We played Upward for quite some time and my wife was amazed at how many parents going to the practices are unchurched. PDF Travel Team Player and Parent Expectations He told us last week that he is glad that we have taught him to focus on his eternal future. I hoped that I would get information like yours Jason. Tell him he's great and anything is possible if you put your mind to it, but don't let him be an entitled little asshole out there on the field, because that's your fault! Also, Im more interested and more compelled by Scripture to promote the spiritual health of my own children than of their team mates. It is important that each player is available for every team practice and game. Jesse played baseball for many years, served in the U.S. Army for 15 years, and began officiating 32 years ago. Back in the day, if you played travel softball, you were a serious player striving to become an elite athlete, and you had the full intention of playing in college. Do the social aspects improve their values and stimulate great discussions at home, or lead them away from family?). We are leaning strongly to go back to his Rec ball league that we enjoyed in the spring. Having said that, below are the top reasons your daughter should not play travel softball. I know you were saying that theres no one answer for everyone. Very few will walk in my church doors on Sunday. Shipping and taxes will be calculated at checkout. This is a straw man argument that has nothing to do with the very valid points the author makes. Now, this doesnt mean that her coach and teammates like it, but we have found that our commitment has opened the door for spiritual conversations. I think the key is finding the right team and families. My son excels in travel ball and weve started a bible devotion for the boys before every tournament. So Im writing in the hope that youll see that rec ball is a better route. Yes, there are ways to make this lifestyle a little more affordable (check out used gear at places like SidelineSwap, Ebay, or take some tips from our post here on bats) but regardless of how much you cut the costs, you will still be paying a decent amount of money to be doing this. The travel teams are turning into a true business. Thank you for this. What if you can't afford travel ball? - FloSoftball Jesus is God not baseball. How do players interact with their parents? How does a big leaguer have a family? Kids blossom at different ages. Thanks for sharing them. Feel free to ask about financials (whats included in team fees, fundraising, etc. My son loves basketball but I have noticed the small number of high school players that are playing in high school now especially in our town. I coach my son (U10 Rec soccer) and was considering travel but was hesitant because of playing on sundays. If money is a potential concern, you need to consider both your priorities and your daughters. If you think the coach is doing a good job, then shut your mouth and watch the game. What are you waiting for? Extend your season, make sure that all teams are drafted equally. Kids come out of high school where it seems that every game mattered, to a travel ball season where if you go 5-0 or 0-5 it doesn't matter. Additionally, they will probably have fewer injuries and enjoy the competition more. These rankings are modified based on your feedback and recommendations. For example, when you look at a solid team of 12u girls and there is that one girl that is nowhere near the level of the rest of the team. While many recreational leagues let anybody play (depending on their roster size) travel teams typically recruit players and conduct tryouts. Wr had to travel 3 ours to find a competitive travel team. As parents, however, we can sometimes unknowingly pressure our kids to continuing pursuing things at a higher level because we want it for them, not because they want it, and we proverbially try to put a square peg into a round hole. Get involved with the sports governing board and voice your opinion. Read our, Tetra Images - Erik Isakson / Getty Images, Sports Specialization and the Risk for Injury and Burnout, Dealing With Bullying on Youth Sports Teams, Budget Friendly Extracurricular Activities for Tweens, 2019 State of play: Trends and developments in youth sports, Burnout and perceived performance among junior athletes-associations with affective and cognitive components of stress, Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes. When we read books about how it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on anything, it may wrongly motivate us to try to create little experts out of our kids by the time they graduate from high school. Back in 2011, CBS News reported that one Georgia family paid $4,000 per year for their 9-year-old son's travel team. Girls that don't attend the Lesson learned. Looking back, Im so thankful they gave all they did so that I could be successful its something I can never repay them for. We want girls who are team players, dedicated and committed to playing softball at an elite level. Its only my observation of course but many areas in life are dog eat dog competitive, as it were. You are spot on with all your assertions, and I wish Id been able to absorb something like this when my oldest two were starting out. Theres usually a brief hitting session (front toss), as well as defensive reps and throws based on your position. Thanks to all who replied. It is other worldly, it is unlike anything the Non Christian can imagine, to deny ourselves something the world says is a must and do something the world sees as foolish. So many times parents have mentioned to us about the cost of being on a team. Although the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pushed back the starts for some travel seasons, Northwest Whitfield High School head softball coach Todd Middleton said most of his team is playing a travel softball schedule currently. Its also likely that kids will need to miss school for team commitments. But I say be wise. There are two sides to every situation. Awards. But, this isnt rec league either. In raising our children in a world where developing a one-sport athlete is pushed to the extreme, we both were counter-culture, and we have happy, well-adjusted kids now, all of whom continue to pursue fitness as a lifestyle. Small towns breed professional athletes, and the reason seems to be that kids in small towns aren't over-coached, over-organized, and over-specialized by the travel ball opportunities found in larger cities. Cheer them on and let them entertain you. Ask former or current players and parents to describe the coaching staff, and see if they would be a good fit for your daughter. Levels are separated by age and skill level. Developing skills in (or at least having exposure to) music, art, great books, drama, theology, politics, or science-and-math-related activities makes us better, more empathetic, engaged human beings and citizens, and better leaders. They dont need to have baseball practice every week all year long, and you dont need to be their taxi for that every week all year long either. Within each age level there are three letters that designate the skill level: A is the highest level in a particular age group, followed by B (average) and C (kids who are playing mostly for fun). The cost is typically around $100, which includes a uniform top. If you live in a big city, chances are that a good program is nearby. Its also important that you dont make your child feel guilty if she tries a competitive team for a year and decides its not what she wants. As more and more kids get involved in travel ball, the best players are taken out of the rec league. Overall, you want your daughter to have a good experience on the field and off with her teammates and coaches. Keep him in rec ball, where he wont get burnt out because hes a kid facing the demands of a profession. Thus the rec league dries up. Eternity is at stake. What will travel ball mean for your marriage? Its important to be committed to making games, meets, tournaments, and practices a priority, but not at the expense of church, or important family gatherings. And teams may invite players from anywhere in the region. 7. Sound familiar? How knowledgeable are they, and will they be able to facilitate the proper degree of skill development for their athletes? SoftballGalaxy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. From a father of 3 boys I can confirm this to be absolute truth. Hopefully, this helped you decide whether its the step that you should be taking or not. There are many problems that can occur when playing travel softball. Travel softball is not for everyone. As of now, we do believe that we are pursing the wisest course. Its not for every child or family, but we have enjoyed allowing our child to play travel ball, at least today. Loneliness is not one of the travel problems which affects everyone, but when it strikes it can be the worst problem imaginable. We parents should observe whats going on, be readily available, but not be constantly interfering, trying to direct, or solve everything that goes on in practice or competition. We have made this decision for the past three years and been ridiculed for it and told we are not being fair to our son. I do offer the opportunity to advertise your league and ask that you share it here and anywhere possible. Were enjoying the homeschool league to which we belong right now, but also realize that our daughters team is not a highly competitive team, but the JV/Varsity teams are a bit more competitive. The main ones are USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association pronounced U-Triple-S-A), PGF (Premier Girlss Fastpitch, USA (Formerly ASA), Triple Crown, and NSA (National Softball Association). No. Im not willing to give up the Lords day for sports as much as I want him to play in a better league. Exactly how much depends on the level of competition your daughter is looking for. Jim, Well, this certainly diverged off the main topic of traveling versus rec sports, but I hope it provides a little more to talk about, especially among family members. I hear this quite a bit. Id bet if you polled the MLB players the vast majority of them would agree. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Confused! After establishing a manageable budget for your softball team, you need to start promoting your program and recruiting players. If you have a catcher on your team that cant stop a ball or she cant jump up to grab a wild pitch or make a throw down to second base, then your team will be at a disadvantage. Below are just a few stream of consciousness suggestions as readers consider their views on how they encourage their children in sports. How much sleep do student athletes need?. Joining a team where youre not among the absolute best players can motivate you and build your work ethic, but joining a team where you get virtually no playing time or attention can hinder your development. Solving the Umpire Shortage in Youth Sports Requires a Team Approach As Ive talked to people about this dilemma, one friend proposed this to me: he said that I should start my own travel ball team, and I should commit myself to being low-key about it. Also, keep in mind that many tournament teams have monthly dues of around $200 to play on the team and have access to their training facility. Being part of a team, no matter how long its for, isnt permanent, so as nice as it is to identify with activities that we love, we dont want them to define us or our kids. I literally could keep going and going. Im betting you would be better off saving your money to help him with college expenses. Problem 1: Specializing to get a head start We are in such a rush to do more, more, more at younger and younger ages, and as a result, our children are getting injured at an unprecedented rate. Parents: Want to Find the #1 Issue in Your Athletes Swing, Robbing Their Power? Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. foster a love for the game. Truthfully, we have gotten better instruction and development at a Rec ball/All Star level. We practiced a lot, doing as much as the NCAA allowed, all year long, in season and out. Nor am I categorically condemning their decisions and choices. You may be betting on the kid getting a scholarship. Thanks for the great article I can share with the parents of my students. This amount includes equipment, training, fees, and travel expenses. Likewise, I appreciate the voices of parents who have been there on both sides. Living in Oregon and playing competitively, I traveled multiple times every summer and fall to play in college exposure tournaments in Southern California. Take Our :59 sec "Unlock Your Power" Analysis Quiz to Find Out, All content 2016-2023 The Hitting Vault. Kids need to play more than one sport so their rotator cuffs can recover, so their elbows can rest, so they dont have to have Tommy John surgery at 17. I pray that God keeps me humble and rightly focused. Every year, most teams host an open tryout, where anyone interested in joining has an opportunity to be evaluated by the coaching staff. Voddie Bauchams Family Driven Faith. Very good and same principles work for hockey too. We may be the exception along with the league in which we play. The best outcomes were consistently when we stayed in the local rec leagues. It all depends on what attitude you approach it with. With all of that said, here are some things you need to know about competitive travel softball. Travel Baseball: The Ultimate Guide for Parents and Players But if you cant imagine doing this every weekend or every other weekend (not always cold and misty of course, but it does happen) then maybe travel softball isnt a good fit for you and your family. If you forego travel for these right reasons then you should challenge yourself and those in the league to make it the utopia described here (I believe it should be). Not one. By living our life for Christ the other 6 days. I, personally, never even knew travel softball existed until high school. Thank you for this well thought out post. Before diving into the specific specifics of what to look for, its important to understand why you should consider playing travel softball (and why its not the right choice for every player in every situation). sacrifice your sons childhood on the altar of the hope, each team is allowed a maximum of 11.7 scholarships, Dont Play Travel Ball: Stay in the Rec League | For His Renown | Pastor John Reading List, http://kristenanneglover.com/my-kids-dont-play-sports/#comment-6411, 6-String Salvo, February 12, 2016 Mike Lee, The Daily Discovery (February 12, 2016) - Entreating Favor, More Great Reading | Second Chance Pastor, Todays Links // 4 Free Kindle Books, Worship Songs, Socialist Millennials, Buy a Friend App, Freedom from Anxiety | Word + Life | KevinHalloran.net. I want your son to love baseball, to have the opportunity to be a kid, and to play the game as a kid. I dont normally respond to blog posts, but I wanted to respond to this one because I respect you. Despite not playing travel ball until high school, he got several offers and ended up playing for a highly regarded D1 program. Kids are smarter than what we want to give them credit for. Reduces boredom Cons Expensive Increased risk for injury Potential for burnout Time-consuming Pros Young athletes can reach a point where they are bored with rec league play. Because the goal of this type of program is to prepare the athlete for college athletics, the teams want to win. Josh McDowells The Last Christian Generation Every expert agreed that kids are being played too hard and too long. Does she want to be challenged? Maybe my son will get a chance to play as long as he continues to love the game. Hopefully it will make us parents pray, think, and analyze the motives behind our kids activities. If youre in Louisville, come check us out at www.KenwoodBaptistChurch.com. Great post. Tha KS alot for all your insight!!! Car pool or fund transportation for those who cant get their children on time. Shes the one that still plays in the dirt instead of gets in the ready position. Go to practice twice a week, throw on her hundreds of dollars worth of catchers gear, catch for a few hours, then go home and not touch the gear until the next team practice day? Rec ball is shorthand for Little League Softball and/or your local city league. Give MVP, Player of the game, most improved player of the game.. This was the early 90's. It was only an 18U team and I have no clue how far they traveled or who they played. On the diamond. Travel with extended families and make bonds with good people. This is going to be a big temptation for me because I love sports and am competitive by nature. Your marriage matters a lot more than some sport your kid plays. Fun for all, talent levels not seen before. I could rest. But if you need to travel far to get to competitive or college exposure tournaments (nearly every weekend during the summer plus multiple tournaments in the fall), its not unheard of to spend $5,000 per season. Data Shows Travel Teams Killing Youth Sports - Samford University And at best a professional athlete might play into his late 30s or early 40s, then what? Sad to see but strengthened our resolve that sports would not take priority over God and our church family. Train your coaches and prepare them for every level they will be involved. Its apparent that wegenerally speakingspend more time encouraging our children to pursue athletic excellence than we do in developing a Biblical Worldview in them. So we are playing upward thru our church. Thanks, To Him Be the Gory (in travel ball and everywhere else in His Creation). I grew up wanting to be a major league baseball player, and Im so glad I never even got drafted. After college, my husband played pro baseball for a while and I played on a national team. Do I think you are sinning if your kid plays travel ball? 2019 State of play: Trends and developments in youth sports. God makes it pretty clear when Paul says, Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus We represent Him, so we will want to do our best and want our kids to understand why. Breakers Labs And I hope all who read my question realize that there is no 1 correct answer for everyone. Maybe take up your buddys offer to go play golf or go fishing. Then of course you have everything for your player to use at home to practice like hitting nets, tees, practice balls, medicine balls, balance boards, etc. I can say without a doubt that I wouldnt have made it to the level I did without travel softball. This is great information, but unfortunately rec ballaka little leagueis a political nightmare where I am from and for many others. And we want them to work hard, even when the going gets tough. God will open doors to tell others about Christ as we are faithful to follow Him. Our youngest has decided that gymnastics is a little more important to her than softball, so we have taken her out of travel softball. If the tournament is really far from home, you may end up getting a hotel room. Sometimes travel teams also change players during the season, adding and moving around players based on performance. Baseball cant raise the dead, but Jesus will do just that when he returns to make this world into the new heavens and new earth. It allows each player to have the opportunity to play. Nevertheless, Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 still stand in Scripture as commands, not suggestions. These rankings contain some of the best travel softball teams in the country and are comprised of the top travel softball teams across the United States. I needed a break, and I wanted to be a counselor at a Christian camp that summer (Kanakuk). Small towns breed professional athletes, and the reason seems to be that kids in small towns arent over-coached, over-organized, and over-specialized by the travel ball opportunities found in larger cities. Cant keep my almost 13 yr old from it since 5, and 3 yr old hits a large bucket of real balls off the tee by himself at the indoor facility in a cage while his brother hits in another. The Difference Between Travel Softball and Little League. Our children assume that Sunday morning is time to worship with our church. How should we choose which travel team to play for? I was asked to join a team but unfortunately my parents liked their weekends at the shore too much, so I wasn't allowed to play. Joining a travel team is definitely demanding, and not just for your kid. Of course, we dont love those miserable weather days where its cold and wet. While on the bench she would rather play with fidgets than to watch and learn from the game. Ive also heard more than one parent tell me that after a few years of travel ball, in some cases only one year of it, their son decided he didnt want to play baseball anymore. Here in our area not so much. The repetitive throwing motions that softball pitchers perform may irritate the tendons of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist, causing tendonitis. The 4 Biggest Problems in Youth Sports Today I played college baseball and never once played Travel Ball in the summer until I was 17. Cost: Figure out what your family can afford before you even start looking at options. Travel ball is being on the right team, knowing the right people, and working on your skill set; not that much different from academic pursuits really and more so I suppose. Educate them. Top 5 Reasons Your Daughter Should Not Play Travel Softball Christians are Christians because we worship what is true. Kids are exposed to new cities and sometimes get a chance to play tourist. Its a vicious cycle. Rec ball in many places is competitive. Create a Logo and Brand. Required fields are marked *. Fourth, travel ball is expensive, but so are the other activities in which many parents place their children like show choir and band. Your subtotal today is $-.--. What will travel ball mean for your other kids? But come bracket play on Championship Sunday, the goal is to win and the best players will be on the field with the expectation of dominating the competition. Get in the car, and sleep for the whole drive home. Listed below are six of the pitching injuries that athletes tend to experience. No one wants to admit that the little girl that they love and adore so much, is just not good enough to be doing something. Young athletes can reach a point where they are bored with rec league play. "The cost for parents is steep. Our league is like the one you described. Rec ball is where they develop and