As the Colorado Fastpitch Softball season heads into full swing, and the possibility of your girls wanting to switch teams, I think it’s a good time to remember what we’re all here for. So many times, we’ve all heard the story, the gossip, the pain of what happens when players decided to switch teams, and the spider web it can cause.

Both coaches and age group directors should be working together when theirs a request to transfer a girl to another team. And once a decision is made, coaches and players need to honor that commitment. When a Fastpitch coach decides to take a girl, then possibly at the last moment, declines the request, after the player and her family are all on board, what does this do to the player, their self-esteem, and their passion of the game? If the player is older, maybe in the 18 and Under level, then yes, theirs going to be that level of maturity that will help them understand what has just happened.

But what happens when it’s a 12 or 10 and Under player, do we really think they can comprehend what just happened, and why?

So coaches, please, be mindful and respectful of the girls that you make a promise to, hold true to your world and don’t let them down.

Hope you all have a great 2009 season.

One thing that I have noticed, no matter what the team, what the age group, there is always going to be an issue with a parent, player or coach. It seems that every year, it starts off fine, everyone’s getting along. And then before you know it, bamm, and something happens. Possibly their daughter isn’t getting enough playing time, not playing the positions they would like to be, or maybe, just not happy with the teams success.

So how do you deal with these issues, you cant just ignore them. First, I think coaches in general need to stop promising players to join their team in return for positions or playing time. I’ve heard it over and over, “play for me and you’ll be my 3rd basemen”, etc, etc, etc. You have to remember, this isn’t the major leagues, and this isn’t college softball. Majority of these girls will become better players throughout the year, and will have to be moved accordingly to the team and coaches needs.

Another issues that I’ve been hearing a lot is parent upset that their daughters aren’t playing enough. Personally, if your daughter is being benched more that actually playing, and you’re on a “A” team, maybe think of moving to a “B” team. Where she can be a stronger player, and most likely at that level, will be playing more and more games.

And what about family members coaching their own daughters or relatives. Tell me you’ve never heard this one before? Honestly, its a free world we live in, any coach that wants has every right to coach their daughter, or relative on the same team. But with that known, every player and parent must know, and be ready, to deal with the fact that the player is going to get special treatment, more playing time, you know what I mean.

I have absolutely no criticism towards coaches giving their relatives special treatment on the field, seriously, its the “Nature of the Beast.” It’s going to happen, and its up to the parents, to decided if that’s how its going to be, do they still want their child to play on that team?

Anyways, just my two cents, take care!!!