4th & Forever wrote:One thing that doesn't get taken in account enough on this topic is that many players going to Travel sooner are the second and in some cases third generation girls. Either their older sisters played or Moms played. As our sport continues to grow the need for different levels are in fact necessary. The important piece is that there is a place for everyone to play based on their individual needs. For my youngest who grew up on the fields, her personal desire was to be like her older sister and that meant as her skills developed to move into Travel much sooner than I originally thought she would want to. That was what she wanted to do because she wanted to challenge herself and she isn't the type of kid who can be around unmotivated people in any area of her life.... At the end of the day that was what worked for her.
The interesting part that I do see is the travel world consistently getting slammed by the rec leagues. There have been instances where leagues will block field useage, players being told that their All-star elligability will be forfeit for taking lessons with certain travel coaches and All-Star teams being (for lack of a better term) threatened to have their All Star accomplishments stripped if they participate in a Travel Nationals that takes place AFTER the Rec All-Star season is completed.
Interesting topic as always but if people take their egos out of it we will find what works best for our individual kids. There is value for every level
Some very good points 4th. Our kid that is still playing followed this path, growing up on the fields watching first her old man playing slowpitch, then her older sister playing fastpitch. If you've been around, you most likely know the importance of balance, rest, and playing.
It's too bad rec and travel have the animosity you mention.
I have seen it from both sides. Travel people looking down at the little rec players, and rec board members making it tough for local travel teams.
I remember when we left our league back in 2006, we worked out a deal to use the rec batting cages in return for hosting a clinic. But board members were complaining that "these big travel girls (11 and 12 yr olds) are going to ruin the batting cage fences hitting the ball so hard"...
Deserve's got nothin' to do with it.