TravelINDad99 wrote:This is my DD's final year(3rd-she played up her first) of 14U and although we have to pay roughly twice as much as we would if we stayed on a parent ran or local typical team we chose to cross the border and take our chances with an Organization that has a long tradition of fielding competitive teams and getting girls into college. This requires a larger time and financial commitment but with the hopes of being taught next level skills by individuals that have been there is worth it.
At the very first practice we were told to jump on the recruiting train now. Coach gave us a rough outline on how to go about contacting colleges and once established, sending them our schedule and ask them to come out. He pointed out many do's and do not's in the beginning stages of contacting coaches. I learned more in one sit down with the coach then I have over the past couple years. We will play a couple exposure tournaments as a 16U team(we are 14U 99's)
It was also obvious that there was a level playing field present at the first practice. No Dad's daughter and her friends cliques. I think this will breed a very competitive atmosphere and push these girls to new levels. I also think this will help in mutual respect for one another.
Team rules allow for discipline with no parents allowed to approach their DD's during games or practices. Girls have to approach the coach about questions before parents getting involved which teaches them accountability. As silly as it may seem, no parents are allowed to carry DD's equipment bag and girls are responsible to carry team equipment. As an Organization all money is handled thru a treasurer which takes that burden off of the coach. There is a GM of the organization to handle issues. Coaches are not allowed to contact girls using any form of electronic media. Girls will be required to maintain a positive image when wearing uniforms (no rolled waistbands, shirts tucked in, shoes or slides must be worn when not wearing cleats, metal cleats are mandatory. Zero tolerance for unsportsmanship to any player, coach, umpire or fan.
Many more great things which just provides the foundation for these girls to represent themselves with class.
Now it's time to start getting the contacts for colleges and prepare sending out emails. Does anyone know of a good site to find college contacts?
The best that I know of and that we used is the book by Cathy Aradi, sold by NFCA.Org, the Getting Recruited book, they sell them at NFCA events as well. It has some good info in the front, but the reason I bought one each year for about 7 years is that it also lists all softball schools from juco, naia, D3, D2, D1, with email address, snail address, phone numbers, coaches names, etc.