-Number of positions currently Available: All too often, we all fall for the okie doke and pump our DD's up because we saw a posting that said that all positions (C, P, SS, RF, CF, LF, 1B, 2B, 3B) were open and drive throughout L.A. and surrounding areas with our game face on to get on a team
. While there, you find a "Core Parent" who makes small talk with you and spills the beans that they are only looking for 1 position, that 1/2 the team is coming back, and your kid happens to be the 1 of the other 8 they aren't looking for 
. Not only does this waste the parents time, and our gas, it defeats the kid's confidence, because maybe they were "on" today, but since no one was looking for an SS or a slapper, you have missed the other possible opportunities to try out for other teams 
. I motion that instead of open tryout, these teams should be screened to ensure that they actually only post for private workouts .-Bait and Switch Tactics: For the teams that are smaller, lesser known teams that, through their performance last season, catch the eye of the bigger organizations, good for you for moving into an organization that will assure your DD will get the exposure and opportunities she has worked for
. This rant is about the big organizations, that continue to post tryouts, knowing they've already chosen the #2 & 3 team(s) they beat for automatic, no try out needed membership, but they want to make it look "fair", and not like the Post-TCS/PGF/USSSA/ASA, etc championship aftermath drug deal that it is 
. I can't speak for everyone, but I actually appreciate the teams that say the So Cal JT's 12U is now the OC Strikers 14U on the bucket. That tells me not to waste my time, unless I see they are accepting private workouts. If your kid has game, she will be able to go through a 3 hour tryout just like everyone else that deserves a shot for the alleged open spots. And to the parents who know their kid already has a guaranteed spot, try not to make small talk with the parents who are biting their nails waiting for a yes or no from the coaches. It just makes the organization look even more suspect by letting the skeletons out of the closet 
.-Core Parents: This should be self-explanatory, but a Core Parent is a parent that has been with the same coach since 8U Rec Ball; Or they went to school with or are neighbors to the head coach, or are assistance coaches and managers on the team. They know little Susie or Maggie (the Core Players) peaked in 10U, but they whisper in the coach's ear to pass up the ace pitcher or the lefty slapper because the outside player is out-performing the Core Players. It is near impossible to become one of these parents or players after 10-12U, because even though your kid can out-perform the entire team, they won't welcome you, because you aren't part of the mafia
. One of the most recognizable traits of these teams is that they are always looking for pick up players for tourneys (because they have fund raised all year and have no where to go as they qualify for the World Series with weeks to spare until the event), but they aren't going to allow you to commit to the team fully, because then you would have extend the #1 spots to the new player that hasn't "paid their dues", and the original core parent will disrupt the entire team by going home and leaving you short a player 5 minutes before the coin toss. The Core parent will usually have all of the team spirit wear, and/or hold an office within the team or organization. Even if their kid is sick, out of town or has a school project due, they can miss practice, but your kid better not. And when there is a need for a flex player, you can best believe your kid, not theirs will end up on permanent flex with a BS explanation from the coach why. The solution? Saturate the already crowded pool of teams with your own brand of Daddy/BFF ball, and ensure your kid gets the clock she deserves. I know, vicious cycle.All in all, if your kid played travel ball last year, then they've earned the right to play at this level and deserve an opportunity to display their talent. Take away some of these barriers associated with today's try outs and evaluate the kids solely on the talent, skill and experience (and future championships-hey, just keeping it real....no one spends thousands of dollars each year to lose) they can bring to the team, and not the sense of entitlement and false loyalty to the coach in exchange for playing time that comes with being today's Core parent/Player. Lets put some integrity back into the sport.
