Pick up players for Nationals not such a great thing?

[softballOG]

Unfortunately, it does get worse in 18G and then in college...It happened to me in 18s and I got my release and went to another team that had an injured player...It was a great decision on my parents account...I got my full ride on that decision to a D1 school...Also, when they get to college, if they don't get PT they still get that little piece of paper they paid for!
At 12s, just stay positive as parents and let your DD enjoy the rest of this season with this team, regardless of PT...enjoy nationals and look for another team next season

[Gone in 2.6]

My DD's team has had what can be easily called a "dream season." We have a GREAT group of of parents and players. The Coaches are awesome and well respected in the softball world. We went into States with a good team knowing we had a chance, but had to play at our best levels. Well, we did...and we're headed to Nationals.
Unfortunately, all of this is now being overshadowed. Soon after we qualified, our coach started posting for pickup players. In fact we have already picked up one player and have had interest from a couple others...though they were not offered postions.
Here's the problem: The player that was picked up has all but bumped one of our original starters. Both players have great gloves, the original player has a great bat and hits for average, the new player hits for power (BIG POWER) but she is also very slow. Both players play the same position. (You can judge which would be more valuable)
As you probably guessed, the original player and parents are quite upset. They have been here from the start and have put in countless hours doing fundraisers and team events. She has always been a starter and hit in the top 5 for the entire season.
Believe it or not, the majority of our problems are coming from several of the other parents and players on the team. Most feel that we should go with the team that got us there. Some feel that we should pick up players to help us go further.
My concern is that the coach doesn't seem to be interested in improving on any particular postion. he just seems to be looking for anyone that may be a little better than what we already have.
As for my DD, I would consider her "vulnerable." One of the players that tried out also plays the same position as her. Coach is in the dark over this and I have never been to Nationals...is this normal?

I see many teams posting for pickup players...how does everyone deal with this? How would you deal with it if you were in my position?

This is normal stuff and it's within the rules. Add this to the list of things you need to discuss with the coach AT TRYOUTS. Doing your due diligence prior to the season is key. Make sure your travel team is the right fit.

When you get to 18 Gold, the coaches bring back college players in the summer. When you get to college, the coach is out there recruiting every year looking for someone to take your spot.

It never ends.

[CallingCadence14]

I think this is dangerous for any team to do it causes desention amongst the players and parents.Yes it is great to have an extra player to help you out when going to nationals but at what cost?
Do you alienate the ones who got you there?It's shaky grounds ,if your picking someone up,to help out the team, are you getting speed to run,a much needed pinch hitter?, or the stud to take a spot in the line up? Touchy ground......
Everyone wants to get as far as they possibly can but when you are talking about people feeling are always involved.You have to take in consideration what you want to get accomplished and what you are willing to do to get this goal accomplished and then consider all that are involved to include parents and grandparents that have supported you along the way.

[RACER X]

End result from all of this is that we have gone from a team with very little drama, to a full blown soap opera. I would agree that there are times in which pickup players would be needed and justified. However, coaches, please take a long hard look at the way you do this and then the true value (OR COST!) of what you are doing. Bumping players that got you to the big show and thinking this will be recieved with open arms is wishful thinking at best.
I will guarantee you that we are going to Nationals as a weaker team....at least it certainly wont be the same happy, friendly, tight, unified bunch that quailified at States.

[Play ball]

End result from all of this is that we have gone from a team with very little drama, to a full blown soap opera. I would agree that there are times in which pickup players would be needed and justified. However, coaches, please take a long hard look at the way you do this and then the true value (OR COST!) of what you are doing. Bumping players that got you to the big show and thinking this will be recieved with open arms is wishful thinking at best.
I will guarantee you that we are going to Nationals as a weaker team....at least it certainly wont be the same happy, friendly, tight, unified bunch that quailified at States.

Good advice

[monster]

well from our experience last year in Utah we were pick up player in May and coach stated you will be in batting line up only as not to disrupt defense mojo. No prob understood as patent and player. Now if all coaches made the same call no bubbles no troubles, don't fault pk up players for coaches decision. I know of two teams that didn't fair well this weekend due too coaches decision.

[Sftbll4ever]

well from our experience last year in Utah we were pick up player in May and coach stated you will be in batting line up only as not to disrupt defense mojo. No prob understood as patent and player. Now if all coaches made the same call no bubbles no troubles, don't fault pk up players for coaches decision. I know of two teams that didn't fair well this weekend due too coaches decision.

Problem is that most coaches don't lay it out like that!!! If a coach can be upfront about it with the team and the pick up, that is great.

I'm not saying it is always bad. I'm saying you should have them incase of injury. If I have a SS that gets hurt and the back up is more useful in another position and I have a pick up player who would fit right in there, put them in.

[Gone in 2.6]

End result from all of this is that we have gone from a team with very little drama, to a full blown soap opera. I would agree that there are times in which pickup players would be needed and justified. However, coaches, please take a long hard look at the way you do this and then the true value (OR COST!) of what you are doing. Bumping players that got you to the big show and thinking this will be recieved with open arms is wishful thinking at best.
I will guarantee you that we are going to Nationals as a weaker team....at least it certainly wont be the same happy, friendly, tight, unified bunch that quailified at States.

Good advice

As a parent I believe it's ON ME to take the long hard look......before joining the team.

Again, do your due diligence when selecting a team. When your dd is offered a spot at tryouts, ask if they will bring in pick up players for nationals. If you're 18 Gold, ask about bringing back college players. Ask if your dd will be released in the event that they don't qualify or will the team be kept together for Western Nationals. Ask if the coach sees her as a potential key player or a role player. Etc etc.

Also, plenty of homework should be done prior to tryouts about the team. Getting all perspectives about the coaches and the program.

It's a big investment, treat it like college but on an obviously smaller scale.

[Play ball]

End result from all of this is that we have gone from a team with very little drama, to a full blown soap opera. I would agree that there are times in which pickup players would be needed and justified. However, coaches, please take a long hard look at the way you do this and then the true value (OR COST!) of what you are doing. Bumping players that got you to the big show and thinking this will be recieved with open arms is wishful thinking at best.
I will guarantee you that we are going to Nationals as a weaker team....at least it certainly wont be the same happy, friendly, tight, unified bunch that quailified at States.

Good advice

As a parent I believe it's ON ME to take the long hard look......before joining the team.

Again, do your due diligence when selecting a team. When your dd is offered a spot at tryouts, ask if they will bring in pick up players for nationals. If you're 18 Gold, ask about bringing back college players. Ask if your dd will be released in the event that they don't qualify or will the team be kept together for Western Nationals. Ask if the coach sees her as a potential key player or a role player. Etc etc.

Also, plenty of homework should be done prior to tryouts about the team. Getting all perspectives about the coaches and the program.

It's a big investment, treat it like college but on an obviously smaller scale.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, the OP is stating that the pick-up player has turned into a "replacement" player. Never heard a Coach say he/she will be rebuilding the team if they qualify for Nat's. However, I do agree, asking questions up front can save a bunch of heartache in the end.

[Team Mom]

Parents never seem to be happy you pickup a player and you have 5 or 6 parents who are mad and you have 5 or 6 that are happy So as a mom who helps it is the same with everything that goes on with the team 5 or 6 people like the idea for a team fundraiser and 5 or 6 dont. Blah Blah Blah a bunch of babies either way