Teams dropping out of friendlies and tournaments last minute

[Rivers MVP]

Is it me or do teams seem to be dropping out of friendlies and tournaments at the last minute a lot more often this fall? It seems a lot more frequent than before.

[Manny]

Friendly Etiquette...in no special order!!!

1. In general, not ok to drop out of friendly.

2. If you HAVE to drop, do so before the schedule is posted and always with as much notice as possible. Keep in mind that the hosting organization is on the hook for umpires, etc.

3. Do not hedge your weekend activities. Example, your team is on the waiting list of a tournament, but just in case (hedge), let me enter this friendly over here. The only way that this is ok is if you talk to the event scheduler ahead of time. I do not have a problem working with Mgrs/Coaches who are upfront. The worst offense of this type is to enter two or three friendlies, wait until the schedules come out and then drop one (fortunately teams/coaches that do this don't last long and implode because this lack of integrity carries to everything they do).

4. If you do have to drop...offer to cover the cost of your entry.

5. Do not have a team mom/dad act as the scheduler for the team if she/he does not have the authority/ability to bind. The lame excuse "I did not know the head coach scheduled the team elsewhere" get's the team listed on the "can't bind" list.

6. Do not bust out a BBQ at someone's friendly...support their snack shack.

7. Friendlies are practice games, support all players. Keep comments positive and be sensitive to the other side of when handing out a shelling.

8. If playing up...no bragging and no excuses. Lose to an older team, don't say well they are older. Defeat and older team, don't call granma to brag (don't post it on Heybucket that you beat the older squad). Appreciate the opportunity, take notes and get better.

9. The flip side of playing up...if matched against a weaker or start-up team...give them an opportunity. Start your 3rd pitcher, play the girls in their back-up roles, work those slappers at hitting away. Understand that they are you when you are playing up.

If anyone one has more to add...please jump in.

[Luther]

Friendly Etiquette...in no special order!!!

8. If playing up...no bragging and no excuses. Lose to an older team, don't say well they are older. Defeat and older team, don't call granma to brag (don't post it on Heybucket that you beat the older squad). Appreciate the opportunity, take notes and get better.

I am not sure I understand this one... if our team is playing up and wins against a good team the first person we plan to call is Grandma... building confidence in your DD and letting her enjoy the wins are part of the competitive nature of the game.

[Uncle Rico]

Friendly Etiquette...in no special order!!!

. 6. Do not bust out a BBQ at someone's friendly...support their snack shack.

That is hilarious I feel guilty bringing anything more than water to a friendly.

[Batazo]

Yes - In particular there is one big time organization here in So Cal that drops out of friendlies ALL the time !! Why sign up if you are not going to play ? Things happen all the time but more than 3 times ? Come on....

[access2]

Have an outstanding snackbar, with variety of food and snacks...don't overprice things...don't undercook the chicken.

People will not remember the games, but will remember the snack bar...and the hot moms behind the counter.

[Batazo]

Spazsdad - You are correct, I cannot call out an entire organization for the actions of one of it's teams. This particular organization is very respected and highly professional. However, it would be very wrong for me to identify them here is this public forum. I just want to say this, there are many independent teams in our travel softball community that admire these well run organizations. We jump at the opportunity to to play in their friendlies and compete at the highest levels. In turn we look forward to having these high profile teams play in our friendlies for the same reason. These org's know exactly who they are playing against and if will benefit them or not. So simply, If you say you are going to play then play !