airborne wrote:I don't feel I need help. I am simply relaying my POV. I don't need others to do that for me.
They compete nationally, every year. Their 14U team finished 3rd, 16U 9th, 18 Burke 2nd in ASA. Did 18 Dan go 0-2 @ PGF? Yes. Would Burke's team have done better? Probably, I mean it's hard to do worse. 18 Burke placed well at the TCS events they attended which had top teams from around the country.
To say they "steal, recruit etc" players from other teams is probably a bit off the mark. Odds are more likely that other teams line up against IG, take some lumps, sometimes they give them too, but realize all of the IG kids are solid players. Then they look into the stands and say "there are 15 coaches watching this game. There weren't 15 coaches watching my last game. I might need to see about playing there." Maybe I am wrong, maybe the kids don't notice. But I promise you the kids parents do. So the parent calls an IG coach, or speaks to an IG parent. Is this Impacts fault? I wouldn't think so. Is KC supposed to say "well babe, I would love to have you, but it is going to make Coach A upset. So you need to stay there and not play on the biggest stage." Really? But I promise you other teams are looking at the kids that do not start, or play regularly and offer way more playing time. I don't find a problem with either. Like I said, Impact is a sponsored organization. They have an obligation to win. Your obligation as a parent is to your kid. If she wants to play more, work harder, or find a place where she can.
As for their 16U team(s). SoftballGuru mentioned they had kids go through "their system" and some folks scoffed at that notion. Maybe the 18's don't have a system...yet, but the formation and funneling of kids from 14U-18U is the beginning of it, at least I would think so. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the 16U team from last year started with 0 committed kids out of 14. As of the end of ASA Nationals, they had 9 committed. These kids didn't show up with Baylor or A&M chasing them. Look at their 16U this year. 17 kids, 1 committed. Anyone want to wager that 80% of these kids are committed or at least have turned down offers by this time next year?
When you are on top of the hill, people are always looking for ways to tear you down. Being an SEC football fan, I am used to it.
Nice description of how it all works, airborne. Thanks.
Unfortunately no one here is debating the fact that coaches watch IG games or that IG kids get recruited. the issue at hand is the fact that those in charge at IG have taken it upon themselves to exclude up and coming solid teams that are a threat to them. if someone is using illegal recruiting practices then file a complaint with ASA. but forming your own softball mafia and making up your own rules and forcing them on teams that aren't part of your mafia is cowardly. especially when you have the same blood on your own hands. So let's stick to the point here.
