USSSA, TCS Tourneys In Ventura

[DontPlayInVentura]

Boy, am I embarrassed... we have probably one of the most beautiful and desirable areas in Southern California to play softball, yet when these tournaments are held, those who sponsor these events fail horribly to make it a safe or enjoyable experience for the teams attending, and dont realize that most of these teams probably will not return EVER!

The tournaments I refer to are: USSSA Halloween Havoc, Oxnard , Tourney By The Sea (Sponsored by Dan Garza), any So. Cal. Triple Crown Tournament, and USSSSA Derald Adair Tournament sponsored by Ventura College Womens Softball Program (this weekend)

Their ONLY concern is $$$$$$$$$$$$ ......... Bottom Line!

NEVER during any of these tournaments I've attended, do they have any staff to prepare a field between games, drag and water, etc. No lights at a 16U Triple Crown Event Championship Game (Turkey Bash). USSSA Official at Derald Adair Tourney busy selling girls headbands made by his wife instead of arranging to prep fields, addressing safety issues, etc. Again, all about the $$$$$
What do teams expect for a mere $500.00 entry fee anyhow? Not a thing if you are in Ventura!

And when the day is done, after a Championship game, ar even a Championship win, not a thenk you, an "F" you, or anything! No trophy, No "thanks for coming", or even a simple "congratulations". Game over, dont go away mad, just go away.

At what point will these people learn, if you do not provide the teams with adequatly prepared play facilities, they will never return. I heard from many teams this weekend who were disappointed terribly with the way the Derald Adair Tournament was run (very unprofessionally), and will not return again to Ventura to play. I'm embarrassed beyond belief. My team will now be travelling south to play, and we will stop supporting these sponsors who only care about their wallets and final income.

Spend a few bucks, take care of the girls. It was NEVER supposed to become big business.
GET A CLUE, YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE OUT BIG TIME!

[outfielder]

Most, if not all, of the better teams already have a clue and don't go to those tournaments. Many of the teams are glorified wreck-ball (Good for them for playing year-round) teams that enter thinking they are playing tough competition and do not realize that the teams are from Bakersfield, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. And these teams go back into wreck-ball come February. I don't see too many, if any, teams from OC. The coaches that attend them are either looking for a trophy or realize they cannot compete on a higher level...that being said, that is the reason these tournaments will continue to go on. Since there are so many teams and all different talent levels, these types of tournaments will draw the lower end...unfortunately for the girls they will get the lower end of it all (not that they deserve it) -- exactly like you mentioned above.

But nonetheless...SHAME ON THE TDs.

[lunch _money]

I dont know about the other divisions but the 10u division of the D Adair tourney was run very well. Great fields (prepped every game) decent snack bar and plenty of eateries in the area, some of the best weather in Socal and a good championship ceremony with trophy and individual trophies for first and second place.

Competition in the 10s, 12s and 14u division was decent although powerhouse teams would have a field day. Mid-level teams should definently go to this tourney and strenghthen up the Ventura region. Theres a lot of talent out there that needs to be discovered.

[DontPlayInVentura]

Regardless of the level of play, ALL teams should expect reasonably maintained fields during any course of play, whether in rec ball, travel, High School, or College. It's done for safety as well as the proper play of the game.

Those who knew Derald Adair would know he'd be mad as hell a tournament run in his memory was done so in this manner!

Point again= It's not about the money!

[anonlooker]

Sounds like the final results of the tourney were Fields 1, DPIV 0?

[DontPlayInVentura]

Anonlooker, I'm sorry to disappoint you, it had nothing to do with the score. I know I hit a nerve since you are a Triple Crown Rep or enthusiast. Stop reading between the lines. My point throughout has been about TC$, U$$$A and TD's who are ruining the sport by being greedy, and nothing less.

Start taking a little pride in your tournaments!

[crusher99]

Who won for 12U at Derald Adair??????????? I didn't see anyone post about it.

[GSB]

I dont know about the other divisions but the 10u division of the D Adair tourney was run very well. Great fields (prepped every game) decent snack bar and plenty of eateries in the area, some of the best weather in Socal and a good championship ceremony with trophy and individual trophies for first and second place.

Competition in the 10s, 12s and 14u division was decent although powerhouse teams would have a field day. Mid-level teams should definently go to this tourney and strenghthen up the Ventura region. Theres a lot of talent out there that needs to be discovered.

For the 12s and 14s, it was probably one of the worst snack bars I have ever seen. Yes it was a nice booth but with only hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, Skittles and seeds. No selection to speak of. They obviously were not trying to make any money with it. The worst part was they violated the unwritten SoCal rule of never charging more then $1 for a bottle of water. The BBQ was set about 10 feet from where the plate umpire stands and the smoke was terrible. At one point the umpire had to call a time out for the smoke to clear as you could not even see the pitcher. They do get credit for staffing the booth with some of the hottest softball moms around.

The fields were beautiful but only prepped every other game. Good bathroom facilities but they failed to provided any liquid soap in the bathrooms. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give them a 6. It seemed that it was their first time putting on a tournament as they made many rookie mistakes.

[lilizdad]

Well lesson learned......stay away next year....