Players playing for free

[DayDreams]

Is it common for coaches to waive fees to get a player to come and play for them? I heard that Matthews from the Edge did that to get a pitcher. How does that effect the other players or families that are paying?

[snoop]

If the pitcher wanted to play and had money issues, no big deal! I have done it the past, actually had other parents help! If it was just to get her to play, you'd have to ask the other parents! I know tony has done this(coaching) for alot longer than most on here! So i think he knows what he doing! Were you after the same pitcher? Is that why we are name dropping?Just saying!

Also i'm not or have ever been with the edge org!

[superfan]

I personally don't agree with it, but yes it happens. In the long run it creates animosity and not conducive to a harmonious team environment...even if invitee is high impact, for it displaces paying teammates playing time. I think the best approach is everyone pays or everyone is free.

My DD has been offered free playtime invites on many occassions. In the past, she has been a 'pick up' pitcher for specific tournaments as well as offered 'no dues' to join a team full time. She accepted the 'pick up' pitcher role because it helped the different teams who were temporarily shorthanded. She turned down being the only player offered no dues. This is her last year before college and now plays for a fully sponsored team.

I wouldn't advise anyone joining a team that has special wavers for one or a few players because inevitably other problems will ensue. If there is a financial hardship than it is very easy to get an outside sponsor or fundraise. I know of a player who sold tickets for a raffle, the bigger the prize the bigger the donations, in front of local retailers and collected her yearly dues and some of her travel costs.

[jag1]

I think it is entirely up to the head coach's judgemernt and how it will effect the team he is coaching. Team chemistry is an invaluable asset and a good coach should recognize if the pros outweigh the cons. As a parent, I could care less who pays what, as long as my kid is being treated fairly and being given the opportunity to compete for playing time..!

[T1UP4ME]

If your teams sucess depends on having a good pitcher and she takes weekly lessons at $30 a week shouldnt that have a factor. does a outfielder or 1st or ss take weekly lessons for that position. just a thought

[superfan]

Yes pitchers take weekly lessons and typically they earn the highest scholarship amounts too, a weekly lesson fee should not factor into the ability to pay dues. I would expect all of the other position players take weekly batting lessons or should because a game cannot be won with zero runs scored.

[killerbee]

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[coolstuff]

This wouldn't bother me as much as other scenarios - i.e. deadbeat parents, mercenary players, team jumpers, etc.

[SoftballSoccerDad]

It wouldn't bother me. If I have to pay for my child's spot on a roster, then my only financial concern is whether what I'm paying matches the value she is receiving. If a portion of the dues I'm paying helps to improve the team - and my child's softball experience - by covering some costs for another player, I'm fine with that.

[CrushersDad]

If a players fees are waived for any reason, that is between the coach/organization and the player/family, it is no one elses business. People shouldn't be talking about who payed what to whom anyways.

...and no, my DD has never played for free.