Likewise, I appreciate the voices of parents who have been there on both sides. I do want to finish by saying that we absolutely love travel ball. 10 Ways Softball Can Change Your Life - GOOD Since you are spending so much time with your teammates, long-term friendships are formed more likely than on a rec ball team. God bless. BE INVOLVED , VOLUNTEER, ATTEND MEETING AFTER MEETING, FUND RAISE, HOLD ALL ACCOUNTABLE FOR TIME, HONOR, COMMITMENT AND GET ALL THE KIDS TO ENJOY THIS LEAGUE YOU ARE A PART OF. Im coming at this topic from a multi-dimensional approach. The cost of travel is not included in the monthly dues. As one who has three sons, two of whom played travel ball for part of their youth, and one who didnt, I can affirm everything you say here. Sometimes coaches are not as experienced, usually a player's parent who has volunteered to help out. Recreational Ball vs. Travel Ball - RIP-IT Sports Once we knew about travel ball there was no going back. I see quite a few girls that are not willing to put in the extra work to get better. . (Their varsity team is seeded #1 or #2 nationwide and is competitive, though still strives to put Jesus first.) 6. The low-end travel teams can be local teams going to a few tournaments outside the region. Here are a few questions that many travel softball players and parents ask when joining or switching teams. My Kids Dont Play Sports We love them by showing them that God is infinitely more valuable than all else. All of that easily runs anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 a year, making elite travel softball one of the costlier youth sports. The true reality of life is that we arent going to be successful at everything. These are good thoughts. This is great information, but unfortunately rec ballaka little leagueis a political nightmare where I am from and for many others. Travel Baseball Teams Near You | NCSA Those conflicts are becoming more common with the increasing secularization of our country. This mentally effects the kids also with so much pressure to do well. There is almost always a try-out or audition process to join the team. For the summer travel season, once teams are chosen, practices and games will start in May and go through to the end of July. She got to have some really good conversations with the moms who really didnt understand the philosophy behind Upward as a result. With all of that said, here are some things you need to know about competitive travel softball. Stop digging through message boards and groups, search and find your next team today! Then, another tournament every weekend from late spring through July or August. How to Start a Travel Softball Team | Jersey Watch There are TONs of small but critically important things young players learn over the course of YEARS playing travel softball that you'll have to catch up on, especially if you want to play catcher, the toughest of all positions. They need to run and jump and exercise other muscles than the ones required by baseball. Very few will walk in my church doors on Sunday. By your argument, we should never have church services because, if were in church and the lost people arent, how are we going to win them? I grew up wanting to be a major league baseball player, and Im so glad I never even got drafted. Small town kids grow up playing lots of sports not getting burnt out playing the same one all year round. These coaches have years of experience, and often played many years themselves. In travel ball, players have to try out. After college, my husband played pro baseball for a while and I played on a national team. Today, softball has grown so much that while there are still teams dedicated to providing elite players the absolute best competition to facilitate skill development, there are actually more and more girls playing travel softball primarily for the fun of it often because they want to play more than the standard 20-game schedule offered by rec ball. Ok, now lets switch gears and imagine this. I appreciate the article. What should she do? When you go to a game, you are there to support the team. This is the one your wife wants you to care about. What will travel ball mean for your other kids? He said he had seen it happen. Costs by region (travel mom is from California so these prices maybe a bit higher or lower than what you might spend), but here is her breakdown: FAST, FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS | WIN FREE DIAMOND CLEATS OR SPIKES FOR YOUR TEAM - LEARN MORE, Original Defense Pro Softball Fielder's Mask, Women's Period Protection Volleyball Shorts (3"). There are many problems that can occur when playing travel softball. Even a child with exceptional innate talent still needs to be a good team player. Totally agree with your article. Or are they truly passionate about the sport? I was recently Contemplating to start travel ball from my son recently and for some reason Ive been holding back . And teams may invite players from anywhere in the region. I know you were saying that theres no one answer for everyone. We should be able to admit that to ourselves, but I think sometimes our pride gets in the way. Lack of skill It's not easy to admit that you or someone you love is not good enough for something. He was selected and after spending money on uniforms, dues, tournaments, he was cut from the team because he had a slump in his batting. Keeping Youth Softball Travel Teams in Perspective Travel softball is not for everyone. Rec ball allows them to have fun, play sports, and still be their age without all the stress and competitiveness of travel ball. Lesson learned. Feel free to ask about financials (whats included in team fees, fundraising, etc. Hopefully, this helped you decide whether its the step that you should be taking or not. It was excellent, by the way. Utilize the links below to browse our Travel Softball Rankings. Eternity is at stake. As a volunteer basketball coach for 18+ years, Ive seen girls spiritually suffer by the same well-intentioned convictions of their parents. I have seen it just recently in the church Im attending now. I made the switch from Little League/rec ball to travel ball when I was ten years old, and from then on I consistently played at the highest levels possible.