Children making decisions

I just don't understand why a coach would embrace the new ideology of letting children make adult decisions. What's even worse, if the parents are on board with this idea and encouraging it just so they can say my 14U has committed to go play softball at the University of .......... that is just out right stupid no matter how you cut it. I think the idea of softball being a resource for a young a lady to get an education has passed. It seems it's more about how young a player commits to go to whatever school so come play for our organization and we will get you there to. I really would like to see the NCAA step in and put a stop to this as I believe this is nothing more than a disservice to youth softball players.

If this is the new normal, I wouldn't make it in the TB world these days. You can say I'm living in the past if you like but this is idea is just plain crazy. Very sad to see that others that are supposed to be guiding our youth are doing nothing but serving their own interests. I assume those that embrace this ideology would also embrace and accept other asinine ideas as well.

 

Been out of the loop for a while but it looks like nothing has changed much. All about the dollar (scholarship) carrot to stack teams/organizations.

Considering players individually there is probably not much harm. In fact, the opposite is probably true—benefit instead of harm.

Where the harm is done is to the sport. And that harm has the potential to negatively affect many more players than the relatively few who will benefit from the "professionalizing" of the game. That's the real danger.

 

I will have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of it benefiting players to commit at such an early age. For starters, a child at that age their mind hasn't developed enough to make a decision on what route they are or will go in life. The age of 14 is very impressionable for a child and for that reason alone a decision like this should be held off until age at least the age of 16 when they can be more focused and have a better idea of what they would like to pursue. Secondly, I believe this can give a kid a false sense of security in believing she has secured a spot on a team when that just isn't the case at all. I also believe that this takes the drive out of a kid and can possibly make them think they don't have to continue to work hard and improve their skill set and just be on "cruise control".

Let me ask this question, how many times will a girl change her clothes before she heads off to school or out with friends???? A lot and with that in mind, how could parents let this stuff occurr and why would the coach and mentor encourage it if it wasn't benefiting them. I do not buy into this bull crap that you have to do this at an early age or coaches will move on to the next person. If a kid is really that good at age 14, she should only get better as she gets older and I'm pretty sure they can find roon (money) for her.

It's funny that I started this thread based on a recommendation from someone on another thread but yet he hasn't offered up any input as of yet. I guess he must be busy on the other forum and doesn't have time for the "good ole network" forum. Yes I have seen where others are posting information about other 2019's making these decisions and I would say this applies to them as well. I really do believe that there is no benefit for a kid to do this but more so it for the benefit of these coaches/organizations. My oh my how the times really have changed

 

This commitment is non-binding. It should serve to show a great potential opportunity. How the adults act on it would be the real concern. They are the ones who have the real power to affect the player's life. Let the love for their DD be their guide.

Bottom line, it's an awesome honor, not much more. Congratulations to the kids. Keep working!

 

I know that it's a non-binding deal but that isn't the point and you right on target about how parents act about it but coaches are also involved with it as well. I guess we can agree that we disagree on this subject. There are some decisions that a child can make BUT....... I hole heartily believe this isn't one they should be making at that age.

 

For those that view it as non-binding is also a part of the problem. When you are giving a verbal, you are making a commitment and giving your word.
Obviously grades, injuries, coaching changes and other unforeseen circumstances can and do at times come in to play, doesn't change the fact than when a verbal is given, it should not be done with the thought that it is non-binding but as making a promise.

Just look at the the statistics of how many college students change their major while at college. That is evidence enough that 17 and 18 year old children do not really know what they want. So how can any reasonable person really think that a 14 year old can.

 

Exactly why it's not and should not be binding!

It's really not binding to some college coaches, either. I'm sure some examples of that could be cited.

 

I recall back in early HS when broken verbal commitments were pretty common. If "I'll love you forever" and "I'll always be yours" isn't binding why should softball promises be?

It's just a super attagirl! Definitely not life altering. At least not negatively!

 

Calling me out

Well Fastpitchdad, you got your wish, here I am as you continue to hide behind the screen of this message board.
I will remind you that I said in my original post that, "I do not agree with the early verbal!"
I don't think it is good for the sport, the player or the college coach. But I differ about whether a player and her family can make this decision at their age.
They can manage a cell phone at 10, we let them drive at 15, we challenge them with honors education at 14.
If a family has there crap together then yes as a group that decision can be made.
I have known several players who after 1st meeting them they know what they want to study and how far from home they want to go. There are some that don't but definitely in todays world kids grow up at a faster pace.
You blame the travel ball guys like me. Huh, I don't think I have ever offer a player a college scholarship. Wow interesting.
The "good ole boy network" has ridiculed me for years for going against the grain. I learned many years ago from college coaches how to help our players. LLG followed a different path and it has paid benefits to many families. Regardless of what year grad they are.
So I say it again, don't hate the player, hate the game.
College coaches set the bar for recruiting travel ball coaches don't. We've had 2019s commit and we have 2016 commit this year. I applaud all of them for capturing their dream. It's up to them now to prepare and be successful. Many have succeeded and many have failed but I'll promise you this. Travel ball coaches only put down the track for these kids to cross college coaches.
In today's recruiting you have to go find them, they don't come out to find you anymore.
Enjoy reading this fastpitchdad. Congrats to all the kids especially in NC that commit at whatever age they are, because it is truly a dream come true!!!!!!!!