Recreational teams are the initial step in participating for
the first time. Players register individually or in small groups and directors are tasked to assign them to
coaches. It is a challenging process for administrators to try and best match players, parents, and coaches. Comparable
expectations among disparate parties can be just a guess. Usually the primary expectation is that kids will
be allowed a first opportunity at the game to ascertain interest.
DEVELOPMENTAL
The characteristics of teams in development are that they have a
higher goal than just player participation and strive for more than a basic experience. The coach will engage
in an effort to inform himself and players on proper techniques through research or introductory instructional offerings. Player
selection is still open and likely to encompass slightly larger core groups of players attending the same class at school,
church association, or neighborhood.
COMPETITIVE
Teams arrive at the competitive level when coaches with an increasing
measure of experience have united a group of players and parents for a higher level of instruction, training, and commitment
in time and travel. To say that teams are built for the pursuit of winning games is unfair as these teams
will engage in more rigorous practice schedules and tournament play seeking quality opponents to measure themselves against.
Teams will be formed through selective means with groups of skilled players migrating from two or more teams.
Individual invitations and limited tryouts are used to fill specific openings.
ALL STAR
All star teams are comprised of players by position with honorary
designation from a specific player pool. A league or community will choose the best players for representational
purposes in state tournaments or higher in some cases, but generally they serve as recognition for a players accomplishment
and skill. The credibility of all star teams are only as good as the process of choosing the best players.
ACADEMY
Academy or club teams are built for the purpose of maximizing training
and increasing player exposure to the colleges and professional ranks. The investment is high and the potential rewards
real. The maximized training is accomplished year round in facilities designed for that specific purpose. Increased
visibility of player skills is accomplished by the number of games played at distant locations. Academies are limited
by area population sizes and dollar costs involved to participate.
