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Differences Between Recreational And Travel Softball: What's Right For You?
There is nothing that a parent loves more than saying their kids play travel ball. But what is travel ball? Is it better than little league? Let's dissect what playing travel/club ball really means.
How do you want to spend your weekends?
Do you want your kids to play one game and go home and do something else with their weekend? Or, do you want to be at the ball field at 7am and stay until 10:30pm (If you have a good team). That's the worst-case scenario, but sometimes it's a two-day tournament and you have to repeat the early wake-up the next day, sometimes just to go home after the first game.
How much do you want to pay?
Rec-ball is usually a flat fee for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Travel Ball has a larger sign-up cost with commitment and per-tournament fees. There is fundraising to help offset the costs of the per tournament fees. If you like to raise money or have deep pockets, then travel ball is a good option. Don't forget your family will have to pay a fee at the gate if you don't head coach, that will run you at least $8 to $10 per person.
What do you kids want to do?
Are your kids super competitiveĀ or do they just enjoy the playing game? There's a balance between what you know is good for your kids and what they want to do. You have to let them learn on their own sometimes.
Do you like to hear parents nonstop bragging about their kids?
Before the first practice even begins parents are already setting the bar high for their kids. If they fall short of that expectation, venom is spewed towards the child through correction. This doesn't always happen, but about 90% of the time.
