Don’t stick together

In regard to your article “Stick with it” , what can I say? How about, that was really some poorly founded advice, when he made the statement that you should not change players (in regards to the alternates I am assuming) in the midst of a tournament because it causes a loss of momentum and morale. He recommends that a team should inform their alternates that they most likely will not even have a chance to play, therefore they should not even pay. I feel that this is a grave error in statement to pass on to someone who is considering forming a team.

I am former captain of the team 10-7 SOUTH JERSEY, have played on TEAM OVERKILL, THE ORDER and MERCENARIES FOR HIRE. I am currently forming a team in South Jersey for the upcoming tournament season. I have been playing tournament ball since 1993 and have seen or made virtually every mistake in the management of a team that there is to make, much to my dismay. Believe me when I say those statements are wrong.

First an alternate is not someone along for the ride. An alternate should be in a rotational pattern with all the members of the team. He should pay his share of the tournament in order to offset the total cost and lessen the burden on his team mates. This is often essential when you’re first starting a team, especially when you don’t have sponsors who are willing to make monetary contributions towards entry fees. If he is just going along for the ride without paying or playing, he is “support”, not an “alternate.” If his name is on the roster he should pay as well as play. Talk about breaking down morale, tell someone, “Yeah your on the team, but your not playing.”

So what was your error? First this player who by your own statement was not a very good player was invited along to play in the tournament. The problem is not that that this is a poor player, the problem is that this person does not even appear to be a member of the team! A team is just what it says, a team. They are as one unit attempting to attain a common goal. They should think as one, move as one, communicate as one, and they will win as one. A team practices together, they know what to expect from one another. Inviting someone to play in a tournament who is not a member of the team and does not attend practices on a regular basis, even as an alternate, is foolish. They will not know what to expect, they will not know the plays, and they will only hinder the members of the team. If your going to take on an outsider for the team, Don’t do it at a tournament!
An alternate needs to be a participating member of the team long before the day of the tournament. He should be able and comfortable enough to play with any and all members of the team as they are to play with him. He is a member of the team, shares in their expenses, and plays in the tournament. Anything else is just support.

Thank you for your patience and time in regards to this matter. If you have any further questions or wish to debate this topic or any other, please feel free to contact me. I am dedicated to playing ball and I love the chance to voice my opinion.

Tigerdoggen@aol.com

Staff Note:
Thank you Jim, for taking the time to send us your thoughtful advice. We are confident that our readers will greatly benefit from seasoned veterans like yourself.