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If
you are trying to make a decision as to whether to allow your child
participate on a travel team answering the following questions may help:
Is your
child physically as well as psychologically ready to compete at a higher
level?
Travel teams provide
an opportunity for those seeking a more competitive league. To
earn a position on a travel team, a player must have strong skills and
demonstrate proficiency in the game so competition is tough. As a
result there is more pressure to perform on a travel team then in a
recreational setting. You must determine whether your child is ready for
this type of pressure.
Is your
child truly motivated to play on a travel team?
Your child must be
extremely dedicated to becoming a better player and must be willing to
commit a great deal of time to the team. Practices are longer,
travel is further, and play time is all year round.
Travel coaches are striving to integrate the team so that they work as
one unit not as individuals. What this means is that every player
is an integral part of the team and will be missed if they are not
there. So be sure your child understands the commitment that they
are under-taking when joining a travel team.
Are you
prepared for the time and financial commitments?
Talk to other parents
to determine exactly what the financial commitment will be and make sure
it is within your budget. In addition, investigate the time
commitment involved. You need to find out how many times a
week they practice as well as when and where does it occur. Also
consider the distance that you will have to travel for games. Does
this fit into your family's schedule?
Can
your child handle not making the team?
Try-outs are a part
of life as a travel team player. The competition can be healthy as
long as you, as a parent, remember that athletics is only one part
of your child's being. It is important to display pride and give
positive feedback regardless if the child makes the team or not.
What
other opportunities are available in your community for your child?
Remember that
learning and improvement come from participation and play so although
travel teams may appear to be the best does it benefit YOUR child.
You need a team where your child's personal and athletic abilities will
improve. Maybe it is a travel team - maybe its not.
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