Playing Time
In the travel league, there is no requirement that equal playing time will occur. Over the course of the season, coaches will ensure that each player gets ample playing time, but not necessarily at the player’s or parent’s desired position. As the season progresses, particularly at 12U Top Team and above, players will be positioned so that the team is competitive.

The younger the age group, there will be more stress on individual player development and equal playing time. The older the age group, there will be more stress on team development and placing the most competitive team on the field.

Once a team is selected, coaches must treat all of the players on the team as part of the team.

Playing time is at discretion of the head coach based on the following:

• The need to develop depth of talent at every position.
• Effort of the player in practices and game situations.
• Commitment of the player to improve her skills.
• Skill level of the players on the team.
• Unexcused absences at practices, games, tournaments and team meetings.

Playing time can also be impacted (but is not limited to) the following:

• Disciplinary action is being taken.
• The player has been suspended.
• The player is injured or sick.
• Games shortened due to time limit or inclement weather.

Player Development
Player development and depth of talent and skills at each position is extremely important and is encouraged at every age level. As a result, every player needs to receive opportunities during practices and/or games to learn to perform in all game situations. However, not all players have the attributes or training required to play certain positions (for example, pitcher, catcher or shortstop). Therefore, not all players will be given the opportunity to play at her "favorite" position, or where their parent wants them to play. 

Travel coaches will continue to develop the skills of every player on the team. Players should be given opportunities to play at positions where they will be successful and to build player confidence. The younger the age group, the more playing time should be arranged to enhance the development of skills for every player at more than one position. 

Team development should consist of teaching teamwork and the concept of working together toward a common goal. Care must be taken to make certain that every player is a part of the team. Positive reinforcement is a necessity as new positions and skills are developed.

We believe you will find the following links and materials helpful. If you agree, feel free to ask your team players and parents to review. Also, if you find other resources to share with coaches, please e-mail them to Cami Dahlstrom.

The below document is a checklist of things to do to get started in anticipation of the season:

Pages can be edited by team coaches and managers if permission has been granted for their specific user IDs by the web administrator. If you believe you need access, contact Brette Esterbrooks

To edit pages:

Log on with your user ID and password.

Click into "EDIT MODE" in the corner to edit page content.

To add an item to the CALENDAR, click on the 'add an event' icon on the gold bar above the calendar element.

To add a new section (element) to the team page, select your desired Page Element from the menu (typically Text Block) and click "ADD ELEMENT"

To make changes to a Page Element, just click "EDIT" in the yellow bar

You can rearrange Page Elements by clicking, holding and dragging each element's yellow bar.
 

For more documentation, please visit the NGIN Knowledge Base.

If you have feedback, questions, or concerns about travel, please contact our OSA Travel Program Director.