What’s a ringer? And this comment isn’t pointed at you but it always makes me chuckle. All these teams that want to win state or national cup don’t want the best players there, but what are you winning?
Already many of the top teams don’t play because of DA/ECNL whatever. That’s the only reason 90% of these teams have a chance.
However a kid who might have been cut from his his or her team or that wasn’t strong enough to get the playing time may make them a standout with the players there. Does that make them a ringer?
I see so many parents complain on these forums, year after year, about teams playing down, kids guesting etc. I always viewed those competitions as an opportunity to play the elite teams / see how my kid did, sure I wanted to win, but so wasn’t deusional that I’m actually winning something at national cup or state cup.
This is a silly question, but do parents want to win these mostly insignificant tourneys so badly, do they realize the top players and teams likely aren’t playing? (And that’s not taking away from the hard working and skilled kids still in the competition.).
Whatever age you are, look around at your team, either you won’t be there in a year or two, or a large fraction of your team won’t be there.
Buy your kid the sweatshirt so they can wear it at school, post it on FB to show your friends, and sit back and enjoy it. Many coaches I’ve encountered over the years dislike it, don’t enter it, or ahem tank on purpose.
Just enjoy the ride.