Why are tournaments necessary? (Or why not just play friendlies)
- Thread starter timbuck
- Start date
They just need a beer.
electrichead72
SILVER ELITE
I've been fortunate in that my older daughter's coach has been coaching in our IE area for many years and knows a lot of coaches from other teams. When we play a good team, during league or tournament play, he makes it a point to get their info and contact them in the future for friendlies, so we play teams that are competitive and so do they. He's even set up these mini round-robin game days a few times.
As to State Cup hoodies, to us parents, they may seem silly, but to the kids, it's a symbol of playing in a big tournament, even if they don't get past the first three games. They wear it to school and it can be a big deal for them. We know it's not a big deal, but to them, in their school, they're one of few that have them. I'm ok spending $40 for them to have that.
As to State Cup hoodies, to us parents, they may seem silly, but to the kids, it's a symbol of playing in a big tournament, even if they don't get past the first three games. They wear it to school and it can be a big deal for them. We know it's not a big deal, but to them, in their school, they're one of few that have them. I'm ok spending $40 for them to have that.
jpeter
PREMIER
Middle schoolers perhaps. 6th grade and he would wear his customized one with the champions on the back.
By time they reach high School all about the "brand names" ; Fear of God, Champion, Hilfiger, etc either that our your EPL or La Liga team hoodie.
jpeter
PREMIER
Now we are talking PARTY!
sweeperkeeper
SILVER
100% agree.... There are several teams that I have talked to that were seriously discussing backing out of State Cup. Of course, this was after we paid and entered.
However, I think the seeds are being planted that in future years teams are going to reconsider forking up the money for the last tournament. Unless you were 1st or 2nd in your league, you are likely to only play the 3 games. For the additional $$ I think many parents and kids are ready to call it a season. I've talked to parents whose teams are doing over 10 tournaments a year. I have no idea how they do it mentally or financially. I think 4 tournaments and maybe picking up 1-2 if you are able to get in as a late entry seems about right.I would love to see more friendlies as an alternative. As a few have mentioned, getting the field seems to be the deal breaker in making all of this work.
coachrefparent
GOLD
Bigger drawback is when you play a team that thinks they are better than you but playing like pansies, and you are beating them and they start to play dirty and blame the ref. Until you beat them and the d-bag coach says something about his best players being hurt or couldn't make it, when all your players know the kids on the other team and they're all there, but you're missing a few starters. That makes the risk of injury all worthwhile.
ItsCalledSoccer
SILVER
I do think there are way too many tournaments around. Maybe CalSouth needs to grade these tournaments and ensure there is a minimum number of teams at every age group to be sanctioned the following year. Tournaments that only have one bracket at an age group (2 groups of 3 or 4) simply cannot guarantee value with the vast differences in ability between teams entering. You need at least two flights at every level, so minimum of 12 teams per age group. I've seen lots that don't make this, and should be combined with other tournaments.
Having a balance of tournaments and scrimmages is ideal. Yes having a field to play on is a big plus, and coaches having the confidence to play local teams.
Having a balance of tournaments and scrimmages is ideal. Yes having a field to play on is a big plus, and coaches having the confidence to play local teams.
coachrefparent
GOLD
Coaches know which tournaments are good and bad some like the bad ones, some like the good ones. Most play in too low a flight.