How much extra time is reasonable?

[Anonymous]

DC recently got an offer for a top team. The club is not quite done with tryouts for DC’s age group. Tryouts for other clubs, including DC’s current club, have not even started yet.

DC plays for the top team at the current club and will almost certainly be offered top team again for next year. But from what we hear, several teammates are trying out elsewhere. If the current team stays together, DC would likely want to stay, but would probably prefer to move if half the kids end up leaving.

It’s really hard to make a decision without having all the info. DC’s teammates will do whatever is best for them, as they should. It’s just hard to know what’s best for our DC without knowing the team makeup for next year.

Is it reasonable to ask for a little more time to decide? How much extra time is reasonable? I don’t mind losing deposit money if needed, but the contract says we are financially responsible for the season if we accept the offer. What’s the point of a non-refundable deposit if that’s the case? It would be really nice to have this option while continuing to explore others, but not sure how to do that without being held liable for the money. I’m afraid to ask the coach about what we are actually on the hook for. Help!

[Anonymous]

You can always ask for extra time. The worst they can do is say no.

We just went through this, but we went ahead and signed up with another club and our own tryouts haven't started yet.

If we change our mind, I'll lose the deposit if needed and I would lit the club know as soon as possible we decided not to go with them, giving them time to find a replacement if needed... thereby alleviating our contracted obligation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can always ask for extra time. The worst they can do is say no.

We just went through this, but we went ahead and signed up with another club and our own tryouts haven't started yet.

If we change our mind, I'll lose the deposit if needed and I would lit the club know as soon as possible we decided not to go with them, giving them time to find a replacement if needed... thereby alleviating our contracted obligation.

So is this something people typically do? I am a bit paranoid because of a situation a few years ago that is not sports related, where an organization came after parents with lawyers because the parents backed out of something after signing a contract that said they were financially responsible for the whole year. I would also think it really burns a bridge to formally accept and then say never mind?

[Anonymous]

Just ask for time. If the new club really wants your kid they will give you all the time you need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just ask for time. If the new club really wants your kid they will give you all the time you need.

This advice is also different for clubs like Bethesda [less time] vs DCSC [who will take your yes in August]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC recently got an offer for a top team. The club is not quite done with tryouts for DC’s age group. Tryouts for other clubs, including DC’s current club, have not even started yet.

DC plays for the top team at the current club and will almost certainly be offered top team again for next year. But from what we hear, several teammates are trying out elsewhere. If the current team stays together, DC would likely want to stay, but would probably prefer to move if half the kids end up leaving.

It’s really hard to make a decision without having all the info. DC’s teammates will do whatever is best for them, as they should. It’s just hard to know what’s best for our DC without knowing the team makeup for next year.

Is it reasonable to ask for a little more time to decide? How much extra time is reasonable? I don’t mind losing deposit money if needed, but the contract says we are financially responsible for the season if we accept the offer. What’s the point of a non-refundable deposit if that’s the case? It would be really nice to have this option while continuing to explore others, but not sure how to do that without being held liable for the money. I’m afraid to ask the coach about what we are actually on the hook for. Help!

If you're okay with losing the small deposit, register and pay the deposit for the spot. Worse case if you choose to stay at your current club you only lose your deposit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC recently got an offer for a top team. The club is not quite done with tryouts for DC’s age group. Tryouts for other clubs, including DC’s current club, have not even started yet.

DC plays for the top team at the current club and will almost certainly be offered top team again for next year. But from what we hear, several teammates are trying out elsewhere. If the current team stays together, DC would likely want to stay, but would probably prefer to move if half the kids end up leaving.

It’s really hard to make a decision without having all the info. DC’s teammates will do whatever is best for them, as they should. It’s just hard to know what’s best for our DC without knowing the team makeup for next year.

Is it reasonable to ask for a little more time to decide? How much extra time is reasonable? I don’t mind losing deposit money if needed, but the contract says we are financially responsible for the season if we accept the offer. What’s the point of a non-refundable deposit if that’s the case? It would be really nice to have this option while continuing to explore others, but not sure how to do that without being held liable for the money. I’m afraid to ask the coach about what we are actually on the hook for. Help!

If your kid's happiness for one full year worth $200-$300? If so, pay the deposit and see what happens. If you lose it so what. It's only a couple hundred but your kid gets to be happier for a year. Well worth the money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just ask for time. If the new club really wants your kid they will give you all the time you need.

Yeah, that's my take, too. Based on what you've said, I would "ask" for more time politely but firmly, basically let the current club know that "We'll need until [date] to make a decision." They might try to pressure you to decide sooner, but if you stick to your guns, and if they really want your DC, when the time comes they will almost certainly accept them onto the team.

My DC has been a top-team player for a few different clubs over the years, and there are always one or two "new" kids who join at various points during the year. That clearly shows that there is almost always room on the roster for a player that the club really wants, regardless of any "sign-up deadline."

Of course, this mostly comes down to: How good is your DC and how much would a team want them? From what you've said it sounds like they're one of the best players on the team; that obviously is a key factor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just ask for time. If the new club really wants your kid they will give you all the time you need.

This is our experience. We've always been near the last to commit for our DC. DC is a someone always wanted for the team, so I don't know if others who ask are told pay today or we're moving to another player to replace yours.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We decided to be honest about how much time would be needed, basically in the way that 8:39 suggested. The coach seemed understanding and left the door open for us to follow up at that time. I’m glad we didn’t just accept and pay a deposit only to possibly back out later. This is a team DC may want to try out for again next year if DC ends up staying put for now, so did not want to burn that bridge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC recently got an offer for a top team. The club is not quite done with tryouts for DC’s age group. Tryouts for other clubs, including DC’s current club, have not even started yet.

DC plays for the top team at the current club and will almost certainly be offered top team again for next year. But from what we hear, several teammates are trying out elsewhere. If the current team stays together, DC would likely want to stay, but would probably prefer to move if half the kids end up leaving.

It’s really hard to make a decision without having all the info. DC’s teammates will do whatever is best for them, as they should. It’s just hard to know what’s best for our DC without knowing the team makeup for next year.

Is it reasonable to ask for a little more time to decide? How much extra time is reasonable? I don’t mind losing deposit money if needed, but the contract says we are financially responsible for the season if we accept the offer. What’s the point of a non-refundable deposit if that’s the case? It would be really nice to have this option while continuing to explore others, but not sure how to do that without being held liable for the money. I’m afraid to ask the coach about what we are actually on the hook for. Help!

1. Ask for extra time.
2 Accept the offer and pay the deposit of a few hundred. If you decide to move you lose the deposit. Worth it considering a season is a full year.

[Anonymous]

Never sign something that commits you to the full cost of the next season if you aren’t prepared to pay it.

[Anonymous]

Be honest. Always the best way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be honest. Always the best way.

True