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[quote=Anonymous]
There are a lot of positives to travel sports, but here are some cons to consider:

- Travel sports are a big business. Your child will be able to play as long as someone else is making money.

- You will encounter many wonderful coaches, parents, teammates, etc. You will also encounter people who are only looking out for their own best interests, which are often not what is in your child's best interest. You'll need to help them to navigate this.

- I'd recommend that going in you set the ground rules of what you're willing to do and what your family wants to get out of the experience. Revisit this each season to make sure you're still comfortable with the tradeoffs that you are making. Will you pay for private coaching to get better playing time? Are you okay with making the sport a priority over all else? Will you allow your child to stay on a team with an abusive coach because you think it will get them to the next level?

- Remember that your adolescent child will be spending a tremendous amount of time with their coaches and teammates. Often more time than they will spend with parents and siblings. Ask yourself if they are being influenced by the right people and staying true to your families values.

- Be comfortable with the fact that there can be lifelong consequences, both good and bad. I've seen middle schools sustain injuries that may well be life altering. Yes, they love to play the game, but do they love it enough to sustain multiple concussions, to endure multiple surgeries before they are 18? To walk with a limp at 30? Sure, the chance of injury is slight, but it can happen and you should go in with your eyes open.

- This all sounds negative, but overall my family has had positive experiences in 3 different travel sports, and I have seen sports be truly life changing in a positive way, but you need to go into it with your eyes open.

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