Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 16:08     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Stress and hierarchy amongst middle school girls on a team where you pay to be there and is supposed to be fun and a way to make friends. Sign me up.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 16:04     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:It’s fine if everyone knew this info before signing up. Then those who didn’t want to compete every week could have gone elsewhere.



You think clubs tell kids this?
I don't.

We have two boys going to FVU from our team. We had a roster of 17 and everyone played a lot. They are not even going to get to go to the games is my guess and the parents have no idea.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:54     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
It’s fine if everyone knew this info before signing up. Then those who didn’t want to compete every week could have gone elsewhere.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:42     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I had friends with kids who felt like every week was a try out to dress for the bottom half of the roster. Sounded unpleasant.


The horror! You have to earn your place each week kinda like in life in a way mind blown


Yeah and this is completely inappropriate for 8th graders.


I agree. What a nasty vibe for a team. As if middle school wasn't rough enough.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:38     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?



These are 2012 girls, most of whom will be in eighth grade in the fall.

From the responses I gather that this kind of system is common. I hear what folks are saying about injuries depleting the number of players who are physically able to be available for games. That's depressing in its own right, though no doubt reality.

The person who asked about the size of the B team raises a good point. I don't know how big the B team roster is. It would be frustrating for those players as well, if top team players who don't dress come and take away playing time for them.

We will just have to prepare DD for a more internally competitive environment.

--OP
. There will be tears from girls not playing and a few will end up quitting. The large roster only benefits the club. It’s all about $.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:38     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:DD’s club team next season will have 21-23 players on the roster but only 18 will be able to dress for games. Those not dressing for a given game may be able to play with the B team that weekend.

Is this typical? What kind of team dynamics can we expect under such a system?

If the same kids are left out each week my guess is they’ll eventually leave the club.

If kids are trying to compete for the 18 game day slots week to week, I guess it might make for a better team — but not much team camaraderie, if your friend is also your enemy.

Different amounts of playing time due to differences in ability/contribution on the field is one thing. But to be competing just to get to go to the games seems potentially destabilizing to team morale.

If you’ve experienced this kind of system already, how is this likely to shake out?


In the worst case scenario, you are a B team player practicing with A team with the ability earn an A team spot. Sounds like a merit-based opportunity.

That is the type of scenario that will make American great again 😉

Why would a person leave? Their ego says they are A but they perform at a B level? 👋
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:31     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:We will be in a situation with an over large roster, already are the B team, and preferential minutes to the starting 11 (75%).

My DS reaction so far to the future challenge has been good, he's training and preparing himself all summer to win a starting spot. If he doesn't get one immediately though it will be a real test of fortitude to see how long he can motivate and keep pushing.


May I ask if you think the starting 11 deserve their spots? Was your DS able to earn some playing time?
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:31     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Op, what age group? As you head into high school, this is typical not just for internal competition, but also because injuries start to multiply as bodies become bigger and stronger. DD's team has a 22 person roster and except for playoffs, I can't recall a recent game where anyone didn't dress involuntarily.



These are 2012 girls, most of whom will be in eighth grade in the fall.

From the responses I gather that this kind of system is common. I hear what folks are saying about injuries depleting the number of players who are physically able to be available for games. That's depressing in its own right, though no doubt reality.

The person who asked about the size of the B team raises a good point. I don't know how big the B team roster is. It would be frustrating for those players as well, if top team players who don't dress come and take away playing time for them.

We will just have to prepare DD for a more internally competitive environment.

--OP


sadly this is popular and they're even doing this as low as U12 (2013s) with clubs having big rosters playing in multiple leagues. I hate it and don't agree with this style for younger ages, but it does help certain players and definitely the club with $$$
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:30     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
The usual situation is that there are a group of 4-5 kids who are always excluded from the game day roster. The may have multiple goalies and alternate them, but you have field players who won't get on the roster, and then you have to consider how much time players 17 and 18 on the bench are even going to get. Unless you are sure the coach (not you, or your BFF) thinks your kid is comfortably top half of the roster, turn around and walk away.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:29     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I had friends with kids who felt like every week was a try out to dress for the bottom half of the roster. Sounded unpleasant.


The horror! You have to earn your place each week kinda like in life in a way mind blown


Yeah and this is completely inappropriate for 8th graders.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:26     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
We will be in a situation with an over large roster, already are the B team, and preferential minutes to the starting 11 (75%).

My DS reaction so far to the future challenge has been good, he's training and preparing himself all summer to win a starting spot. If he doesn't get one immediately though it will be a real test of fortitude to see how long he can motivate and keep pushing.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:24     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:I had friends with kids who felt like every week was a try out to dress for the bottom half of the roster. Sounded unpleasant.


Unpleasant is funny
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:23     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:Do RL teams carry more than 18 once in high school?

Depends on the coach and team, but typically yes.

You’ll see- you want a big roster because there are too many injuries and conflicts.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:19     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
Anonymous wrote:I had friends with kids who felt like every week was a try out to dress for the bottom half of the roster. Sounded unpleasant.


The horror! You have to earn your place each week kinda like in life in a way mind blown
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2025 15:17     Subject: Over-rostered team dynamics — what to expect?
This sounds so unpleasant. I would not want my kid in that environment. Not to mention the logistics. Not knowing if and when you have to be at a game until last minute will tie up your schedule unnecessarily.