11/26/2019 11:52     Subject: U9 transition to U10 : facing the cutdown

11/26/2019 10:28     Subject: Re:U9 transition to U10 : facing the cutdown

As a coach I can tell you declining offers is a bummer, it creates a ripple down the entire chain of players who will receive offers. That being said, it happens all the time. As a coach it also leaves you with the understanding that your team might not be as good as it potentially could have been.

A lot of clubs will tell you, you have 24, 48, 72 hours etc. to respond. Generally that's a bunch of crap, but they do want quick responses so they can continue to roll offers down to Team B, C etc. There is a limit to their patience, but if they really want you, they'll wait a bit as long as you give some sort of reply.

Does it hurt you later on if you turn down an offer, then come back the next year? For most clubs, no. For clubs those who do scorn players for declining (shameful), they probably don't even notice at the younger ages, a coach would have to remember your kids name and/or looks as they are not normally given a list of attendees from the previous year (I've never seen this anyways...) Me personally, I feel it's my job to take the best players I can... although I have seen some scornful clubs/coaches, but generally as long as you haven't screwed over the club you're trying out for (declining an offer doesn't count), you should be fine.

The club that most people should worry about being upset? Usually their own. Expect to take some heat from the club/coach/team, people read way too much into people trying out for other clubs and call feel like your "second choice" if you return to your original team after tryout out at other places. Why they care about that, I have no idea - as long as you're committed for that year, that's all I care about.

As kids get older they are easier to recognize and remember, especially if you stand out, so if they are used to seeing you for multiple years and used to you turning them down their may be a point where they don't bother, or will hold you to that strict limited time to respond.

While I greatly appreciate loyalty the BEST thing you can do is find the right place for your child to A.) Enjoy the sport! and B.) Develop. You should never be afraid to leave a situation that isn't right for your child, and you shouldn't be afraid to see what's out there, even if you're happy with your current situation. Knowing is better than not knowing.
-Coach