Hello,
Was thinking of putting together a late March "tournament" targeting MAPLE U12-U14 teams and was hoping to get some feedback on what other coaches (and maybe even parents, since they have to make the sacrifice) prefer in terms of format.
For example, right now there are a couple "local" events out of the South Shore and metro West, and both are ~$700 for only 3 guaranteed games (50-minute games, btw). Furthermore, there is potentially significant travel with multiple venues involved with those. Personally, I think it is a lot of money, esp. when one considers that it is preseason and teams will have not really have played outdoors since, um, last week at best, and what is the point of crowning a champion at that point? (Sure, a couple lucky teams in each age bracket will make the playoffs and play beyond the 3).
Anyway I was thinking of 4 games at 60-minutes per (2 on Sat, 2 on Sun), with just a wait of one game in-between the two daily games, so you don't have to kill so much time (plus, it IS March). Games would be at a single multi-field venue and on TURF. No playoffs...just go out there with no pressure to win, get a chance to get the kids used to the outdoor game again, and be able to experiment with different lineups and formations. [Not that it is pertinent here, but as I see it, cost would be no more than $500 per team, and possibly mid-400s....still working on the numbers. Also, location would be Eastern Mass out in the 'burbs, and we would use a 3-man referee system]. Another option might be something where you play, say, 30 mins ag team A, sit 30 mins, play 30 mins ag team B, sit 30 mins, play 30 mins ag team C, and then go home with the option to come back for a second day, but some or all of the opponents might be the same. One benefit is chances to talk more at length with team during breaks and make adjustments and then go back out and see how they adjust...just thoughts.
Do coaches (or parents) feel they would rather have a two-game wait in-between games? 50-minute games starting every hour? Anything else people look for? Playoffs over the "exhibition" idea?
Just not sure if other coaches see the benefit of this type of event over the "tournament" options. The way I see it, like pre-season training for the pros, I would think the emphasis should be on preparation, esp. because of all that is at stake in the short 7-game Spring season, while the the playoff-atmosphere can wait for for Memorial Day w/e when teams are in full stride....but then again, as this forum's variosu threads often show, there is so much emphasis placed on crowning champions at every turn...
Any constructive feedback is much appreciated. Thanks---
AZ
Was thinking of putting together a late March "tournament" targeting MAPLE U12-U14 teams and was hoping to get some feedback on what other coaches (and maybe even parents, since they have to make the sacrifice) prefer in terms of format.
For example, right now there are a couple "local" events out of the South Shore and metro West, and both are ~$700 for only 3 guaranteed games (50-minute games, btw). Furthermore, there is potentially significant travel with multiple venues involved with those. Personally, I think it is a lot of money, esp. when one considers that it is preseason and teams will have not really have played outdoors since, um, last week at best, and what is the point of crowning a champion at that point? (Sure, a couple lucky teams in each age bracket will make the playoffs and play beyond the 3).
Anyway I was thinking of 4 games at 60-minutes per (2 on Sat, 2 on Sun), with just a wait of one game in-between the two daily games, so you don't have to kill so much time (plus, it IS March). Games would be at a single multi-field venue and on TURF. No playoffs...just go out there with no pressure to win, get a chance to get the kids used to the outdoor game again, and be able to experiment with different lineups and formations. [Not that it is pertinent here, but as I see it, cost would be no more than $500 per team, and possibly mid-400s....still working on the numbers. Also, location would be Eastern Mass out in the 'burbs, and we would use a 3-man referee system]. Another option might be something where you play, say, 30 mins ag team A, sit 30 mins, play 30 mins ag team B, sit 30 mins, play 30 mins ag team C, and then go home with the option to come back for a second day, but some or all of the opponents might be the same. One benefit is chances to talk more at length with team during breaks and make adjustments and then go back out and see how they adjust...just thoughts.
Do coaches (or parents) feel they would rather have a two-game wait in-between games? 50-minute games starting every hour? Anything else people look for? Playoffs over the "exhibition" idea?
Just not sure if other coaches see the benefit of this type of event over the "tournament" options. The way I see it, like pre-season training for the pros, I would think the emphasis should be on preparation, esp. because of all that is at stake in the short 7-game Spring season, while the the playoff-atmosphere can wait for for Memorial Day w/e when teams are in full stride....but then again, as this forum's variosu threads often show, there is so much emphasis placed on crowning champions at every turn...
Any constructive feedback is much appreciated. Thanks---
AZ
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