Who watched/attended the Baltimore highlight callback game? What did you think?
Didn’t think the talent was there. Both games too many kids trying too hard to do it alone. Was not overly impressed with either game and certainly not the best players in the area. Good lacrosse; not great lacrosse. The event is not what it used to be. Thinking there are too many “elite” events out there now which is diluting the talent pool and the college coach attendance. Kids have also begun to realize that much of the team is decided before they even tryout so not worth their time during finals week, their parents money etc. unless they are connected. Very surprised to see the number of dad, high school and club coaches evaluating. Do they expect different results when all have a vested interest in having their son, club or high school represented? Perhaps have more objective evaluators involved? Really no different from the All MIAA, All County, All State teams throughout the region. Each high school coach fighting and negotiating behind the scenes for their own kids to make the lists and teams-not because they are the best players (or best coaches capable of making the best assessments) but because it validates them as coaches and is indirectly used as a marketing hammerhead for the school or club they are associated with.
Who should they get as evaluators if not high school and club lacrosse coaches? Youth coaches? Bunch of guys from walmart?
I don’t know...maybe some truly independent evaluators instead of having high school and club coaches who also have their players trying out or worse yet parents who happen to also be coaches because that always goes so well? Not that hard- take some of the money and hire some college coaches or switch with the staff from another region. Using evaluators who know the kids there is nobody who can in good faith say the teams are not politically chosen. Just because you say your kid is the best and playing at the “best” event does not make them or it the best. It is no longer what it once was. Your failure to recognize that and that having players coaches be the evaluators is an inherent weakness is telling. Unfortunately even in kids sports, the money flow and parental and club bragging rights gets in the mix. Unavoidable maybe but let’s recognize it for what it is.
It's always been local HS and Club coaches. Same with other regions. So why is it no longer what it once was? If your son was one of the best at his position during tryouts he was likely noticed by a college coach - even if he didn't make the team.
I guess you didnt read what he wrote?? If you dont think that there is predetermined players picked , there is no hope for any further discussion. UA needs to revamp their tryout process. Great suggestion above, especially bringing in coaches from other regions to evaluate.
Its become a tryout for just a few spots. Having locals evaluate is becoming a problem due to schools and clubs. It is not just a Balt problem either. The South team is loaded with players the coaches know from school/club or other coaches. That is not to say that they arent good players or that there are some players that make the team from tryouts. It is just very limited tryout now and become tainted.
College coaches? This is advertised as tryouts for a team. Isnt that what it is supposed to be??
