The uniqueness of All-Stars
All-Stars is often a series of "firsts." All-Stars is the first experience of truly competitive athletics for many boys and girls. It is the first time to play before large crowds (several hundred at the district level, as many as ten thousand at the regional finals). It is the first time many children feel the pressure to perform and win. All-Stars is also the first time many players are not the best player on the team. They must learn to sit on the bench, contribute when given a limited opportunity, and share the success the team achieves. These "firsts" are challenging for every player, and their parents. This can create a significant learning experience.
The goal of All-Stars
We have four unique goals. The first is to provide an intensive clinic/camp type experience. Although only two or three coaches are officially named to the team, other coaches may work with the team in practice. Precise skills for each position are taught. Intensive work on the finer points of the game is covered. Players are able to develop much more rapidly in this environment, both because of the coaching and the quality of their peers in practice.
The second goal is to provide a great team/friend building experience. As one boy said, "All-Stars is not about baseball. It's about friends." Well said! The game is simply the context in which players and their families bond in unique ways and develop significant friendships. The intensity of all stars, coupled with the competitive environment, deepens the bonds of those who share the experience.
The third goal is to build lifelong positive memories. Many people who play in Little League all stars remember it fondly, have memorabilia which they save into adulthood, and remember the experience as a focal point of family life during the late childhood years.
Finally, while Little League promotes equal play/participation throughout its regular season program, all stars is different. The fourth goal of all stars is to win tournaments and advance a team as far a possible each year in the tournaments we enter.
The differences between the regular season and All-Stars
All-Stars is a different experience from the regular season for players AND THEIR PARENTS. It is, as the Little League rule book says, "a whole new ball game." Failure to recognize this can create frustration and disappointment for the players AND THEIR PARENTS. There are three major differences from the regular season parents should note and be prepared for.
First, your child will fail more during all stars. While they were a dominating player on the regular season team, he/she may not be in all stars. Be prepared for this. Have realistic expectations and help your child adjust to his/her diminished results. There are still eighteen outs per team in an all-star game, and now some All-Star must make them!
Second, you will have less control/influence than during the regular season. The Tournament Committee in Williamsport, PA and through the local District Administrators controls the tournaments. While you were able to influence the decisions made in your league by talking with Board members, this influence is not available during tournament play.
Finally, All-Stars is played by different rules than the regular season. Free substitution and roster batting are not used in tournament play. Other rules restrict substitutions, pitching availability, and player utilization. The result of these rules is that some players will play very little…and must learn to cooperate with the manager who makes the playing time decisions.
Parents make the difference
The most influential people in all stars are the parents of the players. By their attitude, effort, cooperation, and contributions, the team is able to succeed. Here are five brief suggestions for parents in all stars.
First, do not coach your child - particularly during the games. Do not sit in the bleachers and shout instructions, comments, or suggestions. Leave all of this to the coaching staff. If you struggle with this, sit in the outfield out of earshot of your child.
Second, do not criticize the coaches or any teammates. Be careful about playing time comments or casual remarks. Remember, playing time is the crucial and controversial issue in all stars. The manager is staying awake late at night stressing about who, when, and how to play all his players. These are never easy decisions. Give them the benefit of the doubt on their decisions and help your child do the same.
Third, be flexible. All-Stars is a very complex process. It is seldom a smooth process. Despite intense efforts to make detailed plans, things sometimes change quickly. Be patient and contribute to solutions to problems as they arise.
Fourth, provide unyielding support for your child. Root them on during the game and give a hug when it's done - win or lose, hero or goat. In the long run, your support will be more meaningful to them than the results of any baseball game.
Finally, be sure your child eats and sleeps properly during all stars. As they develop new friendships they will want to be together more often. Encourage these new friendships but keep in mind this is a time of extensive practicing and mentally exhausting game play. They will be tired and need rest. So have your child home in bed at a proper time. The friendships and bonds they create during this experience will last long past when All Stars is over.