USSSA All-STar Border Bash July 29-31

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TESTING-  Testing acts as a compass to inform  the athlete exactly where they stand and what areas need to be targeted with next steps in training.  A completely objective measuring component used by high schools and colleges to see how players project at the next level and what specific requirements are needed for the athlete to perform within a schools program.  Accountability is created upon testing and creating a digital athletic profile which can be used to track the athletes entire journey and allow all stakeholders to participate.  IF A PLAYER IS  NOT TESTED THEY WILL BE PLACED ON A TEAM BASED UPON WHAT CLASSIFICAION THEIR PRIMARY TRAVEL TEAM IS DESIGNATED AS. I.E. IF YOU PLAY FOR A AA TEAM YOU WILL BE PLACED ON A AA ALL-STAR TEAM. 

COMPETITIVE ADAPTABILITY- This is a supplemental program that is intended to challenge the players in getting out of their bubble to learn to play with new teammates in a new environment so they learn how to manage emotions and pressures of the game.  This process puts new eyes on the players and a  different perspective which breaks down the barriers to develop.  A new environment requires a new approach and skills to manage social and competitive situations that normally do not exist. 

PLAY FEARLESS -  We  ask the players to play fearless and to live a little bit by challenging themselves to compete with committed players who have similar or greater talent.   Iron sharpens iron and in many cases players do not receive suitable challenges outside of their existing environments to assist their overall development.  How does the "Big Fish" react when leaving the small pond and enters the Ocean?

EXPOSURE-  Athletes gain exposure to other top level athletes who are driven and ultimately end up going to the next level.  Being exposed to a competitive environment where a new coach and new teammates are involved creates a true understanding of how this athlete is going to develop with the challenges of the game. 

PARTICIPATION REQUREMENTS/STANDARDS- This is an out of the box experience and all players and family members must be supportive of the team and the program never speaking out badly or misrepresenting the organization with displeasure.  There is always a parent or two that seems to have everything all figured out and  can minimize the experience of the group.  At any time the director sees fit, due to poor behavior, the player and or the parent will be released from the program forfeiting all monies paid and their position on the team. 

Free Substitution- In all cases we will bat a continuous lineup and play free substitution with no one player sitting out more than one inning at a time. (unless an injury)

Pitching:  No curveballs, sliders, split finger pitches for players 12 and below.  Fastballs, change ups,  and knuckleballs are ok.  13 and 14 year old's should  not throw more than 10%  curve balls or sliders.

Pitch counts are 30 or more in a  day  cannot pitch the next day.  No pitcher should throw more than 75 pitches in the tournament or in one outing. 

Design of this program is to provide opportunity for players to participate in an event that requires "team building" and personal development.  This is not like your typical travel team and will not be managed like it is the typical travel team tournament. The point. purpose and desire is the expose these players and families to an environment that is pure to the development of the game and has everyone's best interest at hand.  Winning or losing teams does not dictate the value gained from this event.   Either way the kids win as they learn competitive adaptability and get to enjoy a great experience.