The hot topic of discussion in the 2016 Travel Ball Caucus at the NFCA Convention was two words: All-American’s. Should there or should there not be NFCA All-American’s at the travel ball level? That was the question and one that sparked arouse in the lecture hall among the coaches in attendance. The proposal was presented as an idea but didn’t have much detail to go off of. The purpose was to present the idea and vote on whether to continue exploring the idea or not. It was explained that regional committees would be formed across the country, conference calls would need to be made on a regular schedule, and there would be an expected increase workload placed on the shoulders of the travel ball coaches. Travel Ball in this setting included both club and community programs from my understanding.
Opinions on the hot topic were then handed over to the coaches in the audience. It came down to two key points, how would implementing travel ball NFCA All-American’s benefit the sport and how would it essentially hurt the sport? See breakdown below:
Benefits:
- Positive news, results would help grow the game
- Celebrate Athletes, reward them for hard work and play
- Helps NFCA (the coach of the player would need to be an NFCA member)
- Positive for the kids who win the award
Negatives:
- Political – it would be hard not to think this
- Big Name players from Big Name programs would be main focus
- Does a small name player from a small name program have a fair chance?
- If a coach doesn’t want to be involved, it hurts the player
- Extra hours and work for coaches
The hour-long discussion went by in the blink of an eye and soon enough it was time to vote. The majority of coaches in attendance voted yes, in favor for exploring the idea of travel ball NFCA All American’s. It will start at the 18U level as a test run and make its way down to the younger age groups, without going below 14U. When will this happen? Don’t be surprised if the idea is played around with this upcoming 2017 summer season.
