04-12-2018, 04:32 AM
I don't think it's fair to compare to how things were when we were that age, but it definitely seems excessive.
Seems like some of these things would be optional guidelines. Maybe check with the league? I would not assume the coach is the final authority. This may be a well-meaning parent volunteer with little or no actual experience at this :quotes: "level." I coached countless baseball, basketball and soccer teams, and those peewee years are a learning experience for everyone—no matter how knowledgeable or experienced you are from having played yourself.
No way they all need their own bats at the game, but if it's inexpensive, I say get it so your child has the proper bat to practice with. I hesitate to advise against playing it safe, but the cup and the heart guard seem totally unnecessary at this age, and I never knew a league that didn't supply enough helmets for the team to share at the younger ages. Maybe it's a lice thing? If a kid has played a couple years and shows interest, I say get him his own helmet so that it fits comfortably and allows him to concentrate and focus properly, but for everyone to get his own at this age? Nahh.
Inexpensive all-purpose cleats are wise, but I'd also check Play it Again or search for hand me downs because kids outgrow them IMMEDIATELY in the elementary school years. I promise you there are countless families in your neighborhood trying to figure out what to do with the gently used pairs of cleats in the bins in their garages.
Oh...and I'm 100% in agreement with the no vinyl glove thing. Get a well fitting glove that your child can manipulate properly. There are some good "soft" designs that are designed to be easy to close. Might make all the difference for a 4 year old.
Seems like some of these things would be optional guidelines. Maybe check with the league? I would not assume the coach is the final authority. This may be a well-meaning parent volunteer with little or no actual experience at this :quotes: "level." I coached countless baseball, basketball and soccer teams, and those peewee years are a learning experience for everyone—no matter how knowledgeable or experienced you are from having played yourself.
No way they all need their own bats at the game, but if it's inexpensive, I say get it so your child has the proper bat to practice with. I hesitate to advise against playing it safe, but the cup and the heart guard seem totally unnecessary at this age, and I never knew a league that didn't supply enough helmets for the team to share at the younger ages. Maybe it's a lice thing? If a kid has played a couple years and shows interest, I say get him his own helmet so that it fits comfortably and allows him to concentrate and focus properly, but for everyone to get his own at this age? Nahh.
Inexpensive all-purpose cleats are wise, but I'd also check Play it Again or search for hand me downs because kids outgrow them IMMEDIATELY in the elementary school years. I promise you there are countless families in your neighborhood trying to figure out what to do with the gently used pairs of cleats in the bins in their garages.
Oh...and I'm 100% in agreement with the no vinyl glove thing. Get a well fitting glove that your child can manipulate properly. There are some good "soft" designs that are designed to be easy to close. Might make all the difference for a 4 year old.