Beezer,
I see the point you are trying to make but am a little confused as to your support. As far as I can tell Mary Bynum's name is only mentioned on this message board and not in connection with any SCYSA player personnel decisions. In fact, my son's ODP invitation specifically states that the coach has selected him to participate. The email comes from Mary as I would expect her to handle such admistrative tasks. As to her speach someone must be able to organize the group of unruly overprotective parents and the coaches certainly don't want any part of that.
As a parent, I know I don't!
I agree with your comments concerning the top players should be participating. However, I am not sure it has much to do with participation at tryouts and/or the selection of players whom have not tried out. To the point it has more to do with money than anything else. If the goal is to select the best players than it should be free. Obviously, many great players don't attempt ODP due to financial constraints. In my opinion, players should be invitied to tryout based on their performance in the various leagues within the state. Their respective clubs could nominate them. Once invited those players should not have to foot the bill. This will allow for the selection pool to at least attempt to capture the best players in the state. Sadly, the current system only captures those that can afford it. With the introduction of the academy program one would expect the numbers to decrease which will affect the bottom line. A solution really needs to be defined to ensure the continued success of the ODP program.
Finally, alot of the ODP experience depends on the player and coach. If the player is motivated and the coach is committed the training received is awesome. SCYSA needs to work with the coaches to ensure an adequate number of trainging dates and make sure the coaches are not just padding their personal resumes by going through the motions. Our experience last year was with some of the finest coaching my son has ever received.
