15 Questions to Ask Before Your Kid Joins a Travel Team

Tryout season is exciting—but it can also be a little overwhelming. You’re driving all over town, filling out forms, and trying to figure out if a team is the right fit for your athlete (and your family).

The truth is, you’re not just evaluating your kid’s performance—you’re evaluating the team. So don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, you should. Coaches expect it, and the good ones welcome it.

Here are some of the top questions parents should ask at tryouts to make sure you’re getting the full picture:

1. What’s the expected time commitment?

   Does the team practice twice a week or five? Are tournaments all local or are you looking at cross-country flights? Ask how many weekends are typically booked during the season and when the season starts and ends. Think about if/how you will plan your vacations.

2. What’s the total cost—and what’s included?

   Ask for a full breakdown. Are uniforms included or a separate cost? How about required equipment such as team bags, helmets, etc. Tournament fees, facility rentals, team bonding events… it all adds up. A clear answer upfront saves you from surprise expenses later.

3. What does the travel schedule look like?

   Are there out-of-town tournaments? Overnight stays? Will you travel out of state? Will you need to take time off work? Make sure you understand what your family is signing up for—especially in the spring and summer.

4. Who’s coaching—and what’s their philosophy?

   This one matters a lot. Ask about the coaches’ experience, what they prioritize (development vs. wins), and how they handle things like playing time, position assignments, or player conflicts.

5. How does communication work?

   GameChanger? Group texts? Weekly emails? You’ll want to know how practice changes, payments, and general updates are shared—and how often.

6. What kind of development can we expect?

   Is the team focused on skill-building, reps, and long-term player growth—or just stacking the lineup to win next weekend’s trophy? Ask if there’s a plan for each player or any individual feedback throughout the season.

7. Are multi-sport athletes welcome?

   If your athlete plays more than one sport, this is a big one. Some teams expect full-time commitment to softball; others are more flexible. Don’t assume—ask directly.

8. What are the expectations around off-season training?

   Is there a winter workout program? Is attendance optional or required? Some teams pause between seasons; others run year-round.

9. What’s the team culture like?

   Is it competitive but fun? Cutthroat? (No one will use this word, but you’ll be able to tell.) Supportive? What kind of behavior is expected from players and families—and how is it handled if issues come up?

10. How is playing time determined?

    Is it equal play for development or earned play for competition? It’s okay to ask. You don’t want to be surprised mid-season.

11. How are rosters managed if players miss games or practices?

    Find out how flexible the team is when life happens. Are missed practices punished? Is missing a tournament a dealbreaker? 

12. Can I talk to current or former parents?

    This one’s gold. Current parents can give you an honest take on what it’s really like to be part of the team—the good, the great, and the could-be-better.

13. Is there a team contract or code of conduct?

    Some teams have formal expectations for both players and parents. Ask to see it—it can give you a lot of insight into what matters most to the program. And what happens if one of the players or parents violates it?

14. What happens if we have a concern during the season?

    Is there an open-door policy? Is there a chain of communication? A team that welcomes feedback is usually a team that grows well together.

15. What are the team’s goals for the season?

    Are they aiming for college showcases? Developmental growth? Winning league titles? Look for alignment between what the team wants and what your player needs.

Bottom line: your athlete is trying out, but you’re evaluating the team just as much as they’re evaluating your kid. These questions can help you spot red flags, align on expectations, and—hopefully—find a team where your player can truly thrive.