Trading Pins

[coachje]

We are gearing up for 3 National events coming later this Spring/Summer. Each event has a kickoff BBQ with parade and pin trading. Since this is a new experience for us, I'm hoping the experts here can help.

1. Are trading pins still a big deal?
2. Size?
3. How many per kid (3 events)?
4. Mandatory per player, or optional?
5. Do the parents pay? (we did not budget for this within the dues).
6. Towel or similar for displaying?

Since several teams are probably researching this now, I thought it would be helpful to get some feedback.

Thanks.

 

[Pigskinguru34]

First and foremost are you part of an organization? Meaning are there more than just your team in the group? If you are part of an organization that has many teams you try and go in with multiple teams within the organization to bring the cost per pin way down.

For three events it can get costly because on average you give every player like 20 pins an event and a pin trading necklace to pin them on. at 10u and 12u it was a big deal. at 14u they started to finally outgrow it. Usually you try and get 1 day at walmart or something similar to shake the can and hopefully raise the $1,000+ to fund the pins.

 

[Gambler Bob]

1- We are a 10u team. Yes, trading pins is still done at Nationals.
2- We ordered the 1.75 size
3- We did 25 per player
4- Optional
5- Parents had to pay an additional $45
6- We did the necklace thing that you attach the pins to.