Use of equipment

[Hoppadad]

So DD plays travel and rec ball, catcher, 2nd, SS. Last night at a rec ball game the coach had all the girls playing different positions then normal and my daughter was playing 1st. Two other girls caught, both of whom play on a different travel team and have their own catching gear. Without even asking DD they removed her gear from her bag and used it when they where catching. Ive raised my DD to value and take care of what she has, and she does very well for her age. She would never dream of using other peoples equipment, especially without asking first. She didnt say anything due to being the kid who does not like conflict. During the game I could tell something was "off" but didnt notice her gear being used by others. After the game she was livid and fuming.

When she asked why her stuff was out, and being used " your stuff fits better"

How would you go about putting this to a end?

Also have to add, her and myself would gladly let someone who thinks they want to be catcher use her stuff for a game or two just to see if catching is a good fit for that kid before spending the 400 plus dollars on gear...... IF we where approached and asked before hand.

 

[Agcy]

Just going to have to say something to the other players. We've had to do that before - especially with bats but also with catching gear. Not easy to do, but find some simple/polite way to make sure the others know it isn't ok. Our daughter just made a point to comment to the offending party - "hey, can you not use my stuff?" Then either throw us (her parents) under the bus as the reason or that she is not comfortable with it.

(FWIW, when it is important, we've told our kids they can blame us for it - IE at a party that is getting out of control? just tell the other's that we gave her a curfew and she has to leave)

Big picture - one of those life lessons (how to handle conflict) that will come in useful over the course of your DD's lifetime.

 

[Gags]

Play the covid card - at least the helmet should always be off-limits unless you ask the owner.

I could see a situation where - "crap - we need a catcher - Sally, throw this gear on and get out there...". BUT - doesn't sound like this was the case here.

With bats - when I coached rec, I'd make sure everyone asked before using another players bat - AND to make sure everyone knew that it was OK for the player to say "no" when it's a brand new bat and she's using it for the first time. Fortunately never had a situation where a play was like "you can never use my bat" - I think most girls are so particular about the feel of their bats, it's no longer really an issue.

 

[MoJo]

If you are not using your gear then take it out of the dugout.
Personal gear should not be shared. Head lice and Covid should keep anyone from sharing helmets.
We have put quite a bit of money and effort to get the right gear for DD.

 

[YoungBuck]

Softball used to be a sport at the youth level that the team provided the helmets, bats, catching equipment, and other high dollar items. Over the last few decades it's definitely evolved (for better or worse). I don't think we're going back to the days of communal equipment, but travel softball will definitely see competition at the community level. Twenty years from now it will be interesting to see if these fringe travel teams still thrive.

*That being said no way should someone be digging through kid's bags.

 

[_MIA_]

Not sure how old these kids are but if it is 10U or below, I would talk to the coach and suggest he have a talk to the whole team
about the proper way of doing things in this regards. Older than that then maybe just have your kid talk to the offenders and
let her communicate what you said about letting them use it for a game or two IF they ask first.

 

[Tatonka]

Probably not PC enuff for this crowd, but this scene from Stripes is what first came to mind. I wouldn't like some random kid going through my bag (or my kids) and I'd let that be known for sure. Ask first, then yes most likely.

Lighten up Francis

 

[_MIA_]

I wouldn't like some random kid going through my bag (or my kids)

Me either but if the kid is 9 YO I am also going to cut them a little slack..

 

[The Man In Blue]

If they said her stuff fits better, then offer to help them adjust their own gear. It drives me nuts to see catchers with chest protectors being worn like potato sacks, helmets looking like bobbleheads, and shin guards that look like they were cut from a garbage can.

Safety gear is designed to work in a certain way. They best way you can protect your kid is to make sure they are using the safety gear the proper way.

 

[PJR202]

Just have her tell them she has periodic bouts of staph. Then they'll ask what that is, and she can show them pics of MRSA infections.

Problem solved.