Be careful who you hand your money to. There are many showcases and
clinics which claim to offer great exposure, however they fail to deliver on
showcase day. There is big money in talent evaluation. This leads however, to
a situation of unqualified con men attempting to pass themselves off as judges
of talent. These guys are in it for one thing, that is the money. You, are however
left with very little to show for your expense.
Look first at the credentials of the people running the workout. Do they
have the experience in evaluating talent at the college or professional level.
What is their reputation with college coaches and pro scouts? Even though
organizers of the showcase may not evaluate your talent their reputation will
determine whether college coaches or pro scouts will attend the workout.
With time limitations as they are, scouts and college coaches will only attend
showcases that are run in a professional manner.
Some less than reputable showcase promoters have listed college coaches
and pro scouts that attend their workouts without the permission of these
individuals. The reason they do not get their permission is those coaches and
scouts have not attended the showcase. But it looks good on the literature for
the showcase, even though it is a lie. Only after you pay your fee and attend
the showcase do you find out that none of these schools attend the work out.
When asked about the small turnout the organizers might say that "I guess they
didn't send anybody this year". When in fact they have never attended. Shady
showcase promoters are banking on you not doing your homework. They
know very few people will call these schools to verify the validity of the
endorsement.
When you are deciding on a showcase, look for the showcases that offer
more than just an evaluation situation. Many showcase promoters will have
seminars on topics that are important to both parents and players. Some topics
are scholarships and the recruiting process as well as how financial aid works.
These extras tell you that the organizers want to make sure you have a good
experience and will go the extra mile to insure that.
SIGNS OF A WELL RUN SHOWCASE:
- A phone number you can call to receive information or ask questions
- A mailing address for all correspondence
- Information package
- Timely receiving of information package -- listing itinerary of all activities
- Prompt response to all phone calls
- Information package that lists directions to all fields and local lodging info
- Information and background on staff and instructors
- Longevity -- how many years has the showcase been running
- Sense that attention has been paid to details
- Participation from college coaches and pro scouts
A positive sign of a well run showcase is when you ask a coach
or pro scout about the showcase they know about it and are
planning to attend.
BEFORE THE SHOWCASE:
Call all colleges you are interested in and let them know the dates, times and
location of the showcase. Invite them to see you display your skills.
YOUR JOB AT THE SHOWCASE:
- Arrive early. Anticipate delays due to poor directions
- Dress before you walk up to the field. Nothing looks worse than a half
dressed sloppy ball player
- Wear a shirt that has your name spelled on the back. With 100 other
players on the field you want your name to stand out
- Appear relaxed and comfortable, even if you are not.
- Do not ask your parents to run errands for you. Get your own jacket
from the car. Show responsibility.
- Listen to the camp directors. Be where you are supposed to be.
- Be attentive and alert. This is not a time to goof off with the guys.
- Wait until after the workout to ask for running times, arm grades, etc.
- If you are having a bad day, realize that there are other camps.
Many times coaches and scouts will have seen you play before they know
your skill level. They like to see how you react when things do not go
your way. If you show a good attitude and composure when you are
not having your best day you will leave a good impression in their minds.
Anyone can have a great attitude when things are going well, but only
true winners realize they are better than what they are displaying.
Winners know there will be other days.
