Guest Playing vs Full-Time Teams: Finding the Right Balance

Youth sports today offer a variety of ways for kids to play, learn, and grow. Two popular options are guest playing and joining a full-time team. Guest playing allows athletes to temporarily join another team, while full-time teams provide a more structured and long-term commitment. But how do you know which option is right for your child? 

Here, we’ll break down the benefits of both guest playing and full-time teams and help you find the right balance between the two.

Full-Time Teams: What to Expect

Full-time teams are what most people think of when they imagine youth sports. These teams require a season-long or even year-long commitment. Players attend regular practices, participate in scheduled games or tournaments, and work closely with the same coaches and teammates throughout the season.

• Consistency: Full-time teams give players a stable environment to develop their skills with regular feedback from coaches.
• Team Bonding: Being with the same team all season helps build long-term friendships and strong team dynamics.
• Commitment: Players and families are often expected to dedicate weekends and evenings to practices and games.

One of the benefits of full-time teams is the consistency they provide. According to a study by The Aspen Institute, young athletes in full-time programs are more likely to experience consistent improvement in their skills and teamwork¹. However, this structure can also lead to burnout, with about 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13².

Guest Playing: What to Expect

Guest playing offers a more flexible alternative. In guest playing, athletes temporarily join another team, typically for a tournament or a short series of games. This gives kids a chance to experience new environments, play more games, and meet new teammates without a long-term commitment.

• Flexibility: Guest playing doesn’t require a long-term commitment. It’s perfect for filling in gaps on off weekends or adding more playing time to your child’s schedule.
• Skill Variety: Playing with different teams helps players learn new techniques, strategies, and team dynamics.
• Less Pressure: With guest playing, kids can focus more on fun and growth without the pressure of being a permanent team member.

Benefits of Guest Playing

Guest playing can be an exciting way to experience the game differently. Here are some key benefits:

• More Playing Time: Kids who don’t get enough playing time on their full-time team can find extra opportunities to sharpen their skills through guest playing.
• Meeting New People: Guest playing allows kids to meet new teammates, experience different coaching styles, and broaden their social circle.
• Less Pressure, More Fun: Because guest players aren’t committed long-term, there’s less pressure on performance. This can lead to more fun and a focus on learning.

One study found that athletes who participated in guest playing reported increased confidence and improved adaptability due to the different challenges they faced⁴.

Benefits of Full-Time Teams

While guest playing is flexible, full-time teams offer stability and structure. Some of the key benefits of full-time teams include:

• Team Consistency: Developing strong relationships with coaches and teammates over a season helps players improve in a familiar environment.
• Structured Development: Full-time teams provide structured, long-term training plans that ensure consistent skill growth.
• Commitment and Discipline: Players learn the value of commitment by sticking with a team for an entire season, building both discipline and responsibility.

Research from The Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology shows that young athletes who play on consistent teams often display improved teamwork and leadership skills compared to those who play sporadically⁵.

Finding the Right Balance

Balancing guest playing and full-time team commitments comes down to the player’s goals, time, and energy. Here are a few things to consider when deciding between the two:

• Skill Development: If your child needs more playing time to work on specific skills, guest playing can be a great option. On the other hand, if your child thrives on consistent coaching and steady development, full-time teams might be the better choice.
• Avoiding Burnout: Full-time teams can sometimes lead to burnout due to the intensity and time commitment. Guest playing can provide a change of pace, offering your child a way to play in a less pressured environment.
• Anecdote: Take, for example, a player who balances guest playing with their full-time team. They get the best of both worlds—consistent coaching from their regular team and extra game time through guest playing.

When to Prioritize Guest Playing

Guest playing is an excellent option when:

• Your child needs more game time than their full-time team offers.
• They want to experience different playing environments and meet new people.
• It’s the off-season or an off weekend, and they want to stay active.

When to Focus on a Full-Time Team

Full-time teams are essential when:

• Your child is working towards specific goals with their full-time team.
• The season is in full swing, and tournaments or key events are approaching.
• Consistency is needed for growth, especially when your child needs structured practices and regular competition.

Talking to Coaches: Setting Expectations

Communication is key when balancing guest playing and full-time team commitments. Make sure both the guest playing coach and full-time team coach know what your child is working on and how they plan to balance both commitments. This ensures everyone is on the same page and helps avoid conflicts.

Conclusion

Both guest playing and full-time teams offer unique benefits. The right balance depends on your child’s goals, how much time they can commit, and what they need for growth. Whether they’re looking for more playing time or prefer the structure and consistency of a full-time team, finding the right mix can help them succeed both on and off the field.

Sources:

1. The Aspen Institute: “State of Play 2022.” Retrieved from https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/state-of-play-2022
2. Aspen Project Play: “Why Kids Quit Sports.” Retrieved from https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/kids-quit-sports  
3. Sport Psychology Today: “Youth Sports and Confidence.” Retrieved from https://sportpsychologytoday.com/youth-sports-confidence  
4. Sport Psychology Today: “Mental Preparation for Young Athletes.” Retrieved from https://sportpsychologytoday.com/mental-preparation
5. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology: “Effects of Consistent Teams on Youth Sports Development.” Retrieved from https://www.jsep.org/effects-teams-youth