Any indication yet when this will happen?

Buy a ticket, I don't see practice being open. I did not even ask.

(10-29-2010 11:56 AM)insideualr Wrote:  Buy a ticket, I don't see practice being open. I did not even ask.

I did ask Steve. They're still closed. The same explanation I received at the auction. We have seven new players. At this point I don't really know what that has to do with anything, but that's the policy at this time. He really didn't seem to want to state a time when they would be open. I bought tickets. I'll see the games. Guess that's all we can hope for right now. I wonder how our early games will affect the policy.
If we win, they can attribute it to the practices being closed, so they'll remain closed. If we lose, need to keep them closed because we have seven new players. Sort of a Catch 7!

(10-29-2010 11:56 AM)insideualr Wrote:  Buy a ticket, I don't see practice being open. I did not even ask.

I agree. Practices are for the players, not for the fans. We pay to see the games. If practices were open, I would go out there occasionally. Since they're not, I'll just go to the games. I honestly learn very little from watching practices. If they look good, does it mean our defense stinks or our offense is good? They usually look pretty good practicing among themselves- doesn't tell me a thing about how they matchup with other teams.

I agree also. I enjoyed going to pickup games and a couple of practices when they were open but I think going was for my enjoyment in getting to talk to the players. I am not a scout, just a fan.

(10-29-2010 03:31 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(10-29-2010 11:56 AM)insideualr Wrote:  Buy a ticket, I don't see practice being open. I did not even ask.

I agree. Practices are for the players, not for the fans. We pay to see the games. If practices were open, I would go out there occasionally. Since they're not, I'll just go to the games. I honestly learn very little from watching practices. If they look good, does it mean our defense stinks or our offense is good? They usually look pretty good practicing among themselves- doesn't tell me a thing about how they matchup with other teams.

Like you MJS, I've been to a few practices here and at UR. I didn't learn much by attending, probably because I don't know what to look for. But, I have witnesses some pretty interesting stuff- ie - interactions between the coaches and players- that I know the programs would not want to be posted on some message board. If the coaches and players cannot absolutely depend on everyone in attendance to know that what happens in practice stays in practice, then they have no choice but to close practices.

(10-29-2010 05:20 PM)PTJR Wrote:  

(10-29-2010 03:31 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(10-29-2010 11:56 AM)insideualr Wrote:  Buy a ticket, I don't see practice being open. I did not even ask.

I agree. Practices are for the players, not for the fans. We pay to see the games. If practices were open, I would go out there occasionally. Since they're not, I'll just go to the games. I honestly learn very little from watching practices. If they look good, does it mean our defense stinks or our offense is good? They usually look pretty good practicing among themselves- doesn't tell me a thing about how they matchup with other teams.

Like you MJS, I've been to a few practices here and at UR. I didn't learn much by attending, probably because I don't know what to look for. But, I have witnesses some pretty interesting stuff- ie - interactions between the coaches and players- that I know the programs would not want to be posted on some message board. If the coaches and players cannot absolutely depend on everyone in attendance to know that what happens in practice stays in practice, then they have no choice but to close practices.

Most of what goes on at practices are very mundane. But occasionally something will occur that the coaches and players obviously wouldn't want on the message board. Like any family, there are things that occur that should stay within the family.

However I see no harm in reporting positive things that players do in practice. Not good to report any negative things since it's obvious that some players and probably all parents read the board, although the coaches suggest that the players not to do so. It's just human nature.
So if and when I'm ever allowed to watch a practice again, you will only hear observations about who's doing what well. If they're not mentioned, it doesn't mean they're not doing well. It's just that I probably didn't see some of the little things that the coaches watch for. Like taking charges and playing tough defense. I tend to notice who's making shots and who's getting rebounds or making great assist passes. But it's all good. Good to see those of you that I did see the other night. Hard to believe another season is upon us. Go Trojans!