Age or Ability?

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My DD is in her second year of tournament play, but is still eligible to play at the 10U level. Her current team decided not to take her up to the 12U level based off of age not ability. They stated that she should play within her age group. Now, my daughter is not the best on her team, but can handle her own with the older girls and is a very solid player. I was curious if most coach's decision are made by age or skill at try-outs? I thought for tournament teams they wanted the best players? Maybe I am wrong! Since my daughter was turned down from current team I had her out to 3 other try-outs for 12U teams and all offered her positions. I think her skills will improve if she plays against girls that will challenge her to get better. What are your thoughts??

 

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IMHO, always play up if she can handle it.

 

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I think at her age she is fine playing up. When she is 13 and has to move up and play in 14u tournaments is when it could get tricky. At that time she will be playing against girls who will be going to 9th and 10th grade and playing varsity HS ball. My DD was offered a spot to move up with her team from last year and after seeing them play up in 2 14u tourneys last season I decided it was best for her to stay at 12u and mature a bit both physically and emotionally.

 

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I definitely agree with both of you. I think I am bothered more by her old team turning there back on her. She helped them out last year at the 10U level when they were short girls and she did very well. Now they say she should stay down. Best thing is she gets to play against her old team in fall ball

 

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Was in the same situation with 12u and 14u glad we stayed down if for nothing else the maturity level now she is playing with same 14u team that she stayed down from really glad she did

 

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case by case it has to be realistically evaluated. I'm all for them being strong at their age but it depends upon what coaches they will have as the move up or stay down, how they will help/hinder her, schedule for the next season, her ability to listen and learn, true abilities... never an open and shut case. I like the fact that a 10u can play a 2nd or even 3rd year at 10's and learn to be a leader, see what true confidence is, and be a "stud" if possible. Soo important that this be a fit in every way and ultimately an honest discussion between the coaches and parents must happen or the result will be ..... well... enough said. To answer the question, ability... both of the player and team (coaches). Hopefully that is clear.

 

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Lester, you make some very good points. All of that was a consideration of mine before I decided to move her up. Unfortunately, the coach was not very clear nor open with me. On the flip side her new team and coaches are great and I believe she will develope tremendously on this team.