pcaba-coach said:
Wave, isnt USSSA the only affiliation that offers World Series for Odd Years ? I agree it does have some benefits but I have seen several 11-u teams this year struggle mightly! Parents and coaches have to have realistic goals and understand they will strugle against older 12-u teams.
That is true, USSSA is the only affiliation that offers national tournaments for the odd years. Of course nothing prevents you from playing 12U in other sanctioning bodies, but like you stated, you have to have realistic expectations. I personally feel that it forward thinking of the part of USSSA to have the different age groups, especially at the younger ages. Girls at the younger age groups mature at different rates and it would be a shame to exclude a girl because she matured a year later than her peers.
It is best if you can move your 10U's to your 11U team, your 12U's to your 13U team, etc. as a group and keep them playing together. It isn't for everyone, but you can imagine the benefit of keeping your core players on the same team from year to year. You may have some girls who might start or see significant playing time on your 12U team, but will it be in the position that they want to play? For example, Susy might have been a great pitcher on your 10U team, but she'll be the 3rd or 4th pitcher on your 12U team, wouldn't she benefit from playing 11U and getting the work in that will make her better next year?