Which way do you go?

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Theoretically, there is a team in the first year their age group (16u). Good, thick-skinned talented girls, playing just around .500 right now. Do you play in VERY TOUGH TOURNEY in 4 weeks with girls much older (GAPSS 16/18), or do you play it safer in a smaller tourney at your age division? All opinions, solicited, welcome.

 

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So this theoretical team is first year 14u? If so... a couple questions:

1) Did they compile a .500 record playing in "easy" tournaments, or against tough competition?
2) What are the team goals? College prep team?

Honest answers to those questions will give you your answer. I'm all for being tested every game, because I think that is the main purpose of investing time, money and effort in travel fastpitch. IMO, the goal should always be reaching the college ranks.

If the answer to #1 above is easy tournaments, they are probably not prepared to face a strong 16u - 18u team. IMO, a drastic mismatch can pose serious safety issues.

 

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Agree with Sammy 100%. Don't really understand when teams have questions like this during the season. The goals and possible schedule should have been laid out last fall when the team was formed. I also don't understand the original post statement that a 1st year 16U ( as stated by op) team will be playing "much older" girls if they play an 18U team. They all play high school against each other.

 

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You have aready made your mind up what to do by your use of adjectives to describe the team. Follow your heart. Nothing bad comes from playing the game at any level if you keep things in perspective and provide the proper leadership.

 

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In light of your edit... Thick skinned girls playing tough tournaments and achieving .500 - keep on the path to improvement!! I wouldn't be surprised if they go deep into the 18u bracket at GAPSS (at least until they reach the top 10% of 18u teams). Never know until you try...