Most of the players on the team I coach are 8,9,10, just turned 11. I had wanted them all to play together this fall in the ASA league locally with 10U group. Because of the ages of my 11 yr olds and some of my 10 yr olds with upcoming birthdays... I either have to move the entire team up to the 12U age bracket or leave my 11 yr olds without a team. In the spring all of my players will be playing 12U together, so I am thinking of taking them to the fall season as a 12U team. They are much smaller than the other girls and probably won't win much, but it would be a good learning experience for them. Some parents are angry that I am moving the girls up a level because they feel that by having a losing fall season, they may be discouraged about playing softball. What do you think?
2006-07-18 12:53:57 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
My sense is that since your team will be playing 12U in the spring league anyway, I would go ahead and move them up in fall as well. Fall leagues tend to be a little more relaxed and even though some of your younger players might be overmatched by the older girls on the other teams, I think it would be good experience for them, especially since it allows you to keep the entire team together. I think the benefits of knowing your teammates and playing together outweighs the downside of maybe not winning many games.
2006-07-18 13:02:43 · answer #1 · answered by marlio 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I tend to agree with David 45A. I would also wait until the spring to take the team up. I think girls at that age are more likely to continue playing if they have this break in it in the fall and then pick up in the spring. Also, you would be shortchanging your 8,9, and younger 10 year olds by making them compete in the U12 league in the fall and spring. Let them play now with their own age and at least get a fair amount of playing time. Explain this to your older kids. They may be a little upset at first, but as someone who teaches and has coached kids this age, they will be okay. Would it be possible for them to help out in the younger fall league? Working on skills with the younger group? They would feel almost as involved and probably not be as upset. Ultimately, it is your decision, but I think the girls would be too frustrated losing most of their games in the fall and again in the spring.
2006-07-18 20:42:55 · answer #2 · answered by Paige 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your motive is honorable but in this case the parents are probably right. Young ladies of this age, especially in team sports, seem to be more easily discouraged at a lack of success.
2006-07-18 20:00:17 · answer #3 · answered by David45A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask the team
screw the parents, cant stand the bleacher coaches
2006-07-18 21:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by DrPepper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋