Opinion about playing up

My daughters entire team that is 12U eligible is playing 16U A ball this weekend. How far up is too much? Adding to that ole dad is a little nervous about his just turned 13 year old pitching 40 feet away from some very good hitters that will be moving to 18U after the fall. She sees older girls during the school season but normally hitters one through nine won't knock your head off!

I am excited and nervous at the same time. 94 East Cobb Bullets (Atlanta,GA) is the team. Georgia teams routinely play up in class but normally not 3 years difference.

 

Playing up

I don't agree on playing up, but it's been done for years. As long as the sanctioning bodies don't make a rule to stop this, it is going to continue to happen. Some parents like the idea. It gives them something to brag about, while others like yourself are not comfortable with it. I'm not going to tell you if she is good enough........ do it! I think we as parents need to let our kids grow up. My two cents worth.

 

Fine line....

....to be crossed when moving up. To me the key is what was told to me yrs ago. Can your DD drive the ball through the gap at the upper level or will the outfield come in and take away most of her game? Its about strength, and size, not talent. IMO 12s should play 12, 14s can play some 16 but qualify as 14s. And 14s, aging out, might want to consider bypassing 16 alltogether.

 

You should be concerned

If you run into some a real 16U team like . . . . (other board members can fill in the blank) your daughter could be in real trouble. My DD's a successful D1 pitcher but at 13 I would not have allowed her to throw against 16/17 year olds. There's absolutely nothing to be gained from this and, potentially, a lot to lose.

 

Adjust?

How long did it take to adjust cheeze? I am curious how a 12 year old can adjust playing at the 18 year old level?

 

TD4SC -- I see you are not going to the Rip-IT on SAT.

Most of our team is 92's except for one girl I think ---- and this is going to be a TOUGH line-up of teams. Vipers are Vipers ! Rockers,Smack,EC Mad Dogs are real good teams -- I think they would be to much for 12-13 year olds, IMO. Might be to much for our team.

16u
Worth Cobras-Black(Mitchell)
Georgia Missfits
West Georgia Bad Company
Post 289 Nuggets
Smokey Mountain Sting
Georgia Falcons
Georgia Sparks
East Cobb Mad Dogs
Atlanta Vipers 16 -Terry
Georgia Impact-Silver(Watts)
Atlanta Vipers(Berry)
Georgia Fire(Sweatt)
Mill Creek Hawks
North Georgia Nitro
Georgia Extreme
Smack
Atlanta Vipers (Dean)
Ga.Rockers

 

Adjust?.....

....She will adjust the first time a line drive come back at her so fast while her hands never leave her side. Thats reality! Cheeze knows, Comet knows, All parents who have been there know. Words of wisdom in this thread. Listen up young uns, 18U is a game for early adults! 14U is not for 8 0r 9 yr olds either. Dominate at your age level kids. AND PARENTS, TRUST ME ON THIS ONE, let em be kids as long as they can! You'll understand what I'm saying later!

 

I agree with the majority...

I tend to agree with the majority.... I see no real reason for a 12U to be playing 16U ball. I just don't feel that there is a definate reason to play up that much! If she wants to play up 1 level in the fall to get ready for the next level, get feet wet, sure! Just playing up also IMO depends on what position we are talking. Since we are talking a pitcher, make sure SHE feels comfortable, if she doesn't think she is ready, then just say NO! Don't raise the bar of expectation, so high she can't reach it! You are setting her up to fail before she tries! JMO

 

I've never had a problem with girls playing up if they are able to compete at that level. The problem I have seen with it is girls that are pressed up by parents or coaches when they are physically and/or mentally not ready for it. This issue becomes raising the bar and expectations too quickly and leaving the player feeling disheartened or burned out. I speak from experience with my own DD. I almost ruined her by pushing her up too early. Make sure if you are in this situation that the young lady is playing up because it is best for her. Not for the ones wanting to move her along.