- Jan 15, 2009
- 584
- 0
18U Gold is a level of competition within ASA (Amatuer Softball Association of America). ASA is the NGB - National governing body - for softball which means that although there are other organizations, ASA tends to be the leader when it comes to setting the rules, training umpires, and are have strong ties to the US National Team (formerly the olympic team).
Being the top level of youth competition in arguably the top amatuer orgnaization means that 18U Gold is a place for the best of the best National teams to play. The next highest level of competition is ASA "A" nationals at 16U and 18U. The problem is that Gold was set up to seperate the women for the girls, and if you play in a Gold qualfier and fail to quailfy for Gold Nationals, your now prohibited from playing at the next level down 16UA or 18UA. Those teams that try for Gold and fail usually end up playing outside of ASA (triple crown, USSSA, USFA, NSA, PONY...etc)
Your friend might be playing Gold, or they might be on a team that just plays college showcases. College showcases are tournaments set up by promoters to put kids looking to play in college in front of specific college coaches. I would contact your local ASA Metro St. Louis ASA and ask where you find information on teams looking to add players. I saw they have a forum for players looking for teams and vice versa on their website.
Being the top level of youth competition in arguably the top amatuer orgnaization means that 18U Gold is a place for the best of the best National teams to play. The next highest level of competition is ASA "A" nationals at 16U and 18U. The problem is that Gold was set up to seperate the women for the girls, and if you play in a Gold qualfier and fail to quailfy for Gold Nationals, your now prohibited from playing at the next level down 16UA or 18UA. Those teams that try for Gold and fail usually end up playing outside of ASA (triple crown, USSSA, USFA, NSA, PONY...etc)
Your friend might be playing Gold, or they might be on a team that just plays college showcases. College showcases are tournaments set up by promoters to put kids looking to play in college in front of specific college coaches. I would contact your local ASA Metro St. Louis ASA and ask where you find information on teams looking to add players. I saw they have a forum for players looking for teams and vice versa on their website.
