This happens with the current USSSA, PGF, Alliance rules for girls born between September 1 and December 31.For recruiting purposes a Junior playing 18U would hurt that players exposure.
They are matching it to recruiting years. I think it is a good idea but unless USSSA and other sanctions follow thru it is useless
I heard from my local USA director who that they expect the rest to follow suit and this was a request by the colleges to align with recruiting years.If that is true then it only works for the kids in the correct grade.
For reference, my daughter is born December 2010 (6th grade) and will be eligible to play a 3rd year of 12u next year under the USA age change. Her current travel team is in our 2nd year of 12u. All but 3 are 7th graders and either 12 or 13 already. So most of the team will have to move up after this spring/summer, while 3 could potentially stay down and play one more year of 12u.
Speaking for what is happening in western PA, I heard USSSA was supposed to be voting this week to adopt the same rules.
Also, the rec league in our area has also already adopted this rule who normally plays under ASA rules.
Sounds like what some have already said, that most/all sanctions will be adopting the rule change.
Not to hijack the thread, but what do you think would be more ideal. Playing an additional year of 12u or 14u? My daughter is a pitcher and catcher so I would actually think 12u would be the better year to stay down in. But other seem to think it would be 14u.