Why aren’t there 11u divisions/competitions?

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Nov 13, 2020
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Is it because of lack of teams or girls to support an 11u team? I see considerable difference in size from beginning 12u gals and older 12u - we are talking about difference between 11 yr olds and 13 yr olds in size, maturity, skill. It’s night and day - sometimes a foot difference in height too. When you get to 14u, the differences are minimal and at that point, girls start leaving and 10u, most are just starting out. Is it just me wondering this?
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
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imo
softball is about talent level not age.

In all age brackets could have same age desparity.
Make no mistake 12u also has notable talent desparity.
Its just that there are more newbies in the mix.
 
Last edited:
Nov 13, 2020
92
18
imo
softball is about talent level not age.

in all age brackets could have same age desparity.
Its the talent desparity that gets sorted through a little better.
Make no mistake 12u also has notable talent desparity.
Its just that there are more newbies in the mix.
12u can have 11 year olds and 13 year olds. That’s a big range in maturity, size. We have girls that have hit their puberty and girls who are just scraping the surface of it. It’s just an odd stage of transitioning that you don’t see in 10u, 14u and up. They level out eventually but IMO this age group is rough, especially when you see a team full of 11s vs a team full of 12-13 year olds.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
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12u can have 11 year olds and 13 year olds. That’s a big range in maturity, size. We have girls that have hit their puberty and girls who are just scraping the surface of it. It’s just an odd stage of transitioning that you don’t see in 10u, 14u and up. They level out eventually but IMO this age group is rough, especially when you see a team full of 11s vs a team full of 12-13 year olds.
👉What is the concern of age difference?
Is the concern size difference?
Why concern?

Young ages generally have
more options in they (most of the time) can still play rec.
Travel Teams also have
First year and second year rosters if folks are concerned with 13 year old conversations vs. 11 year old conversations.

imo
Softball is about talent level, not age bracket or size.

There are 13 & 14 year olds playing 16 & 18u.
They can do this because of talent level. Not size.
 
Oct 4, 2018
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You're right on all counts, from what I've observed and been told.

1) There aren't enough girls to have an age group for every number. In baseball, you often do see 7U, 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, etc. And it does allow for more even teams

2) When our 2009 team plays 2008 teams in 12U competition, it is often us little girls against grown women. The size difference can be stunning. Lots of growth happens right in this 12U, two-year age range


Here in the SouthEast, there are a few 11U tournaments each year. It's fun, but it does mean to compete in them we turn away some people at tryouts who are 2008 birthdays and would be great additions to the team. However, we like to keep it all 2009.
 
Nov 13, 2020
92
18
You're right on all counts, from what I've observed and been told.
DD’s team are girls mostly born in the same year, with the exception of maybe 2-3 girls, so almost everyone just moved up from 10u. This way at the end of the year, we aren’t stuck with recruiting for half the team. You can always tell when we have a matchup against an older 12u team though. I guess next year we will be in a fantastic position but boy it sure is rough for us starting in 12u.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
2) When our 2009 team plays 2008 teams in 12U competition, it is often us little girls against grown women. The size difference can be stunning.
However, we like to keep it all 2009.
The growth 'height spurt, is not necessarily control of physical ability. Example noticeably so like a baby giraffe.

The next growth spurt is more weight and muscle. And better mental connection.

It is notable teams chose to either go all one year roster or mix up ages. And still play against 2nd year teams?
👉What is that reason?
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
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12u can have 11 year olds and 13 year olds. That’s a big range in maturity, size. We have girls that have hit their puberty and girls who are just scraping the surface of it. It’s just an odd stage of transitioning that you don’t see in 10u, 14u and up. They level out eventually but IMO this age group is rough, especially when you see a team full of 11s vs a team full of 12-13 year olds.
Exactly its an odd stage of developing!!!!!!
Goofy body growing.

Would NOT say all the bigger taller girls are the better players.
Because its transition years big time.
imo This is really where talent level starts to stand out.
Those players who have more defined skills at earlier stage/age.

A real good 12u age bracket player might be better off playing 14u because of competition level.
Has nothing to do with size.

Simply asking again why does the size of a player matter?
 
Nov 13, 2020
92
18
Exactly its an odd stage of developing!!!!!!

Would NOT say all the bigger taller girls are better players.
Because its transition years big time.
imo This is where talent level stands out. Those players who have more defined skills at earlier stage/age.

A real good 12u age bracket player might be better off playing 14u BE a use of compwtition level.
Has nothing to do with size.

Simply asking again why does the size of a player matter?

I don’t disagree with your point. I was just curious about the lack of 11u. At the tournaments, seeing 14u level and up, size and age seem to level out.
 

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