Old timers on the 'Bucket remember Bracketologist's rankings. The real genius was in his grading, so I'm posting his scheme for the benefit of the newer members. You can substitute PGF for ASA if you like.
The important component is the Teams grade (A, B+ & B) and not their ranking. At this point rankings and grades are projections for Spring. However, in 12u the teams identified as A in fall – were still A’s in spring and in 2007, 2008 & 2009 the championship game at nationals came down to the top 2 teams in the poll.
A’s – Have the ability to win three consecutive games against other A or B+ rated teams at a major tournament (i.e., State, Nationals, Fresno etc). A’s are playing for the big prize “ASA Nationals”. In 2008-2009 12u PowerSurge 96, Jynx 96 and Firecrackers 96, were identified as A (even though Jynx never did beat PS96). To be ranked as a solid A Team, a team must have the ability to beat all of the other A Teams - as demonstrated by wins in tournament bracket play and not friendlies. Not one but all!
B+ Teams – Have the ability to win the big prize at ASA Nationals if a few things break their way (i.e., don’t have to beat two A teams in consecutive games). B+ teams will beat A teams in tournaments, they just lack the ability to beat all of the A teams! In 2008-2009 think California Rebels, OC Batbusters M, Corona Angles 96 and OC Wildcat 96. Example: In 2006-07 TNL could beat anyone but they could not beat Victory-Campbell, Corona Angles 94 and Lakewood Ladies in back to back games. To be ranked a B+ team, a team must have the ability to beat all of the other B+ teams.
B Teams – Can only win ASA Nationals if they get hot and they get lucky (i.e., a great draw)! They can beat A teams in friendlies but struggle beating them in tournaments. B teams can and will eliminate B+ Teams but they would be hard press to win a tournament that requires them to beat three B+ Teams in a row! In 2008-2009 think Bomb Squad 96 and Revenge 96, both very good teams.
C+ Teams – The goal is to qualify for ASA Nationals. These are usually top 10-20 teams that will play the B+ teams closely and beat B Teams in significant tournaments. Typically the best first year 12u teams perform at this level.