B34R DOWN wrote:Why so much condescension when referring to 10U? Are they not worthy of the same respect as the older girls? Seems like once someones DD gets past an age level they are now above them... Heck I think the girls in the lower age levels deserve more respect. They are newer to the game and still trying to figure it all out. All while dealing with the pressure of us crazy adults...
The girls have all my respect, it's the parents that supply the entertainment.
I used to come down a little hard on the parents, but I've realized in my old age that it's just part of the process.
You have to burn your hand on the hot stove a few times before you realize it's hot, no matter how many people tell you it's hot.
Many of us are reminded of our own crazy ideas when we were in your shoes.
Honestly, looking back, I think the funnest years we spent in softball were 10's and 12's.
All of our girls were future Olympic heroes, all of our coaches, included ourselves were geniuses.
Like so many have said, IF you don't make this sport a job for these 10 year olds, and they go the distance, your perspective will probably evolve over the years.
The only ones that are concerned with rankings, recognition, tournament titles are the parents. The girls really are just little girls, who are just as concerned with what the snacks are after the game.
And that's ok, let them have a little balance in their lives, it will be a job soon enough.
I wish these girls all the success in the world.