Sam wrote:Capone wrote:My DD went travel second year 12u and is currently first year 14u. My opinion is that it depends on the situation. My general feeling is that I would go by first year 12u at the latest for someone in my DD's experience. A few reasons:
- level of competition is higher. I was watching some rec ball recently b/c a friend still plays and the level of competition is not strong. Also saw some Select teams play and that was not strong either.
- level of coaching can be better and more resources of some of the big orgs (not always the case)
- playing in the various tournaments against teams from across the country can put players in different game situations they may not get from Rec. That "pressure" which can be stressful can also be a gift for the players to learn, grow, and get better.
Just my 2 cents.
The earlier they go to travel, the risk for burnout and overuse increases.
absolutely agree. We try to make a conscious effort to balance school, social, and softball time. Example, when the friends have a sleep over party, DD goes for some of the party vs. the sleepover. Our batting coaches told us early on, she missed more events, i.e. weddings, birthdays, etc. than she gets to go to. it was good for my DD to hear from someone other than her parents.
Also, this is not for everyone. I am relatively new to the TB world and the travel has been tiring on me as a parent. DD loves it and I support her, but I'm tired.