ASA, USSSA, IFA, NSA...which one?

[softballermama]

My DD has been playing travel for a couple years now. One thing I don't quite understand is what is the difference from all the different associations? Which is the more difficult? I have been reading the polls on here regarding travel ball clubs. Are their win/loss records taken into consideration with regards to what association they are playing most of their tourney's in when they are being "ranked"? I just need some softball 101 education. Thanks!

[Battle]

My DD has been playing travel for a couple years now. One thing I don't quite understand is what is the difference from all the different associations? Which is the more difficult? I have been reading the polls on here regarding travel ball clubs. Are their win/loss records taken into consideration with regards to what association they are playing most of their tourney's in when they are being "ranked"? I just need some softball 101 education. Thanks!

ASA is the best sanction in competitive softball today. It's not for everyone though. It depends on how much money you are willing to spend and how far you are willing to travel. JMO

[onlooker]

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[Battle]

Onlooker
I agree with most of what you said except maybe for the trophy. I think it depends on what age you are talking about. The younger ages, trophies mean more but as you get into the older ages I think the qualifiers mean more. I will take a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in 16u/18u ASA qualifier over any other type of trophy. Just my opinion.

[onlooker]

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[CheckWriter]

a 3rd place in ASA qualifier is WAYYYY more important to me too than a 1st an IFA, USSSA or NSA

All that importance is for the parents. DD was on an ASA 16U National Championship team - in the pre-PGF days.

In college now and I can say she has not brought it up in conversation once since. Was awesome for mom & dad though and it definitely lives on on the team web site.

[Iluvblue]

Winning an ASA National Championship is quite an accomplishment which should never be forgotten by those involved.

nothing worse than hearing someone trying to diminish that accomplishment.

[Battle]

I sure hope my kid never wins an ASA national if that's what it does to them. I can't get mine to shut up about the trips and experiences, not that I would want her to. Each his own, I suppose.
OTOH, it does answer the OP question to some degree as to which sanction one should persue, if possible...

[jonriv]

Onlooker
I agree with most of what you said except maybe for the trophy. I think it depends on what age you are talking about. The younger ages, trophies mean more but as you get into the older ages I think the qualifiers mean more. I will take a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in 16u/18u ASA qualifier over any other type of trophy. Just my opinion.

I agree.....a 3rd place in ASA qualifier is WAYYYY more important to me too than a 1st an IFA, USSSA or NSA....I do agree 100%

I really depends where you are from- A "town team" took second two years ago at the CT ASA champ/qualifier- half the teams there were "town/rec" teams. I know that is not a great representation of ASA. The different affiliations are strong and weak in different parts of the country. Winning or placing high at a "nationals" whatever the affiliation(PGF,ASA,NSA, USSSA, PONY etc..) is a big deal and you had to have beat some very good teams to get there. I think we all can agree that each carries it's own degree of honor and understand that some are more prestigious than others

[ICMTM]

The former girls (lets just say the Lyndsey Klein era).....all feel that travel ball is now a sham and that there should be 1-4 ASA teams in Nor Cal and ONLY the best make it and it actually meant something to be on a travel ball team. Not only has exposure ot the sport created massive influx of girls into softball, it has fortified a new revenue generating opportunity as well for individuals. This new revenue stream opens up demand for more tournaments, which opens the door for more "Associations", hence the reason we have so many. (theres more than those 4 too)

Most of these organizations are as old or older than Lyndsey Klein. I don't agree that there should only be 4 teams in NorCal. For me the NSA/IFA carve out a good niche for kids who want something more competitive than recreational ball but aren't the cream of the crop. There is a wide range of skill between the kid who want to compete on a team for nationals and the kid who wants to ride down to the park and play some organized ball with their friends. I feel NSA/IFA meet in the middle.

Correct me if I am wrong but in ASA your B teams are still restricted by residential boundaries correct?