Who are the big tough teams at 10u level A?? are there any?

[Fuddrules]

Looks like some of you were asleep at the wheel if you wanted that bid.

Although, as been pointed out here a number of times, Indiana (particularly at the younger levels) is an NSA state. ASA is almost non-existent. NSA is the crème de la crème in Indiana. ASA is an afterthought. No reason to cry over an ASA berth when nobody in Indiana at 10/12u supports ASA. Only when it’s important (16U and up) do the Johnny come lately teams appear.

The fact that a team based in IN within an organization based in IL understands what was going on with ASA shouldn’t be surprising. Enjoy your NSA “B” bids in Upper Indy. That’s what IN supports and there are some teams that play good softball in NSA B. A number of years ago the 10U Indiana Ice and the Red Chix in Merriville were darn good teams, yet, they both clung to NSA B like a little joey. Nothing wrong with that, that was their choice.

And yes, this National bid is USA/ASA National bid. The big cheese tournament. At least 1 IN team will take on the CA/TX powers.

[Bake]

Hey guys, I may be a first year 10U coach but I have been around ASA Softball in one way or another for 35 years, I understand completely how diffucult it is to obtain an ASA National Bid in the mens game, and the womens game, I also understand completely how important it is for these kids to experience ASA Softball on a National level!! Some of the comments here have a tone that something is not right here, well let me explain, we put two NWI Sox teams together last fall a 10U and 12U, our program is based five minutes from the Illinois state line so playing in the Chicago area is no big deal, while I was searching some of the local travel team organazation websites for a few fall tournaments to enter I noticed this National Qualifier, I made some phone calls and was told it was legit, I then inquired about both of our NWI Sox teams eligibility to enter into the qualifier, again I was told it would be ok, at that time I sent the entry fees for both of our teams, I had know idea what to expect at the 10U age group, I really thought there would be a ton of teams, actually there were four teams entered, Orland Park Sparks, Homer Hawks, Wasco Diamonds, and us, our team beat a VERY GOOD Wasco Diamond team in the championship. PLEASE explain to me what I did that was wrong!!! I did my homework before entering, I was told I was eligible, I entered, and we won. Give me a break! As for there being no competetion in Joliet, the OP Sparks and the Homer Hawks programs speak for themselves, (Great ASA Organizations) and I believe the Wasco Diamonds are as good as any 10u team in IL. or IN.......Our 10u team is playing in four ASA National qualifiers this summer, two in Illinois and two in Indiana, we are not trying to dodge any good ASA 10U teams, I understand how important it is for our players to play good competition. I really love this discussion board it's very helpful.

[Bake]

Thank You Fuddrules!! Yes I want our NWI White Sox Program to be pro ASA!! If the 10U Nationals were in San Diego Ca. we would be there, if we qualified of course!!

[prdpop]

Indiana is quickly becoming a USFA state at the younger age groups. It seems that more teams are heading to Panama City, Fl for nationals than anywhere this year. Outside of NWI Sox and Gators 2001 I have not heard anyone mention even trying to qualify for ASA/USA, Gators mentioned 2012. The Heat have been discussed as one of the best teams in the state and they have changed their website from NSA A to NSA B, why? Sounds like after having 6 teams last year at NSA A we be looking at only 2-3 this year. (Magic, Gators 2001, and maybe Crown Point). Good luck to all teams this year, I look forward to seeing how you all do, but those who play the better competition now, win or lose, will be the better teams when they hit 14U and up! Evryone else will just have some cool tophies!

[dadorcoach?]

CP is signed up for Diamonds of the South and for the ASA State Tourney. An ASA/USA berth would be great. If the season were to end now, NSA "A" in Chat would be the destination. BUT, there has to be better than a 6 team tourney to end a great season... The girls deserve more than that.

[slapperdad]

For programs with multiple teams, more importantly for programs with multiple kids on different teams, USFA makes a lot of sense. Everyone's together at one location. Great venue, beach time, etc. Honestly at 10U do you have to have this "best of the best" mentality? Do you have to go to the west coast to find teams to compete with? Every kid who plays travel ball doesn't have the same goal. If you want to drive/fly all over hells half acre when they're 10, knock yourself out, but if teams opt to have a little fun, remember that word FUN, while playing some ball, who cares. Do whatever you need to do for your DD.

[Bake]

I agree with slapperdad...to each his own...the coaches, players, and parents on our NWI Sox teams goal is to get to the ASA NATIONALS nothing else.....if the team down the road wishes to play "B" "C" or "D" thats up to them have FUN!!

dadorcoach - what are you referring to when you state 6 team tournament to end the season??

[backstop13]

Our team is going to USFA A in Panama City. The way we are looking at it right now (and we are a 98 12U team) is that these girls have to sacrifice a great deal (as do parents and siblings). They practically give up their entire summer, juggle softball with any other sports they play in during the school year, and play a pretty heavy fall and indoor schedule as well. Why not go have some fun at a great destination, play against some good teams (our first game last year was against the prior year 10u NSA A Champion, which we were there for as well that year), and end the season with a fantastic time.

We will be playing 2 ASA tournaments (Sparks Invitationsl and Capitol City Showdown), as well as all our NSA tournaments at 14U (minus NSA State) and a friendly with Crown Point Bulldogs (and 2 other quality teams). I guess my point is, while we are going to PCB we do not duck teams and are not looking for cool trophies.

As our team progresses through the age levels, we might change that opinion and make a run at USA/ASA in the next couple of years. But for right now, we choose to go this route. Like slapperdad said...still got to have a little fun along the way. I think our organization does a great job of balancing the competition and having a good time aspects.

Now let me ask you this question...when your DD's are 20 yrs old and in college will they remember that they finished tied for 17th at USA/ASA, or will they remember having fun and winning a world series (no matter what sanction is on the trophy plate)? No passive aggression intended here...honest question. My DD has a goal of playing college softball. Is she going to Arizona, UCLA, Florida, Alabama, etc...probably not. When it comes time to get in front of who she needs to get in front of, we will...but right now she needs to enjoy playing the game. I sure would hate to go through all of this and hear her say she is done with softball before her junior year. What's the saying...it's not the destination, it's the journey??

[prdpop]

There were 6 Indiana teams at NSA A Word Series, 25 total teams. There were 44 in 10U at ASA/USA, 0 from Indiana. ASA State was cancelled last year, be interesting to see if there are enough teams to play this year. NSA A State had 6 last year, i think, and looks like only 4 or so this year. I agree 100% that every team has the right to play at whatever level they want, but when advertise on your website, eteamz, etc.... "the best 10U", "best of the best", etc... as some of the teams have/are. Then you should not be attending NSA B. Just my opinion.

[backstop13]

but when advertise on your website, eteamz, etc.... "the best 10U", "best of the best", etc... as some of the teams have/are. Then you should not be attending NSA B. Just my opinion.

I couldn't agree more. That always makes me chuckle as well.

We actually have won a berth to USA/ASA at Sluggerfest 2 years ago. We had to turn it down because our organization (4 teams) was going to NSA A in Chattanooga that year.

What is the back up plan for those that chase the berth? You have 3 weeks in June to win this bid...if you don't, what is the plan? Is there ever a problem with hotel availablity, getting into the nationals/world series that late in the game, etc??

The tournament Bake won may get a bit more popular this fall.