"Playing down" in the fall?

[slapper]

It's the younger age groups that I was referring to....specifically a 14U team playing as a 12U team for their first 5 tournaments or so before they have to move up and play 14U tournaments in the spring.

As I mentioned....just curious as to whether this is common in Centex, or other areas of the state/country as well.

Thanks.

I've seen a number of the larger softball organizations doing this and I'm not sure why they would bother.

The above post in bold is from your first post. I will again ask what Central TX Organizations are you refering to? You said it was the younger teams. OK WHICH ONES. I have yet to see any of the Organizational teams in Central TX playing down in the 14U or 12U division.

Is there a team you are refering to or are you just trying to stir up the Central TX fans?

[Softballshouldbefun]

One of the 14U Blaze teams is playing in 4-5 12U tournaments this fall. The other Blaze teams are playing in the division(s) that they'll be playing in when January rolls around, but for some reason this team isn't. I don't know the age of the girls or anything else, but I saw that they were listed as a 14U team and entered in a bunch of 12U tournaments this fall. It was something that struck me as kind of strange since you don't see that out of most teams anymore. I'm not saying whether it's good or bad, I just wanted to know if it was the norm across the area/state.

I was only curious as to why an organization would go this direction and wasn't trying to stir anything up. I don't have a dog in that fight at all.

[YplayAwhenucanplayB]

I was only curious as to why an organization would go this direction and wasn't trying to stir anything up. I don't have a dog in that fight at all.

Whatever!!!! Did a Blaze team whoop ya or something? What did they do to you? No dog in the hunt, then why are you monitoring their program? Who cares? We don't know their situation or why.....let's wait and see what kinda team it is first. I'm sure if they start winning they'll change their schedule. Looked at their history......they weren't a strong 12u team. Also, I won't worry about that team....I'd worry about the others and the Freeze Baby!!!. Looking at their site......they have other teams "not playing down" you'll have to worry about.....like their other 12u teams. I've coached against and seen the Blaze teams play......if your gonna worry about that team.......your wasting your time.
Legally, they're playing their age....embrass the oppurtunity to play a tough team.....not try to tear them down. If it's about winning.....you have a good reason to "be curious", but if your about your kids getting better......it wouldn't bother you one bit.

How about Texas Teams work on helping each other get better so we can play better at the National level vs. worring about a program's 4th team? You kin to Lori???

[Softballshouldbefun]

Honestly, I just thought it was strange to have one of their teams playing down when the rest of them were playing up. Most teams tend to move up in the fall and this one didn't so I was just asking the question. They haven't done anything to me at all, nor am I "monitoring" their program...they're a large organization in this part of the state and it's pretty hard not to run across them at most of the local tournaments. (btw - I'm not sure who 'Lori' is either)

I think it would be fantastic if teams in Texas would work together to get better. There are some teams that work hard to bring their younger girls and older girls together for clinic/coaching opportunities and I think that works to a point. I think if there were more coaches who wanted to hold friendly scrimmages, it would benefit all the programs involved. I'm not sure there's a substitute for live game experience especially at the younger age levels where the girls are still learning alot about the game.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback.