How does everyone feel about age groups?

[RexinTex]

What age should a player start looking to move up?

I have heard "1 year of 14U, followed by a year of 16U and then straight to Gold ball"

Anyone like to share an opinion?

[Kat]

I think it really depends on your area. My DD moved up at 13 (almost 14) to play 18U, she played 14U for 2 years then was invited to try out on an 18U team in the fall of 2006, and she made it. Our area is probably not as strong as some of your areas. For us it was finally a good fit because of the players outlook on practice etc. She was starter on her Varsity High school team and then she moved up to gold in the fall of 2007, we are hoping this is where we remain until she is done playing softball but you never know. She is playing with a team with almost all seniors, 1 junior and my daughter who is a sophomore. Who knows what summer ball will bring this year whether these seniors decide to continuing playing or they decide to take part of the summer off, only time will tell. If this happens we will probably have to travel further to play with another gold team 2.5-3 hours away.