PDad wrote:AM Softball wrote:This may be a bit off topic but has anyone thought of changing the age divisions instead of changing these types of rules?
I am just throwing it out for discussion but maybe it would be better to divide by grade instead of age. HS (12/11), ?? (10/9), ?? (8/7), ?? (6,5), ?? (4,3). Obviously you could play up but not down. I just think kids starting on Varsity teams really should not be playing 14u so this is one possible solution.
That would avoid the college player issue because they aren't in 12th grade and would truly divide the divisions into a better foundation based on the rules they play with in HS and to prepare for college. You could keep the 7/8 at 40 feet and make the 9-12th pitch from 43 and also allow the HS kids to wear metal cleats.
Just a thought.
It is an interesting thought for PGF because the college recruiting is geared more towards grad year than age. I don't see ASA doing it.
Some other sanctions run separate 14u divisions for 40' and 43'. PGF could also consider doing this - keep the 14HS with the older age groups and split the 14u-40 off with the younger ones.
I think GRADE DIVISIONS totally make sense and PGF should really consider it.
You could do something like HS, HSA, Middle, Elementary, and Beginner (I'm sure someone could come up with better names for each division but you get my thought process).
1. It aligns with HS grades and our education system, which are never going to change, and are the same across the entire USA.
2. It makes the rules easier to accept. (9-12th 43' and spikes) (8th-below 40' and rubber)
3. It eliminates all college players.
4. It keeps Varsity players with Varsity competition or helps JV players get better with better competition.
5. It eliminates the "Dark" problems and kids not being able to play.
6. It sets teams all year so they can play together and bond the same.
7. There are no issues or resentment from HS players coming back down to take positions of kids playing the past 3-4 months.
8. I think socially, it classifies kids into a better age group. (There's a big difference mentally and socially between 7th/8th graders and 9'th graders)
Anyone have any other ideas?