Wow. This discussion has gotten very detailed, but to the point. Yes , they are all of our opinions, but my experience and mission has been for the kids. So has that of many of you, I'm sure. I see many 8 thru 12 year olds being pressured by the parents and win at all cost coaches to have these kids that are sometime, just a little more advanced than others travel all over the place, to say that they won tournaments. Yes there are some highly advanced talents at that young age that may become bored with limited competition, so that's what started aau. But it has become enormous. If aau were really concerned for kids, they would begin there program at a later age, like 12 or so,IMO. I believe that most parents are looking out for their kids and doing whats best, but many 14-16 year olds find out that they are not the best on the team anymore, find out they have to actually work at the game, and then comes the burnout. Each individual will handle it differently, as was already said. As long as its fun, and the kid wants it more than the parents and coaches, I guess its OK, again IMO.
Happy New Year
Coachric
Just thought I would add my two cents into the discussion. I am of the opinion that travel ball for 13 and up is good (defined as pre-high school). I do not agree with the need to showcase before high school though.
Although I agree travel ball for the middle school age is a good thing, there are some conditions. The conditions have to do with the coach and the players. The coach needs to be a teacher of fundamentals and skills first and the players need to be high caliber. Just because it is good for some doesn’t make it good for all. When my son played 13-U travel ball 4 years ago there was one travel team in town. Now there are seven 31-U travel teams. I do not think that best serves all players. Are there seven good coaches? Are all the players ready to play at a higher level of competition?
What about showcases? I can not be convinced that a showcase for a 13 year old is money well spent. As a parent I might pop my buttons because my son is a stud 13 year old that matured faster than others his age. But will he still be the stud when he is 16 or 17 when we are looking beyond high school? In baseball I am a parent. I have coached professionally in another sport and have seen stud 12-14 year olds setting national records in their age groups. Some go on to national and international recognition when they are older, but many disappear from the sport altogether.
Now for the disclaimer. Are there exceptions? Yes. However, as a site providing information to parents and players, careful consideration is required before participating in either. We shouldn’t be doing it because the guy down the street is. Decisions should be based on what is best for the growth and development of the PLAYER.
Although I agree travel ball for the middle school age is a good thing, there are some conditions. The conditions have to do with the coach and the players. The coach needs to be a teacher of fundamentals and skills first and the players need to be high caliber. Just because it is good for some doesn’t make it good for all. When my son played 13-U travel ball 4 years ago there was one travel team in town. Now there are seven 31-U travel teams. I do not think that best serves all players. Are there seven good coaches? Are all the players ready to play at a higher level of competition?
What about showcases? I can not be convinced that a showcase for a 13 year old is money well spent. As a parent I might pop my buttons because my son is a stud 13 year old that matured faster than others his age. But will he still be the stud when he is 16 or 17 when we are looking beyond high school? In baseball I am a parent. I have coached professionally in another sport and have seen stud 12-14 year olds setting national records in their age groups. Some go on to national and international recognition when they are older, but many disappear from the sport altogether.
Now for the disclaimer. Are there exceptions? Yes. However, as a site providing information to parents and players, careful consideration is required before participating in either. We shouldn’t be doing it because the guy down the street is. Decisions should be based on what is best for the growth and development of the PLAYER.
Just re-read my post and caught my 31-U typo. 
BlueDevilDad
I am not even eligible for that one !!!!
I am not even eligible for that one !!!!
