Any guidance would be appreciated.

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Apr 11, 2013
52
8
I'm looking for some guidance...Looking for ideas.

The state of MN doesn't allow 12U players to play up into 14U teams unless they stay with their community travel ball program. The state currently has a policy that 10u and 12u is not an "open" division and that club teams are not allowed at the 10u and 12u levels. An issue in and of itself, but unfortunately the ASA/MMFL has a strangle hold on the policy and it will not change. I've tried numerous times through our ASA Director as well as the National offices in OKC to at least look at the idea of coming up with a way to allow outlier type kids to perhaps play on 14u teams. OKC at least responded, but said it is a state issue, the MN ASA director will not even return an email/phone call.

Before I turn this into a my daughter is above and beyond playing at her age, I know she has things to work on. She does some things very well, others need work. A little info on my DD:

She played at the 12A level last year as a 10u eligible and was arguably one of the better pitchers in the state. Our 12u team won our "A" level ASA state qualifier as well as the ASA state tournament. She is a big kid...right now at 11 years old she is 5'7" and 160 lbs. As a pitcher, she is good. Not great, good. She was just chosen as a Direct Select for the Midwest Region for the USSSA Futures game in FL in early August, and evaluated as the fastest pitcher in the 11 year old age group at the tryouts and top 15 in all age groups 10-14. If you need proof, the results are posted on the USSSA site. You can probably figure out who she is if you want to.

She has been playing dome ball vs 16u and 18u girls this winter and does just fine pitching against them. She has an older sister that plays at a high level of softball, so she is the product of being a big strong kid, that's been around softball for a while.

The problem I have is that there are no club teams that are willing to put her on a 14u roster because of the threat of ASA sanctioning against the team, basically banning them from any ASA sanctioned events (PGF is just starting to creep in here in MN)....Yes, it's been threatened.

Does anyone have any sort of idea in a course of action to try and push this issue? Playing 12u community travel ball for two more years is going to be awful. They are good kids but not one was a 12A player last year.

I'm not looking for affirmation where my DD is, just wondering if anyone has an idea of how to push allowing a 12u eligible to be able to play 14u.

Thanks in advance.
 
Jul 16, 2008
1,520
48
Oregon
Well it's in the ASA Bi-laws that your State ASA Commissioner has to have open meetings. If he will not return calls or emails then go to the meetings. Contact every person in your State ASA - Player Rep / District Commissioner / ect)
 

ian

Jun 11, 2015
1,175
48
I have no course of action for you but I see your point. Not sure why they would want to hold a kid back.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
I know a couple of GA teams that would love to have your DD if you don't mind the commute!!!
 
Sep 18, 2011
1,411
0
Midwest Speed has already been suspended by MMFL for a year for conducting tryouts a day early, so they won't play any MMFL/ASA events this year. Your daughter could play for Speed's 14U team tomorrow (assuming they have a roster spot).

Also the Lady Lightning have one team in your market (18U) and they are looking to expand next year and have a 14U team. Lady Lightning has no affiliation with MMFL and doesn't play by their rules.

So one option this year - Midwest Speed. Perhaps two options next year - Speed and Lady Lightning. Both great programs. Biggest drawback is that they won't be able to play in MN, but given the current state of the leadership at MMFL, MNASA, etc., I actually see that as a positive.

And PGF is coming. It's inevitable.

And JAD, for the love of god stop trying to steal our players!!!!! :)
 
Last edited:
Apr 11, 2013
52
8
Midwest Speed has already been suspended by MMFL for a year for conducting tryouts a day early, so they won't play any MMFL/ASA events next year. Your daughter could play for Speed's 14U team tomorrow (assuming they have a roster spot).

Also the Lady Lightning have one team in your market (18U) and they are looking to expand next year and have a 14U team. Lady Lightning has no affiliation with MMFL and doesn't play by their rules.

So one option this year - Midwest Speed. Perhaps two options next year - Speed and Lady Lightning. Both great programs. Biggest drawback is that they won't be able to play in MN, but given the current state of the leadership at MMFL, MNASA, etc., I actually see that as a positive.

And PGF is coming. It's inevitable.

And JAD, for the love of god stop trying to steal our players!!!!! :)

29dad,

Oldest daughter plays for the Speed already, it's been discussed, the fear is that they would get a 5 year ban if they rostered her. They have talked about it though.

We are open to not playing in MN...it's not a big deal. Haven't talked with Michelle, but it could be an option.

JAD, GA might be a little far for the commute...I put 48,000 miles on last year...mostly softball miles, I don't know if I can handle GA every week :)

Eric F, She could play 12u this summer. She was dominant last year at 12u, our team will be significantly worse, it would be a frustration for her. Not that it is a bad thing to deal with adversity, but it would be a constant battle.
 

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