Player Cuts for Middle School Team

It would seem that I am going to be coaching a middle school club team (much to my dismay). It pretty much came down to me coaching or there would be no team because there is nobody willing to coach. I have coached rec league for several years and the way it goes is you get assigned your players and everyone plays. Last year I had 14 on my team which was way too many. From what I understand this year is that I am looking at 14 to 16 girls in grades 6, 7, and 8 being signed up. I am told by the club president that I can make cuts. My question is, do I make cuts at this age or just bear having a large roster and trying to get everyone playing time. I'm not even sure at this point if I'm going to be able to find an assistant coach. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!


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dj, I'm going from a class D HS modified team where I had to keep everyone to a class B mod team where cuts are allowed. I think rostering 14 players is about right as some will be unavailable for multiple reasons during the season. A larger roster also helps with practices. Cutting girls at this level is always difficult because of "diamonds in the rough" who just need some good coaching. Communicating with parents is critical. As are good ACs and a book/manager. Good luck!

I would not make cuts. My daughters team had 19 players one year and they still struggled to field a team a few games.

Just communicate expectations in advance. Some of the players may play very little but will be a part of the team and will practice everyday.

Number of players that made DD's MS team was dictated by number of uniforms available.

I would make cuts, large rosters can be miserable for everyone involved.

I would push to get another coach and try to get a few more kids signed up, then form 2 teams.

What is a middle school club team?

Is it a travel team or a school team?

As someone who's been in your position... I would suggest removing the thought of cuts. Play more games, recruit to the best you can, recruit help. Cut kids now and your high school team will be worse for it down the road.

Middle School ball is about the experience. Do not cut. Try to schedule a couple of extra innings to get everyone in.

At this level not sure I would make cuts...just let the parents know nobody is going to play all the time and stick to it and that winning games is NOT the point of this team it's about building skills and teamwork. I would even take the best/core 4 or 5 players and let them know they are going to sit one or two innings every game just to get other people have playing time, the only exception would be if you don't have enough pitchers and it would be a walkfest. It is going to suck with that many girls but focus on skills, how to play the game the right way and fun.

No cuts, find 6 more girls and a coach. 2 teams would be a good for everyone if you have the pitching. No problem finding a scrimmage