Back when I was AC for DD's team we took 14 girls. We had many of the same issues that Gambler Bob stated. It is not easy to juggle 5 girls sitting every inning and rotating them in so everybody gets playing time. We also batted the roster in pool play, and it just wasn't enough at bats for the either the better hitters or the girls that needed work. As coaches we tended to sit our girls on the bench more in favor of lesser talent sometimes just to keep the parents happy. If I were starting a new team I would take 12, and line up a couple of guest players to fill in if needed. It seems at 14U most teams around here take 11 players and keep a 12th spot open in case an A pitcher comes out of nowhere looking for a team.