USSSA starting a Nationals to compete with ASA and PGF....

[KCPRK]

What if USSSA corners everything but California? The way they are trying its possible.

ASA has become so poorly ran and watered down in my region. They treat a few coaches well and the rest like dirt. Cheating in some orgs within ASA is horrendous and the answer you get is "we allowed it". ASA will let anyone use their logo and the mismanagement of those groups is hurting ASA image. MANY coaches will tell you that the newer coaches play ASA and if they make it past a few seasons they never go back in the area-they actually leave the state if they want to play GOLD qualifiers vs playing the local GOLD qualifiers.

So the increase of USSSA has been huge in a very short time frame. With all the money its only getting bigger in a region that many don't realize is growing like crazy. There will be 500 teams in the area on big weekends in KC amongst all the orgs. ASA USSSA PGF can all hold a major tourney on the same weekend in the same city, have plenty of fields and umpires, and all have more than enough teams to make each event a success.

Times are changing-its possible well look back in a few years and see the landscape of softball is much different.

 

[3bmama]

I think that sometimes people might forget that the Midwest has some pretty good players/teams. I admittedly have no idea what the best national tournaments are but I did notice the championship of the 16u Asa gold Nationals in Oregon this weekend consisted of a team from Kansas City and a team from Nebraska.
My daughter's team didn't play any ASA in KC this spring. From playing ASA previously the tournaments are not run as well, and the people running those tournaments and the Umpires they employ are not nearly as knowledgable as the USSSA folks. I think some people might be excited not to have to travel to the west coast or Florida for a change.

 

[cuzmail]

I did notice the championship of the 16u Asa gold Nationals in Oregon this weekend consisted of a team from Kansas City and a team from Nebraska.

Wait for it.... Wait for it......

 

[JAD]

How many colleges are located west of the Mississippi? East?!

PGF does a good job covering the West coast, and ASA changes locations every year (although it seems to cycle through the same locations). Is Kansas City a one year deal, or is it a permanent location like Huntington Beach is for PGF? As an East Coast guy (do we have our own gang sign for "East Coast"?), if I have to get on a plane to go to Nationals, why not go to CA vs. Kansas City? The only difference is sitting on the plane for an extra hour and CA has stronger competition, better weather and a beach....

 

[SoCal_Dad]

The July 11-17 dates puts them a week after CO, possibly head-to-head with TC/USA Nats and before ASA/PGF. Entry fee will be $1,000 based on value of paid berths.

The regions and qualifiers are on the USSSA site - Qualifier Tournaments. SoCal has it's own region. The Fall/Winter Qualifiers are awarding paid berths and travel money. They're also restricted to teams in their region. Three regions get an extra 7th berth (i.e. AL/FL/GA/MS, AR/LA/OK/TX and SoCal), which leaves 13 at-large berths by my count to be awarded June 30, after qualifiers - not much time to make travel arrangements.

Should be interesting...

 

[grcsftbll]

Bumping, because I just signed my DD up for the Futures All American tryout next month. Our coach posted it and we figured, why not? Worst case she gets to meet some women players and get autographs and spend a few hours doing fun softball things. She'll be a baby compared to the rest since she's barely 9. But it'll be interesting from our perspective to see how she competes.

 

[SoCal_Dad]

It appears USSSA sent out invites and some big name teams accepted berths - USA Elite Select.

 

[grcsftbll]

Definitely some big names from GA on there. I don't know any of those particular teams since 12U isn't even on my radar yet but I know a lot of the organizations.

 

[marriard]

Most of the local 'A' teams are going to the next qualifier for USA Elite in late February near Gainsville (corrected). We are likely going - field is already good and getting better.

 

[CatchTheFever]

My DD new team is qualified for this as well as Asa nationals. As of now, the team is planning to play the asa nationals although I wouldn't mind playing both. Tough on the wallet and getting time off work for everyone though.