ASA vs. USSSA vs. IFA-VTD vs. FASA

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May 31, 2018
227
43
Allen TX
I need some advice. As a first year 12u team in Texas, I want to know what the recommendation is for tournament play. Really I want to know what org is recommended in the DFW area, and if you should stick to only one for the season (example: pick USSSA and only play in those events).

Here are the team goals:

1. 10-12 tournaments this year.
2. Stay local in greater DFW area (lots of tournaments to choose from).
3. Qualify for National/State event in July (even if it's local).
4. Play quality competition.

Thanks in advance.
 
Jul 16, 2018
120
18
From my very novice insight Id say you could do all USSSA and do just fine. Judging by the amount of teams registered and events in the area. And you could always head to OKC/Tulsa if you "must"
 
Nov 25, 2012
1,437
83
USA
At 12U I think USSSA in DFW has plenty to offer and a good circuit to play. As your team gets older, you will likely seek out other circuits with higher level competion but for your age group it is a good place IMO.

We played plenty of USSSA at that age and we were happy for the most part. 2 things I have grown to dislike about USSSA is that they have tons of "Nationals" tournaments versus one true "Nationals". Not a big deal at 12U but something to consider as they get older. We went to a USSSA Southern Nationals in Florida a few years back thinking this was a big deal as it was our first Nationals tournament. I think we had maybe 12 teams there.....lesson learned.

The other thing to keep in mind that I don't care for is the birthday cutoff for USSSA is different than everyone else (at least most others). I don't know why they do this but they do.....
 
Nov 25, 2012
1,437
83
USA
Just to add, VTD is another good option for you in Texas. If you rotated between USSSA and VTD you could probably play just about every weekend (not that you would want to) so the options definitely exist. We played a ton of VTD when younger, then moved to USSSA primarily, then ASA and Triple Crown, and hopefully we will get into some PGF this year or next at 18U
 

Tom

Mar 13, 2014
222
0
Texas
At 12U here in NTX I seem to remember that the large orgs were about the same in regard to level of play. Was always kind of a crap shoot as to where the majority of teams would land any given weekend. I would suggest holding out as long as possible to register then you'll have a better idea of where the majority of teams will be once you can see who has paid. Nothing worse than having a tournament list 30 teams attending, registering then showing up and only having 8 team actually there. Seems like there are enough tournaments on any weekend here that teams can be selective on thing like quality of facility, gate fees, amenities etc. without having to be too concerned about sanctioning org.
 
Jul 16, 2018
120
18
Is there an advantage in only picking one circuit and sticking with it? Points, qualifying, etc?

In USSSA they have many double/triple/quadruple point weekends so points are good for seeding(pooling) purposes in State or Nationals. However you might some teams will just play a single tournament so that they qualify for the state tourney. My daughter only played in ASA tourneys where we're at when she was 8 and since then we have done nothing but USSSA but as far as I know its the predominate force around this area (KS,MO,OK,TX)
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
For VTD I have never seen any benefit to points expect to say you have more points. IDK on USSSA. We would play USSSA just to play different teams but we are in central Texas and USSSA is not big in S Texas. VTD has a State tourney that is fun and has games for all levels. TCS is good and I dont think requires a qualifier. We also played a 5 tool tourney that had some strong teams. USSSA is moving in here and trying to make a presence but the quality of teams has not been super tough. 1-3 max.

We are moving up this fall and will be looking for some of the better tourneys. Prob get it handed to us initially but we are focused on getting better and not trophies. It’s nice to do well but its not everything.

Good luck with your search!
 
Jun 19, 2016
858
63
Is there an advantage in only picking one circuit and sticking with it? Points, qualifying, etc?

In VTD the teams with the most points are usually in line for a first round butt kicking in the State and National tournaments. They seed by points and the top point teams are usually B/C level teams that play a lot of VTD tournaments. They get paired up against low point teams that tend to be A level teams that play very few VTD tournaments.
 
Jun 19, 2016
858
63
In DFW USSSA is usually a higher level of play than VTD. VTD is a mixed bag with some really good and some really bad teams. ASA depends on the level of the tournament. The other thing to remember about the fall in ASA is teams don't have to age up.
 

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