Will a girl who plays up have eligibility issues later?

Question
MY DAUGHTER LAST YEAR WAS 12 BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE A 13 TRAVEL TEAM AND DID WELL...THIS YEAR SHE WILL BE THIRTEEN AT THE TIME FOR CLUB TRYOUTS. I AM BEING PRESSURED TO HAVE HER PLAY IN HER OWN AGE GROUP THIS YEAR MAINLY BECAUSE THE 13-1 TRAVEL TEAM DOESNT HAVE ANY GOOD DS PROSPECTS...I HAVE HEARD THAT IF SHE PLAYS IN HER AGE GROUP THIS YEAR THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO SIT NEXT YEAR BECAUSE SHE WOULD BE STARTING HIGH SCHOOL ANY TRUTH TO THAT??

Answer
Welcome to allexperts.com.

I'm in the middle of my final summer vball camp, so I've got to be quick!

I've never heard of what you're saying.  ineligible where?  in club ball?  or in school ball?

I am guessing that you heard this from someone who has another agenda....like keeping her at her own age group.  I have no idea what you're talking about.  However, I live in Virginia.  It may be different where you live (even though it sounds ridiculous & bizarre).  I'd double-check me by calling your state athletic association.  In Virginia, it's the VHSL, and it's website is www.vhsl.org.  There should be something similar in your state.

Now, as for what team your daughter will be on, here's what I would do:
a) Tell the club director what team placement you and your daughter will accept.  Most club directors will respond, "I'll put her where the club needs her."  
b) If you think you know what's in your daughter's best interests, then respond with, "If you place her on team x or y or z, we will not play."  
c) Then put your money where your mouth is, and have her ready to try out for other programs.......or not play a year of club ball.  If you cave, then you're just another parent who has bark but no bite.  So be careful what you say in (b) above!  

But.........as soon as she commits either orally or by writing to a club, then it's no longer all about her.........it's immediately all about the team.  So, no, I'm not contradicting everything I've ever said on this site.  It IS ALL ABOUT TEAM when you're on a team.  But it can be all about you as you're considering what team to try out for.  And if you get assigned where you asked in advance not to be, then you must say, "Thank you, but no thank you."  

Sorry the 13-1 team doesn't have a DS prospect.  That's too bad for them.  You look out for your daughter before tryouts.  

I hope that you visit me at www.coachhouser.com!  I think you and your daughter will like the smiling faces!  I'm gone......got to work on camp plans!

Chat soon!
Coach Houser
[email protected]