Do away with rankings, seedings and ratings for kids 12 and under in all sports.
If we, as coaches, and the governing bodies of sport all agree that development should be the main focus with these age groups, then why so much emphasis on rankings? Reading that little Jonny beat the 3rd seed or little Katie beat the 1st seed tells me nothing. It doesn’t tell me what I need to know – What is happening from a developmental and progress point of view. Comparing results at this stage has no relevance.

Kid’s who are at the top of their age groups at these ages simply have played more, hit more, kicked more, thrown more etc.. – That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve developed better. Sure, let them compete, they need to, but stop all the seedings, rankings and nonsense. If we are losing 70% of kids before the ages of 13 in sport because of burn out, over playing, over zealous parents, etc.. then surely we can hold back knowing who the best kid is at 12?

As a Sports Performance Coach (and fully licensed coach), I believe that this would be the best approach. Solution?

If you want a ‘ranking’ or rating system for this age group, then rate on what the main focuses should be. This would be done on simple tests that have a scoring system for –
1. Athletic skills Development.
2. Technical skills Development.
3. Ability to learn how game is played (tactical awareness).
4. Consistency in pattern play (placement).
5. In competition – Attitude, effort, mindset under pressure, body language and tactical/patterns IQ.

At these ages, I’m more excited about the kid who can play and is scoring high on the above mentioned, more than the kid who can play a little better, but is scoring lower on the above. What’s the rush? Why are we so fixed on who the best 12 year old is? Teach the athlete (not the player) how to play and compete. Build momentum in the kid’s love of the sport. (Remember Passion determines ones’ success and longevity in anything!) Develop the athlete, mindset and technique first. Results can come later.