I disagree. Not helping the weaker kids or the stronger kids at all to keep them playing together after 4th grade. The stronger players will only improve if they are playing with strong players. I've see too many "better" players develop bad habits and lose their edge playing grown with weaker players. All it's doing is wastng time for them to develop skills and learn the game. On the other side, the weaker players are intimidated playing on the same field as the strong playrs. They lose confidence not to mention playing time. If a program has the numbers to field multiple teams in an age group they should separate by skill. Check the egos at the parking lot.
I agree with this 100%, although I would go a step further and ask why we don't separate by ability from the get go. For the same reasons you stated; more highly skilled kids get better playing with other kids with comparable skill sets. And the slower to mature kids get frustrated and intimidated being put on the same field as the kids that are quicker to mature & develop skills.
The PAL is going to lose the battle as more kids leave for club ball. The writing is on the wall.
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