[JC001]

Originally Posted by FalconPunchKid

It may be beneficial to start at the D5 level. If it is available to you.

^^ I was going to post the same thing. Play D5 or even D6 if it is available, starting off against seasoned D4 teams could be very disheartening.

[JohnSherman]

Originally Posted by JC001

^^ I was going to post the same thing. Play D5 or even D6 if it is available, starting off against seasoned D4 teams could be very disheartening.

I kind of disagree with these guys. If D5 tournaments in your area are significant cheaper than D4, then I'd say maybe play one to get the feel for the tournament routine. However, you aren't going to get anywhere if you are afraid to enter tournaments because you will get your *** kicked. Leagues keep adding new divisions for no other reason than to preserve the delicate sensibilities of the kids playing in them, and that is a losing strategy. All it does is lead to slower progression. What I'd recommend is that you forget about tournaments for the time being. Every dollar you spend on a D5 tournament is a dollar that could be better spent getting some practice time in against D4/3/2/1 teams.

Edit: I also think that you would be much better served by joining an existing team. You'll have experienced players around to help you, and someone else can worry about tournaments and sponsorships.

[kyle4236]

I agree 100% on the leagues adding divisions comment. I believe it should go back to d3 being the max

[FalconPunchKid]

Originally Posted by JohnSherman

I kind of disagree with these guys. If D5 tournaments in your area are significant cheaper than D4, then I'd say maybe play one to get the feel for the tournament routine. However, you aren't going to get anywhere if you are afraid to enter tournaments because you will get your *** kicked. Leagues keep adding new divisions for no other reason than to preserve the delicate sensibilities of the kids playing in them, and that is a losing strategy. All it does is lead to slower progression. What I'd recommend is that you forget about tournaments for the time being. Every dollar you spend on a D5 tournament is a dollar that could be better spent getting some practice time in against D4/3/2/1 teams.

Edit: I also think that you would be much better served by joining an existing team. You'll have experienced players around to help you, and someone else can worry about tournaments and sponsorships.

I find it beneficial to wet your toes before jumping so to speak. I'm not saying play a whole season. I have seen that the league it's self and the refs tend to be a little easy and very helpful to the D5. Since it is for most of then there first tournament experience.
Granted d4 and d5 tend to be the same skill level due to the sandbagging issue at hand but none the less it's beneficial.