I realize what you are saying, but I have a little guy at home that is questioning me constantly about who the kids are. He is very competitive, and loves this sport. He likes to size up his weekend by thinking over his competition, etc. He has always been very competitive, but is also a very good sport. I know that all the kids that have come this far are good, no matter what age, but nobody wants to say anything when someone questions about the 12U, 14U, or 16U. When somebody even makes a comment about the 6U or 8U, everyone is ready to remind us that "it's for the kids." I am the first to know this. Plain and simple, my 8 year old wants to know this information for himself.