[greymule]

I know for the most part around here the girls are very intense about their HS teams and Travel ball teams and the rec programs are dwindling both in talent and numbers.

Some of the rec programs around here did suffer because high school coaches forbade their players to participate in rec leagues. One particularly strong league was drastically affected when dozens of good players suddenly disappeared. In this area, the travel teams don't usually pick up steam until the school season ends.

Another league does not allow travel players in its rec league. There were too many problems with rec teams being short-handed because of scheduling conflicts. But though there are no real stars in that league, the level of competition is very balanced, and they are actually developing some good players.