12U

12U is a designation used in youth sports to identify a competition division for players who are 12 years old or younger. The exact cutoff date is determined by the league or governing body, and eligibility is based on each player's birth year or age as of a specified date.

The term is most common in baseball and softball, but also appears in basketball, lacrosse, and other sports. In baseball and softball, 12U divisions emphasize development and fair competition for children typically in late elementary or early middle school. Rules, equipment, and field dimensions are adjusted to suit younger players.

Rules and play: Leagues often implement pitch-count limits, restrictions on certain types of pitches, and mercy rules to keep games safe and moving. Rosters usually include around 9-12 players per team, and seasons run in spring or fall, with both recreational and travel programs.

Field and equipment: Field dimensions and pitching distances are scaled to the age group and governed by the league, so configurations vary. In baseball, some programs use smaller diamonds than the adult game; in softball, fields are likewise adjusted to accommodate younger players.

Development and progression: 12U serves as a transitional level between entry-level youth play and older competitive leagues. Players focus on fundamental skills, game awareness, and teamwork before advancing to higher divisions such as 13U or 14U.