When to Separate
As children reach 10 to 11 years old and begin to hit puberty, it's typically time to return to an all-girls or all-boys team. Because girls tend to develop and mature more quickly than boys do, the playing field stays relatively level for younger children. As both genders hit puberty, size and strength differences become more pronounced and discrepancies in height and weight can begin to pose safety concerns.
More: Equipment Guide for Young Basketball Players
The decision to separate genders can also depend on which sport your child is playing. It's possible to continue longer on a coed team in an activity that involves less contact, such as baseball or volleyball. In sports such as football, basketball and soccer, the increased contact among players can make continuing to field coed squads more difficult.
Although coed teams widely trail off once children reach middle school, the decision for a girl to join a boys team, for example, can still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the child's ability, size and comfort level, a coed team could still be the right fit.
In the end, coed teams are another great avenue for children to become motivated to stay active and learn more about teamwork--all while having a blast with a wider range of peers.
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