Is it too simplistic to discuss it as juniors / seniors?

In fell terms, up to and including U12, they can get by with what I would call part time commitment. As they move through the U14s if they don't up their game they will lose ground and we will lose them by the time they get to U16s.

Don't get me wrong, there has to be fun all along. You cannot turn out in all weathers to train and race if you aren't enjoying it. But by the same token, part of the enjoyment is based around achievement.

If you look at the current 2011 U18s table and go back to 2005 when they were U12s and chart the progress it makes interesting reading in both Boys and Girls categories.
Quite a large number, the large majority of athletes of whom I can say "I wonder what happened to them".

Some are mine, or were friends of mine or my athletes. A fair portion were those that failed to up their game when it was needed.

That transition from fun to serious has to be managed by coaches, parents and athlete. It's key to keeping them in the sport, whatever level they are at.

I certainly don't think I've got the balance right yet - not sure I ever will :/