Originally Posted by Anonymous
The holding back is not done exclusively at 8th grade -- not at all. Some kids repeat 3rd grade, some at the beginning of middle school. It is usually done at the time a boy switches schools. In many cases, the decision to hold back is the impetus for switching schools.
It used to be the social stigma of being "left back" discouraged parents from doing this to their children. One would feel sorry for the kids who could not manage to keep up in school. It seems that among athletes' parents, that disadvantage is outweighed by the advantages. Nevertheless, the stigma is still there. It is just difficult for people inside the sports bubble to perceive, or easy for them to disregard. Holding back athletes does a disservice to true student-athletes, perpetuating the stereotype of the dumb jock.


Nicely said.