Originally Posted by Anonymous
Agree. Example AA is really 2019/2018 at the 2020 grade level.


Maybe in some states , but not all. If the AA teams are all that old then why waste your kids year and let them all play grade appropriate because they would play these kids anyway. Playing down shows a weakness, don't exploit your kid by holding them back. If they have talent they don't need to play down, give them some more credit and tell them they are good enough to do it without dropping them down a level. It can't be fun sitting through a whole academic year of the same curriculum because your coach or parents don't think you are good enough to play with your current team or friends. Your kid might be on agreement verbally but truthfully, no 13 yr old should ever be allowed to do so or be agreeing to something as such. I'm surprised no one had brought it up as negligent parenting if the kid is a solid student. Many kids on D1 teams will be there without playing down, so why not tell your kid- you can do this too. A little benefit of the doubt goes a longer way for confidence and that translates into better play on the field. Doubting your kid is the worst thing you can do- than acting on it seals the deal.