Why are people saying 2021 teams should "play up"?
First, many did in Hogan's U13A divisions this past year, probably due to the fact that most top teams have kids that don't mean the 9/1 cutoff. Or other U13 divisions. And did well.
Second, there were a ton of close games among 2021 teams this year. There seem to be 10-15 AA teams that can all give each other a good game. 2021 seems fortunate that way.
Third, playing up sounds good until someone gets hurt or a concussion. At the 2021 level, many of the kids are still . . . kids. While at 2020, many kids have hit puberty.
Fourth, be careful what you wish for. Isn't next June when all the Md private school kids decide to reclass and repeat 8th grade? I think it's ridiculous for a kid to finish 8th grade next Spring and drop down to 2021 - and tournaments should NOT allow - but you know some teams will do it. This Fall and next Spring may be the last time you get to play against teams without holdbacks (although you'll still play teams with a lot of summer bdays). Enjoy it while you can.
