I do not get it. If a family decides to holdback a child, why is it a huge advantage? A child on age may be 9 months older than a child in their grade. No one is complaining about kids who meet the cut-off being 9 months younger than the September birthdays. It's splitting hairs. All of these kids are going to be in high school and playing against athletes 3 or 4 years older. The way I see it is parents are placing too much emphasis on youth sports and need to realize it all balances out in high school. The unfortunate side is that there are stigmas placed on the child. So, leave the kids out of it and just encourage your child to do his best. No matter who he is facing. If there is a glass half full: They are getting prepared to play in high school.