[Does NY have the same issue of holdbacks as Baltimore/DC area. It is mainly a private school thing in MD/DC until 8th grade. Then it is both but you still see more holding back in private schools. I have talked to many parents recently who are holding their child back in public's in MD/DC. It seems to be growing? [/quote]

Can't arbitrarily hold back in public school unless the school make you repeat, which they only do if you are a ding dong. Tax payers don't fund sports ambition, but do fund stupid kids that can't pass public school classes.

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It happened in my kid's school. A player did 8th grade in the two different middle schools, and started as an 8th grader on the varsity team in his 2nd round of 8th. Was an ok student, but not failing or forced to be held back. Got a D1 offer as a 9th grader, and really should be in 10th. H[/quote]

Where there is a will, there is a way. Sounds like they used the transfer as an opportunity to make the case for repeating. But holding back within an individual public school is nearly impossible, unless you are a dumbbell.