Isn’t rec lax and aren’t all rec sports structured with 2 year age gaps (5-6th grade then 7-8th grade)? As the parent of on age sons, the holdback argument is purely a parent ego problem. At this age it’s especially sensitive because of puberty and the differences in development. So for all those parents/sons out there feeling low about playing in or not playing in the Elite division against bigger/better players, don’t stress just keep practicing. Play on a team where you get good coaching, where you get ample playing time, and you have fun with your teammates because eventually your later development will even itself out and college recruiters will still be watching.