So there are two sets of criteria used in tournaments for age, my opinion - they both stink.
1- Graduation Year, this seems like a good idea until one takes into account the kids held back a year - and in youth sports that does make a big difference.
2- The U system. Why USALax uses every other year is beyond me. Causes the same issue as Grad year. Plus why make the cut off August?

And what is actually done to enforce these age requirements anyway? Nothing of substance!
I know this topic is mentioned on nearly every tournament result forum page. I guess nobody at USALax pays attention or cares enough to listen - as long as we keep up the membership dues. Not playing is not an option - hurts the kids. Playing also can hurt the kids. The U system breaks the boys apart from their friends. My suggestion would be to go by original grad year & supply id cards. It's really not rocket science.