Back of THE CAGE Forums MID-ATLANTIC LACROSSE MARYLAND MAIN FORUM Boys 2026 Grads - Mid Atlantic Region

One thing that all of the holdback parents seem to be forgetting, is that success in eighth through 11th grade against younger kids does not translate to success in college against older kids. Yes they may draw more attention now and get more confidence, but the kids who are actually struggling to play against the older kids who you keep mocking and ridiculing or not understanding that this is how the game is played, are the ones who will actually excel in college because they have always been playing against your kid who was bigger older stronger faster and maybe a level up. If your kid is peeking in 8th grade or even in high school then you're probably failing as a parent. If they are having productive struggle now so that they can thrive later then they might not have a middle school trophy to displace when they're putting their achievements on the shelf.

If your kid is an on age 2026 player, congratulations to him and to you for having him play up against older kids in the 2026 division. It’s great that he’s able to play up and compete. He will be better off in high school. So can we stop the never ending holdback discussions and just tell yourself and your son that he’s playing up one age level and be proud of it? Yes, my son is on age 14 year old 8th grader. No, not a crabs parent.

Enjoy that fake trophy, because you know it is when you really digest the facts. King Crab never coaches an 8th grade team unless all the cards are in his favor. It makes up for his coaching short comings.

The question is could the Crabs on age kids win the championship? Simple question 1.) Yes or 2.) No

Keep telling yourself that your son who couldn't compete against kids his own age and had to compete against the kids a year younger is all of a sudden going to miraculously thrive when he has to compete against children who are older than him. But at least you get a cool window sticker for your minivan

If your kid is an on age 2026 player, congratulations to him and to you for having him play up against older kids in the 2026 division. It’s great that he’s able to play up and compete. He will be better off in high school. So can we stop the never ending holdback discussions and just tell yourself and your son that he’s playing up one age level and be proud of it? Yes, my son is on age 14 year old 8th grader. No, not a crabs parent.

You are kidding right? Go check the Terps roster. It is filled with 5 and 6 (redshirt + 4 years + 1 gift from NCAA) year players. Then go check all the rosters of the top 20 schools in lacrosse. There are a few exception in the Ivy but the older ages are the norm. BTW - the leading player of the year candidate is a 6 year player. And wait until you see what numbers Conor Schellenberger drops in his 5th and 6th years. The "holdbacks never succeed" thing is old and tired and wrong. Check every single sport and let us know when athletes have their best years.

How many of you angry post 9/1 parents have ever, just once, spoken to your club directors, coaches, officials at HoCo or tournament operators and asked to change the system ? Ever?

How many of you angry post 9/1 parents have ever, just once, spoken to your club directors, coaches, officials at HoCo or tournament operators and asked to change the system ? Ever?

How many of you holdback parents feel for the kids you cheat out of playtime, scholarships, spots on a team and recruitment?

First let me start by saying my kid is on age and I completely understand both sides of this argument but we all have to understand this is not going away. The holdback mentality is being propagated by HS and College coaches; I have been approached on several occasions to do something similar with my son. Our answer was simply no; I don't believe in it, but I also understand why some parent make the decision to hold their son/daughter back. It gives them an edge with the hopes of getting into college with a little financial help. It is what it is ans they are playing the 'game', so lets move on and encourage our kids to keep working hard. In the end they will be better for it both on and off the field.

The holdback phenomenon, and in particular the 2026 Crabs, are certainly annoying, but most people just accept it as a fact of lacrosse life and move on, sort of like the teenagers who run the clock and scoreboard at HoCo games being terrible at their jobs. I wonder which team's parents have been lighting up BOTC the past few days beating this dead horse nonstop. My theory is the Hawks - they annointed themselves champions for life in 5th grade, and are struggling with their new status as a run of the mill team. Am I right or wrong?