I am not saying do away with governing it. I understand BC/DOB's are the easiest but sometimes the easiest isn't the best. US Lacrosse has you register DOB (not sure if they record grade - I just re-up my kids and me) if grade isnt recorded why not put the grad year in US Lacrosse and have them issue rosters.

For those that play on multiple teams, okay, as long as you are grade eligible and sign up as a part of that organization. As far as pulling kids from an A team to play B or vice versa (in grade or playing up). I actually like that idea (may be in the minority - So me say play with whom you try'd out for - I agree to a point - but if a team within our org is short players or the org wants to put a "special" team in an extra tournament go for it)


As far as the held/left back, yes it is what it is and they will play with them in gym and eventually in HS so why not grow up in sports with them. If that held back kid is really that good then he should play a year up to get better (shame on the parents if they don't seek that outlet). At the same time, I do believe there needs to be a certain rule that protects against a player who was left back twice. (kind've like a weight limit many football leagues impose).



Originally Posted by CageSage
Originally Posted by Anonymous
Stick with grad year, those who bend the system are cheaters and we'll all know who they at the time. I'd rather that then always play boys or girls in a "U" situation that skips a year. U9 U11 U13 U15 U17.

Understanding around the country many towns may not have enough kids at an age group, and if that happens you play up / at the oldest grade level on your team (regardless of one player on the team). The unfortunate thing here is an older player who is less skilled than the younger ones. Well when I was growing up they had cuts for travel.
In supporting class year graduations, you are saying that :
  • you are fine with players being held back or left back for one or possibly two years based on academics and playing with those potentially one or two years younger,
  • the need for birth certificates at tournaments should be waived since you cannot do anything in terms of the player's age, and
  • you are willing to trust the club coaches in designing their graduating year classes since there will not be any school administered documentation confirming a graduation year.
Effectively, you are saying that what is in place right now is just fine. Seriously, I do not think that folks are thinking through the implications of their statements.

As for the opposition to the U-age groups, why do these groups have to be every other year? Clearly, there are enough players to form teams based on class year. U-age groups only shifts the calendar window for grouping student-athletes by a few months.