If reading correctly, it’s a 16-18 month window they are targeting. Which in my opinion is not that different from what we have today. Of course there is a couple “double” holdbacks out there but most are summer birthdays that are well within that range.
What am I missing here?
What aren't you missing? Children under the age of 14 are tremendously different, both physically and mentally, with an additional 6 months of age. It's well documented. Adding another 6 - 11 month of age difference on top of that is too much. Then you add on the real cheaters of teams playing players down below their actual class along with double holdbacks and you have a huge problem.
Perhaps your team hasn't hit the upper level tournaments yet. They don't just magically grow kids flying in from different areas 6 inches taller and 50 lbs heavier. Those players are much older, maybe double holdback, maybe holding back next year or flat out filling in rosters with older classes so the team can justify getting on the airplane. On a true travel national team, you will be lucky to find 4-5 kids born after 9/1, not before.
