Occasionally, a parent may request that a child play-up to the next higher level. We generally follow the AYSO National Guidelines, but allow for some exceptions:
- Combining divisions - for some divisions (normally 16U and above), we may not have enough players to form complete teams in two consecutive age divisions. In this case, we may combine the players from the two age divisions and form one team. This team would need to compete at the older age division. For example, if 16U players are combined with 18U players to form one team, the combined team will play in the 18U division.
- Need for players in an age division - if an age division is in need of players to be able to form a team, and the next-lower age division has an abundance of players, then some of the older players in the lower age division may be given the opportunity to play up.
- Too many players in an age division - if an age division has too many players and the next higher division has room, then some players may be given the opportunity to play up.
In the cases of either a division needing players or a division having too many players, the opportunity to play up will be awarded based on ability and age. Only players that would be moving to the older age division in the next Fall season AND that qualify based on skill level will be eligible. From this subset of players, each player will be asked in order of their birth date, with the older players being asked first. The order IS NOT based on skill level.
Each exception will be considered case by case, and year by year. Playing up one year does not mean playing up every year. The parents of players being given the opportunity to play up will be consulted, as will coaches. The parents must agree and the player must also want to play up. Players are never forced to play up.
Parents wanting their child to play up need to contact the Board in writing per email during open registration. Simply texting or verbally stating the desire to have a child play up is not sufficient. After registration and teams are formed, it is much more difficult to accommodate such requests. Please send all requests to [email protected]
Some other things to consider: - Playing up is not automatic
- The National AYSO guidelines do not normally allow for players to play up beyond one year(*)
- Players are not allowed to play up solely on the basis of skill
- There is no "Two Year Rule." A player will not be automatically played up just because they've already played two years in a given division
- Players transferring to our Region from another Region or soccer program are subject to the same rules as everyone else.
- The AYSO Region Board has the final say on all requests. No player may play up without the authorization from the Board. No individual coach or Board member can grant permission for a player to play up - it is a Board decision
- A decision might not be rendered immediately. The aspects spelled out above must all be considered and it can be several weeks before all of the information is available (such as how many players are in the divisions affected)
- 10U and 12U players are not usually allowed to play up.
* Players that are 10 years old or younger are not allowed to play in the 14U division - no exceptions. In the 14U division heading the ball is allowed. Per National AYSO and CDC guidelines, players that are 10 years old or younger are not allowed to intentionally head the ball.