PLAY UP REQUESTS AND POLICY

Play-Up Requests & Policy

AYSO’s National Rules and Regulations define AYSO’s Standard Age Divisions, consistent with US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives, AYSO’s Age-Appropriate Coaching methodologies, and in the best interest of the player. CLICK HERE to see the most current Standard Age Divisions, which changed for the 2026/27 year.

From time to time, Regions may receive requests from parents for their child to be placed in an age division other than their standard division.

In the vast majority of cases, placement in an age division other than that recommended by AYSO's National Rules and Regulations, is strongly discouraged.

Region 1422 Play-Up Guidelines and Player Considerations

Region 1422 follows AYSO National guidelines and approves play-up requests only in extraordinary circumstances and is by a case by case basis.

Play-up approvals are intentionally rare and will not be granted:

To bypass the 2026/27 age division changes
Solely to allow players to join friends or former teammates

General Play-Up Guidelines

Play-up requests will only be considered on an individual player basis (considerations enumerated below)
Only players in 8U divisions and above are eligible for consideration
Players must be at least 11 years old to play in the 14U division (due to heading restrictions)
Requests will only be considered if space is available in the higher division (so if you register and the division you are seeking to play up into is already full, the request will not be approved)
Play-up approvals from other AYSO regions are not automatically recognized by Region 1422

Individual Player Considerations

The player must have completed at least one season in Region 1422
The player should be within two months of the upper division’s age cutoff
The player must demonstrate exceptional skill—typically the top player in their division
In divisions with formal ratings, the player should have one of the highest two ratings
A parent must serve as a coach (preferably head coach) for the team during the season the player is playing up

Approval Process

If you believe your player meets the criteria, you may submit a request using the Region 1422 Play Up Form

The approval process includes:

Review and approval by both affected Program Managers (the player’s current division and the requested division)
Final review and decision by the Regional Commissioner (potentially with input and consultation from other regional board members)

Timing

Requests may be submitted once registration opens for the upcoming season. However, approvals will not be granted until the current season has concluded.

Example: Fall season requests will not be approved until after the spring season ends. Decision is made by end of June.