A player and his / her parents may seek permission for their child to play in an older / younger age group by written request to the Director of Coaching prior to the beginning of assessments but no later the first practice. If the request is valid, a player must 'try out' for the level he / she wishes to 'play up / play down' on.

Upon approval of the Director of Coaching, the player will be assigned a team accordingly. If the player is not approved to play up / play down, then he / she must remain as a participant at the age appropriate level.

Acceptable Reasons to Play Up -

• A child is developmentally (physically) ahead of his / her peers and tends to rely on physicality rather than technique or thought to have success.
• A child is technically and tactically so far ahead of his / her peer group that there is no challenge. 

Unacceptable Reasons to Play Up / Play Down-

• The kids on that team are part of a carpool.
• His / Her best friend / sibling is on the team.
• That team is coached by his / her favorite coach.
• He / She plays up in other sports.
• His / Her older siblings were allowed to play up / play down.
• He / She is in the same grade as the kids on the older team.
• Our team has been together for X many years.
• Parents are generous financial donors.

Reference - Play Up and Play Down Situations in Youth Soccer