From the BYSA Constitution: The purpose of BYSA is to promote interest, participation, and player development in the game of soccer among youth; and to improve soccer skills and knowledge by offering coaching to all participants to improve participants’ physical and mental capabilities, to conduct fair and equitable soccer and competition, and to provide participants fundamental skills and developmental opportunities that shall enable them to play soccer in an environment that fosters fun, participation, and learning through quality soccer and educational programs appropriate to their desire, skill, and commitment.
BYSA recognizes that player development is best advanced by allowing players to compete at the highest possible levels, even if it means playing up in age. At the same time, we recognize that playing up in age is often more appropriate for the older players. A premature move to an older age group can lead to dissatisfaction and drive a younger player away from the game.
As such, BYSA players are not permitted to play up on an older team that participates in a results-oriented format unless the following three criteria are met:
1. The older team would not have sufficient players without the participation of younger players;
2. The player is being placed on a team with his or her classmates or siblings; or
3. The player’s skills justify the placement on an older team. Justification requires a recommendation from the prior season’s coach and an average rating of “Advanced Skills and Focus” from the prior season’s coaches evaluations.
Process for requesting to “Play Up”
In the instance where a player fulfills the criteria above and wishes to play up, the player’s parent or guardian is required to:
1. Email the BYSA registrar
requesting to play up with justification of fulfilling the criteria at the time of registration; and
2. Appear at the next BYSA Board meeting to make a formal request to the Board.
Upon board review and approval of the request, the player will be transferred to the approved age division.
