For some smaller schools, having 8th graders play up on the freshman team becomes a necessity in order to have a team. NCC girls did not have a freshman soccer team this year because there weren't enough 8th graders from feeder schools to help field a team. Same goes for Brossart girls basketball this year. There are at least 5 8th graders from St. Mary who are playing up on the freshman team because of a need for players.

For some smaller schools, having 8th graders play up on the freshman team becomes a necessity in order to have a team. NCC girls did not have a freshman soccer team this year because there weren't enough 8th graders from feeder schools to help field a team. Same goes for Brossart girls basketball this year. There are at least 5 8th graders from St. Mary who are playing up on the freshman team because of a need for players.

I know exactly what you are talking about and I know of schools that do that. I am cool with that. (Cyde's phrase :lol:) I was just wondering if there are any actual rulings or issues where you cannot have a middle schooler playing against a junior. We were told that was the case in girls soccer...so juniors were not allowed on JV.

I know exactly what you are talking about and I know of schools that do that. I am cool with that. (Cyde's phrase :lol:) I was just wondering if there are any actual rulings or issues where you cannot have a middle schooler playing against a junior. We were told that was the case in girls soccer...so juniors were not allowed on JV.

 

That is the case in soccer and football. It has something to do with it being considered a contact sport. I wasn't sure if the age was junior or senior, but i knew that ms kids could not compete at the varsity level in soccer and football.

I know exactly what you are talking about and I know of schools that do that. I am cool with that. (Cyde's phrase :lol:) I was just wondering if there are any actual rulings or issues where you cannot have a middle schooler playing against a junior. We were told that was the case in girls soccer...so juniors were not allowed on JV.

 

We actually did have that issue come up this year in a JV girls soccer game. NCC juniors could not play because Holy Cross had 8th graders on their team.

It should be a joint decision between player, parents and the high school coach. School administration should stay out of it, period.

Administration isn't staying out of anything in Montgomery Co right now.

I would think coaches, parents, and the Principal, or at least Athletic Director. Considering the effects (and there are both positive and negative) that could come from moving a player up, I'm not sure how one could not involve administration. In education, the principal is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs in his/her building, and I believe there are a lot of questions that need to be asked when considering moving a player up, regardless of what sport it is.

I think the player, parents, and varsity coach should make the decision.

 

Agree

Administration isn't staying out of anything in Montgomery Co right now.

 

I have heard the same thing.

That is never a good thing.

As most of you have said, it is a decision between the coaches and the parents, trusting that they would have the best interest of the child/player in mind. I will add that it should only be considered if the coaches invite or give this opportunity. I have seen times where this move was initiated by parents that think their son/daughter is much more advanced than they really are. I guess I am saying this because, yes it is a parents decision, but only after the child was asked by a coach that already made a decision.

I don't like it. I played at the high school in middle school, and I think it forces you to grow up way too quick. I don't really think it helps your game that much either. A kid that is good is going to be good if they have talent, coaching, & work. Playing up does nothing in the long run IMO. Its is a quick advantage but when the player gets to be a JR or SR I don't think it helps that much.

What is the story in Montgomery County?

I don't like it. I played at the high school in middle school, and I think it forces you to grow up way too quick. I don't really think it helps your game that much either. A kid that is good is going to be good if they have talent, coaching, & work. Playing up does nothing in the long run IMO. Its is a quick advantage but when the player gets to be a JR or SR I don't think it helps that much.

 

I like it when it is based on talent but I agree with your post. I just think if a kid is good enough to hold his own then move him up. Sometimes kids are just too good to play amongst their grade/age level. However, as a parent of a middle school kid(6th grade) who plays for the 7th and 8th grade teams, I do want to see my kid play with the 8th grade as an 8th grader. I see both sides but your post is very true. It makes no difference once they are a junior or senior.

I do think it has to come from the coach first, with the understanding that the principal and AD are aware of any conversations taking place. The one caution that I would add from a good friend and coach that is a hall of famer, with teams that have one over 500 games. No matter what level of play, they must be playing. If you are going to move a 8th grader to high school. Then the player should be playing in more games at high school than in middle, and be getting more playing time. Players need to be playing and not sitting on the bench.