Playing Up Recommendation
prepared by Jan Smisek
U-14 National Coaching Coordinator, Region IV
The development of players and improvement of play in the United States will be enhanced by an improved playing environment Players must be exposed to levels of competition commensurate with their skills and must be challenged constantly In training and in games in order to aspire to higher levels of play and maintain their interest in and passion for the game.
As coaches and administrators, all of our decisions must be based on what is best for the players. It is our responsibility to provide an environment where every player is given the opportunity to improve and to gain the maximum enjoyment from their soccer experience.
Recommendation:
Players that possess soccer maturity beyond that of their peers should be allowed to play “up” on an older age-group team in order that their development as players is not retarded.
Teams that dominate in their league be allowed to participate in an older age group league if a more demanding league in their own age group is not available.
The determination of whether a player or team should “play up” must be the decision of the appropriate coaches and administrators, not parents.
Rationale:
- Individual performance improves when a player is subjected to the demands of the game at a competitive level.
- The best players must have the opportunity to compete with and against players of similar abilities.
- Players with less ability must be allowed to compete at their own level in order to enjoy the game and to improve as players.
- Competitive balance in league play is vital: domination of one or two teams in a league retards overall development.
- Improvement in the overall standard of the game depends upon the improvement of individual players.
Considerations/Implementation:
Club teams may allow younger players to try out for their teams. If the player is capable of playing at that level then the selection committee, coach and administrators may choose to select the player.
If a player is seeking to play up more than one age-group, then the decision must be based on how much playing time the player would get as a member of this team. If the player would be on the bench more than the field, then they should be advised to play up only one age-group.
In ODP, any player under-14 should be allowed to try out for a U-14 District Team. If they are young but talented enough to play at that level then they should be selected by the district and/or state coach.
In ODP age-groups U-15 to U-18, players should be encouraged to play in their own age group unless they have exceptional talent and would benefit by playing-with older players. State and Regional Head Coaches should make this determination.
Playing up an age group in one season should not preclude a player playing in their own age-group the following season.
Summary
The intention of this recommendation is to provide sound rationale to support players playing with and against older players when it is in the best interests of their soccer development. Under no circumstances should this information be used by club coaches to recruit players or to circumvent current league policy with regard to this matter.
