⚽ What Is “Playing Up” in Youth Soccer?
Definition: “Playing up” means a player joins a team in an older age group than their birth year normally places them. For example, a 10-year-old eligible for U11 might request to play on a U12 team.
🚫 HAYSA’s Position on Playing Up
HAYSA does not encourage playing up. It is only considered in rare, board-approved situations where it serves the best interest of the player and the program.
Why It’s Discouraged:
- Disrupts age-based development and peer cohesion
- Can create imbalance in team dynamics and coaching plans
- May lead to unrealistic expectations or burnout
✅ Evaluation-Based Consideration
- If a player is identified as a possible candidate for playing up, an evaluation and review process is conducted by the Travel Program Director.
- Any decision to play up requires approval from the Travel Program Director along with the Board President and family consent.
- Playing up will not displace any age-appropriate players
📬 Additional Questions
For questions about playing up or general travel evaluation procedures, please contact the Travel Director.