Policy on Playing Up

Tolland Lacrosse Policy on “Playing Up”

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to define the exceptions and procedures that would allow any TLC player to be moved to team that is different than the one the player’s age dictates (ex: allowing a child in who is age eligible for U12 level to play on a U14 grade team [following the US Lacrosse age guidelines).  

 US Lacrosse Position Statement:

“Due to the increased potential for injury and lack of evidence supporting any benefit in the long-term development of a youth level player, US Lacrosse strongly discourages allowing children below 8th grade to “play-up”.

POLICY:

It is the policy of Tolland Lacrosse Club that, subject to the exceptions listed below players are not permitted to play on a team outside the child’s age or grade level as defined by US Lacrosse for a given season. 

Exceptions:

1.  When the parent is asked by Tolland Lacrosse Club to coach a different team: If so desired by the parent-coach, a player may move up one grade level if the parent who is also a TLC coach is asked by TLC to coach a team that is different than the one the parent-coach’s child age dictates. (ex: If the parent of a U10 player is asked to coach a U12 level team) In the circumstance the child is permitted to play on the U12 level team as an accommodation to the parent-coach. 
2.  When a coach of the older team extends an invitation to play in a game: A player is permitted to play in a game for a team above age level if invited to by the coach of the older team. The game must not interfere with the player’s age appropriate team’s schedule. Typically, this is done when the older team is missing their regular players. 
3.  When approved by the TLC Board: The TLC Board reserves the right to allow a player to move up an age level permanently if requested by the parent/guardian, is agreed to by the coaches of both the age appropriate team, older team, and approved by a majority vote of the TLC Board.  
4.  “Playing-Up” Request Procedure: No requests will be considered until the player in question has registered, paid in full, and been assigned to an age appropriate team. Once that criterion has been met the following procedure must be followed.
5. The player’s parent or guardian needs to make a formal request in writing to the TLC board of directors. Requests must include the rationale for why it is in the best interest of all parties to have the child play-up. 
6. The appropriate age level director (boys/girls) along with the coaches will review to decide if a move it warranted. Criteria used may be but not restricted to the following:
7. Input from parent/guardian
8. Feedback from previous coaches 
9. Input from both head coaches of the impacted teams.
10. Impact on team sizes
11. Player’s size and maturity level
12. If the appropriate age level director and coaches do not support the request, the request is denied. 
13. If the appropriate age level directors and coaches support the parent’s request they will present to the TLC Board for formal approval. Simple majority approves or denies the request.
14. Any board members that are the parent must abstain.
15. Following the vote the TLC Board will provide formal written response of the final decision to the parent/guardian requesting the move