Playing Up:
On occasion, students and their families inquire about "playing up" in a older age group. This is most often seen in basketball where a grade 9 might want to play on a Junior team..
We believe that student athletes benefit most from playing with their own peer/age group.
With that said, student athletes are allowed to challenge themselves and try out for higher age groups. When considering if an athlete can/should play up, there are several things to consider:
1. Does the student have the physical, social and emotional maturity to play at a higher level?
2. Is the athlete taking away opportunities from teams in the higher age group?
3. Did the athlete earn a spot on the team?
4. Will they play a meaningful role and contribute to the team?
5. Is this in the best interest of the athlete?
6. What tier/level are the teams involved?
- It would not make sense to play up on a lower tier team.
We believe that student athletes benefit most from playing with their own peer/age group.
With that said, student athletes are allowed to challenge themselves and try out for higher age groups. When considering if an athlete can/should play up, there are several things to consider:
1. Does the student have the physical, social and emotional maturity to play at a higher level?
2. Is the athlete taking away opportunities from teams in the higher age group?
3. Did the athlete earn a spot on the team?
4. Will they play a meaningful role and contribute to the team?
5. Is this in the best interest of the athlete?
6. What tier/level are the teams involved?
- It would not make sense to play up on a lower tier team.
Playing On Multiple Teams:
It is the belief of our athletics department, and that of the SSSAA, that athletes should not be playing on multiple teams within the same sport.
There will be times where a higher age group sport may call up players to help fill out a roster due to illness/injury/etc, but players will not be registered to regularly play on multiple teams.
There will be times where a higher age group sport may call up players to help fill out a roster due to illness/injury/etc, but players will not be registered to regularly play on multiple teams.
If you would like to discuss these policies further, please contact our Athletic Director.
