Playing Up Policy

Underage players may tryout for only one older age team if they feel they have the skills to make the highest level team.  However, coaches and staff of an older age team may not approach a lower age club member and request that they try out for their team. (Players will not be permitted to play/tryout for other than the top-level team of the next higher level age group.) 

The Board of Directors understands that there will be times when it is in the best interest of a player's development that the player play at a higher age level; however, the ability to make the higher age team is not the sole reason for allowing a player to play up.  The individual must not only possess the skills to make the team, but they must also elevate the competitive stature of the team they are trying out for.

If the higher level coach feels there is an exceptional player who should be playing at the higher age level, she/he must request the Director of Competitive Teams to arrange for an unbiased assessment.  The Director will appoint a minimum of two independent assessors.  The Board of Directors will review the assessor’s recommendations.

Until the Board of Directors has given their approval, a coach may not offer an underage player a position on a higher age team.

While a player is trying out for a higher age team, they must also attend tryouts for the highest level in their age group except when there is a time conflict.

Goalies may be an exception to this policy.

The Board of Directors reserves the right to move players if it is deemed in the best interest of the club and the players.

It will be the responsibility of each coach to make the underage player and/or the parents aware of this policy and to implement it fully.