Playing Up Policy

While Rocky Rapids recognizes some parent and player’s desire to compete on a team in a higher age division, or “play up”, this is not our regular practice and is subject to specific criteria.

There are several reasons we do not endorse playing up:

• Although players may have the skill to join a higher age team, they may not be physically, emotionally or mentally ready to play with and against players who are up to three years older.
• Players with a high level of skill in one age group may have similar or even lower skill level compared to players in a higher age group; we have seen many examples where this has been detrimental to the player as they feel increased pressure to keep up with the older age group
• Rocky Rapids is a community-based program where we want to not only increase player skill level, but encourage team play, camaraderie and provide the opportunity to make new friends. When a player does not play within his/ her peer group, it can be difficult to form new friendships and lasting team bonds.

 After considering the above, if you would like to submit a request to play up, please email the President with specific details as to the reason you feel a change should be made.

Your request will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and after evaluations you will be advised whether we are able to accommodate your request.For the purposes of registration, please register your player with the team that corresponds to their birthdate. Decisions made by the board related to playing up are considered final and not subject to appeal.