Playing Up

It has been our experience and remains our fervent belief that players develop and prosper when they play on an age-appropriate team. This allows the player to develop their skills at a natural pace.  

Occasionally, the organization has asked players to play for a season at an older level. This only occurs when team formation is in jeopardy due to inadequate numbers and is an action of last resort. 

Though we do not encourage players to "play up”, we recognize that, on very rare occasions, there may be a player who believes it is in her personal interest to do so. For this situation, we have established a process that will evaluate the veracity of the player’s request, and reach a decision accordingly.  

Process to request consideration for "playing up"

Please note: It is the policy of the Association that, except in rare circumstances, all players will be placed in the youngest age level for which they are qualified. Consistent with this policy, parents and legal guardians will be discouraged from seeking to move players to higher age levels.  

1. The player's parent or legal guardian makes a request to the Director of the higher-level team. The Director will then discuss the request with the parents or legal guardians.

2. Player will be asked to participate in evaluations for both the lower- and upper-age levels.

3. The Board, or a designated sub-committee of 5 individuals appointed by the President, then considers the request to move up on a case-by-case basis according to the following non-exclusive criteria and rules: 

For requests to move from 8U to 10U: 

• Players must be within one year of the next age level; 
• Coach feedback on the player’s prior performance, attitude, and maturity to play at the 10U level; 
• Parent or legal guardian feedback on the desired move; 
• The requesting player’s evaluation score should be in the top 15 of players at the 10U level; and 
• Other factors that the Board deems appropriate. 

The Board, or its designated subcommittee, must ensure that the request to play on an older-age-level team does not negatively impact the number of players in either age level. 

Players meeting these criteria will be placed on a C-level 10U team. 

For requests to move from 10U to 12U: 

• Players must be within one year of the next age level; 
• Coach feedback on the player’s prior performance, attitude, and maturity to play at the 12U level; 
• Parent or legal guardian feedback on the desired move; 
• The requesting player’s evaluation score should be in the top 5 of players at the 12U level; and 
• Other factors that the Board deems appropriate. 

The Board, or its designated subcommittee, must ensure that the request to play at an older age level does not negatively impact the number of players or specialty positions on either age level. 

Players meeting these criteria will generally be placed on a B-level 12U team. 

In the event of unique circumstances, the Board may permit and or prohibit a player from playing at a higher level. Such circumstances include instances in which a player has already played at a higher age level or where a particular age level lacks sufficient pitchers or catchers to field all teams. 

Any request to play up on Fall Ball or Dome Ball shall be considered by a Subcommittee of five individuals appointed by the President. In considering the matter, the Subcommittee will consult the player’s coach, consider the player’s maturity and performance over the summer, and the number of players at each age level in the Fall and Dome teams. Any player permitted to play up may practice with the team to which they are assigned; however, such players will participate in developmental camps for the younger age level. Parents and legal guardians will be reminded that permission to play up in the Fall or Dome seasons does not provide any assurance of playing up in the following season.