Important Update: US Soccer Birth Year Change

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

If a hypothetical August kid has the option to (1) play up with grade level, knowing he/she is the youngest in the grade and would likewise be the youngest on the team, or (2) playing down with the grade behind, being the oldest on the team, what's the missing option you want? Split the teams with half one grade and half another grade so he/she can be in the middle of the age group rather than at either end of it?

"It's not an option if it doesn't fit my kid perfectly!"

This^

A parent complaining that having an option to either A) play up with the grade or B) play down with lower grade and be oldest...........just imagine if this was a parent of a current trapped player who was screwed over and had zero options. The entitlement is strong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

If a hypothetical August kid has the option to (1) play up with grade level, knowing he/she is the youngest in the grade and would likewise be the youngest on the team, or (2) playing down with the grade behind, being the oldest on the team, what's the missing option you want? Split the teams with half one grade and half another grade so he/she can be in the middle of the age group rather than at either end of it?

The missing option i personally want is for my kid to remain with his team. Which sure, if he is good enough he can. But if he is suddenly competing for a spot with kids one year older, its not a great option. He is good enough under the current cohort. He may not be when kids a year older are eligible for his spot.

And i know nothing is ever guaranteed. But i am especially annoyed at the claims that this is good for social soccer and kids playing with their grade, when the opposite is true for my kid.

[Anonymous]

We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

If a hypothetical August kid has the option to (1) play up with grade level, knowing he/she is the youngest in the grade and would likewise be the youngest on the team, or (2) playing down with the grade behind, being the oldest on the team, what's the missing option you want? Split the teams with half one grade and half another grade so he/she can be in the middle of the age group rather than at either end of it?

My kid isnt hypothetical. He has a real team with real friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

If a hypothetical August kid has the option to (1) play up with grade level, knowing he/she is the youngest in the grade and would likewise be the youngest on the team, or (2) playing down with the grade behind, being the oldest on the team, what's the missing option you want? Split the teams with half one grade and half another grade so he/she can be in the middle of the age group rather than at either end of it?

My kid isnt hypothetical. He has a real team with real friends.

And yet every year there are tryouts that are held that would disrupt that team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

If a hypothetical August kid has the option to (1) play up with grade level, knowing he/she is the youngest in the grade and would likewise be the youngest on the team, or (2) playing down with the grade behind, being the oldest on the team, what's the missing option you want? Split the teams with half one grade and half another grade so he/she can be in the middle of the age group rather than at either end of it?

My kid isnt hypothetical. He has a real team with real friends.

And yet every year there are tryouts that are held that would disrupt that team.

And with this change the odds are stacked against him this coming year in a way they haven't been previously. I cant cheer for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like August kids who are the youngest in their grades will be the most impacted, assuming the school cutoff age for their district is September 1. They can either:

1. Play with their new age group that will likely have little to no other kids in their grade. This is a bad deal when their team are all sophomores and they are the lone junior, and so on, for recruiting purposes. But they will be the “oldest” in the group and could benefit with speed, size, IQ, etc.
2. Play “up” with their old age group, assuming they have a spot and don’t get bumped by another kid being pushed down. They will then be the “youngest” but still with their old team. Could be a good thing or bad thing depending on the kid.
3. Reclassify and call it a day.

August 1 is the likely cut off if this happens. While a lot of school districts start after Labor Day, the Southeast usually starts in August. August 1 would capture 99% of school years.

Yeah, that’s my understanding too. I just mean that if you’re an August 15 birthday, for instance, there is the likely chance that in the new system you will be playing with kids a grade below you, assuming you started school as one of the youngest in your class. The Aug 15 kid might be the youngest 8th grader but will be playing with all 7th graders as the oldest on that team.

Not exactly. The August 15 kid will just as likely be in the same grade as the others, but oldest in his grade. All depends on when his/her parents enroll in kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

We have one of those on my kids team and yes the parents play whatever card suits their kid reguarding age and grade.

Also, yes the parents are "slow" and yes the slow parents that homeschool have created slow kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

I get the joke, but hypothetically, if they change the cutoff to Aug 1 - July 31, holding back would not game the system because they are still limited by the year/age cutoff. Now, if it was strictly graduation year cutoff, then yeah, you could hold back for however many years you wanted and little Johnny could be 15 playing with 12 year olds who have the same graduation year.

Under the proposed new cutoff, you could hypothetically hold back a kid that started school early (the Aug. kids) to put them in the grade below and on line with their new team, but that would not change anything with their placement in soccer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is a September 30th cutoff so kids just before that date would potentially be the youngest in the grade but oldest on the team at least for FFX.

The small number of kids caught in that couple week window have the CHOICE to play UP with their school grade or with they soccer SY age (grade below them). Contrast that with the 4 months of trapped kids that can’t play with their school classmates until U-19 their senior year, have to miss a season of travel during 8th grade and then their team disbands prior to their senior season.

Not arguing. Just pointing out that September birthdays would actually be the youngest, not August.

Its not a couple of weeks, its 2 months. Which, yes, is less than the 3 months of Oct-Dec, but not really by much. Saying its weeks vs 4 months is incorrect. Kids born all of August and all of September are the new cohort not playing with their grade.

Which is true for Fairfax County but most school systems have a cutoff of August 31 or earlier.

So that would be 2 months versus 4 months. And the 2 months kids would still have the option of playing up if they’re good enough or if some club wants their money to place them on the third or fourth team with their friends.

Options versus no options.

I think the entire state of Va is September 30. And I think the entire state of MD is September 1. DC is also September 30.

"Options" are not always a universally good thing. Not all of those options are ones my kids or I would want. Telling people they have options when the options arent positive isnt a good thing.

BY wasn't the rule until 2017. Clearly, clubs figured out SY before that. Loudoun Soccer has been around since 1978. Besthesda since 1979. When talking options - how about talk to your club?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

I get the joke, but hypothetically, if they change the cutoff to Aug 1 - July 31, holding back would not game the system because they are still limited by the year/age cutoff. Now, if it was strictly graduation year cutoff, then yeah, you could hold back for however many years you wanted and little Johnny could be 15 playing with 12 year olds who have the same graduation year.

Under the proposed new cutoff, you could hypothetically hold back a kid that started school early (the Aug. kids) to put them in the grade below and on line with their new team, but that would not change anything with their placement in soccer.

That's all well and good but over time SY will become GY simply because it's easier to implement and addresses all the squeaky wheels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

I get the joke, but hypothetically, if they change the cutoff to Aug 1 - July 31, holding back would not game the system because they are still limited by the year/age cutoff. Now, if it was strictly graduation year cutoff, then yeah, you could hold back for however many years you wanted and little Johnny could be 15 playing with 12 year olds who have the same graduation year.

Under the proposed new cutoff, you could hypothetically hold back a kid that started school early (the Aug. kids) to put them in the grade below and on line with their new team, but that would not change anything with their placement in soccer.

That's all well and good but over time SY will become GY simply because it's easier to implement and addresses all the squeaky wheels.

Maybe, but that didn't happen in the however many years SY was implemented prior to the BY switch a few years back. The good news is we will all know one way or another soon enough!

[Anonymous]

My kid needs to improve on so many things right now compared to the strongest players in her BY, I can't give energy to BY vs SY

She would be the same player

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

I get the joke, but hypothetically, if they change the cutoff to Aug 1 - July 31, holding back would not game the system because they are still limited by the year/age cutoff. Now, if it was strictly graduation year cutoff, then yeah, you could hold back for however many years you wanted and little Johnny could be 15 playing with 12 year olds who have the same graduation year.

Under the proposed new cutoff, you could hypothetically hold back a kid that started school early (the Aug. kids) to put them in the grade below and on line with their new team, but that would not change anything with their placement in soccer.

That's all well and good but over time SY will become GY simply because it's easier to implement and addresses all the squeaky wheels.

I agree, why they don’t go GY? The SY is not even a real SY with all the discrepancies in different schools and states. GY is easier to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We homeschool our kids and play elite travel soccer. This is awesome, we will hold our kids back a year or two now! #GametheSystem #Dominate!

I get the joke, but hypothetically, if they change the cutoff to Aug 1 - July 31, holding back would not game the system because they are still limited by the year/age cutoff. Now, if it was strictly graduation year cutoff, then yeah, you could hold back for however many years you wanted and little Johnny could be 15 playing with 12 year olds who have the same graduation year.

Under the proposed new cutoff, you could hypothetically hold back a kid that started school early (the Aug. kids) to put them in the grade below and on line with their new team, but that would not change anything with their placement in soccer.

That's all well and good but over time SY will become GY simply because it's easier to implement and addresses all the squeaky wheels.

I agree, why they don’t go GY? The SY is not even a real SY with all the discrepancies in different schools and states. GY is easier to do.

Because there can be a 16 month difference in ages in grades depending on if you start your kid early or late, and that shouldn't have a bearing on sports.