COMP SOccer - Play Up's

GCU Comp Play Up Policy

Gold Country United requires all players to try out for the age appropriate team for which they qualify by birth, in accordance with US Soccer’s “School Year Registration” standards. Players will not be permitted to try out for an older age group unless they have been pre approved and have received written authorization to do so. This policy refers only to the placing of players onto an older team and making it their primary roster. It is separate from a player's ability to occasionally play up with a team in our program which can be allowed by our staff when appropriate.

It is well established that the majority of players will develop better at their age appropriate level than at an age level above. It is rare that a player's development would be hindered by playing at the appropriate age level or significantly advanced by playing up. Conversely, in small community clubs like Gold Country United, allowing players to play up dilutes the talent and player pool at each age group. While it may help a given team to bolster its roster with an under-age player, this is often at a cost to the younger team. It also can be detrimental to the overall morale of participants at all levels within the league.

Before submitting a Play Up request for a player, the decision should be discussed with the age appropriate team’s coach and the Director of Coaching (DOC).