Playing Up & Playing Down Policy

Playing Up

The Eliot River Ramblers Soccer Club (ERRSC) supports the philosophy of continuing to challenge its member players. However, any player who is to be considered for playing up an age group should meet the following guidelines for selection:

Technical-Tactical Ability

A player must demonstrate that their individual skill and game understanding meets or exceeds the technical-tactical abilities of other participating players within the age group the player wishes to participate in.

Physical Ability

A player must match other players within their age group in physical strength and speed, and have the ability to blend in with players of the intended age group.

Cognitive Ability

A player must meet or exceed other participating players within the age group in decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. 

Social-Emotional Ability

A player must be able to comfortably interact with players within the intended age group on and off the field (games, training and social gatherings). This includes the mental strength that will be necessary when dealing with chronologically older opponents.

Youth Team Tryouts

In order to be selected to an older age level competitive team, an underage player, along with meeting the above guidelines, must rank within the top third of the players trying out for the team.  At the end of the season, the player returns to their normal age group.

In some instances ERRSC may choose to deny an underage player the opportunity to play up for more than one season if it is felt that it is in the best interest of the player’s long-term development to return and play at his/her own age level.

In some instances the ERRSC may allow an underage player who does not necessarily meet these guidelines the opportunity to play up an age level as a result of special circumstances.

Where tryouts have been missed or do not happen:

1. The parent or guardian of the player shall make their request in writing to the Club. The request can be made to admin@ramblerssoccer.ca.
2. The Club will assess the player
1. First, in their own age group environment and
2. second, if merit warrants, in the older age group environment

The request to play up an age group must be made annually. 

This policy has been developed to address individual player circumstances only and not the needs of an entire team.

Playing Down

The Eliot River Ramblers Soccer Club (ERRSC) works within the following parameters:

1. Players may not register in an age group that is lower than the age attained by January 1st of the season ending
2. Players shall not be restricted to registering in an age group higher than the age attained by January 1st of the season ending

However, the above does not include circumstances such as:

• Disability
• Physically challenged due to an infirmity
• Physically immature relative to natural age group

To request the opportunity to play down:

1. The parent or guardian of the player shall make their request in writing to the Club. The request can be made to ramblersoccer@hotmail.com.
2. If there is an infirmity or disability, written evidence of the infirmity or disability by a medical practitioner may be requested 
3. The Club will assess and if merit is to be found, the request will be forwarded to the PEI Soccer Association for review by the Youth Committee.

The request to play in a lower age group under this provision must be made annually.