[Newjacket]

Here is my problem. My 12 tear old is playing against 15yr old boys. He has matured and gained at a level to compete with them for positions. He has seen the dedication of these player to get better, when they move up I do not see the competitiveness to improve. He already leads other seventh graders. Maturity does not have an age requirement. It is a learned trait. :biggrin:

Hey voljacket, I can attest that your boy is indeed a muture 12 year old. He is a fine young man all around and he earned his starting spot the old fashioned way, he earned it. I believe he will do fine in life, school, and athletics whether he is held back or not. However I think he is the exception rather than the rule. As you said, he is 12 competing against 14-15 year olds. Most of the 12 year olds on the team just can't compete against kids that much older than them. A couple of years makes a big difference at this age.