[Noble]

I have spoken with many parents, coaches and teachers about hold backs. I have always said there are 3 things to consider when holding a child back.
1. Academics
2. Maturity
3. Atheltics

If a child can benefit from 2 out of the 3 it's a no brainer. My wife and I held our oldest back even though his teachers did not agree with it fully. (He was very immature physically and emotionally and was one of the youngest in his class). 9 weeks into the new year both teachers said it was the best thing we could have done for him. He is very happy that we did it as well now. (We gave him the choice)

I also think a boy going off to college at 17 or as a young 18 year old is a recipe for trouble. I was 17 and in college. It was a waste of a year because I was not ready.