[Wildcat18]

if schools that allow hold backs were not allowed to compete in the state tournament no one would allow there child to be held back anymore so much for doing for academics it is all about getting an unfair advantage

You're not making any sense. You're talking about not being allowed to compete in the state tournament, but you're thinking that this will be fixed if the SCHOOL didn't allow hold backs? That's a KYMSFA issue, not a school issue. If a middle school banned hold backs, parents would just start the process a year or 2 earlier in 5th grade or so. Your problem won't ever be fixed. It is not strictly to benefit athletics. I've seen students that have C's in the classroom, get held back and keep A's the following year and beyond. Do you think those parents/students regret it? It helps you in the classroom just as much, if not more. I'd be willing to bet the house that the grades of hold back students are better than those who didn't.

The true definition of a hold back? Not allowing it to be done. Or making an athlete sit out for a season because of it. THAT'S what truly holds children back from success.