[BigVMan23]

I personally think holding back kids EXPRESSLY for athletics is ridiculous and should NOT be allowed by the school systems (though I don't know how they could stop it). And its a HUGE problem in some parts of the state and more or less sactioned by some schools. If a kid is doing well academically and socially, then I think as much harm than good can come from holding a kid back, and there would be no reason to do so anyway.

The issue then perpetuates itself by having everyone trying to "keep up with the jones'". One school starts keeping kids back, they start beating other area schools, so to compete other parents/schools start holding kids back (talking middle school here)...and so the circle goes and it feeds on itself.

I know there are many examples now of kids graduating just a few months shy of 20 yo simply becasue they were held back for athletics. Sorry, can't agree with that.