[THE_WAY_I_SEE_IT]

I used to think the same way. However, the current Pulaski team has a bunch of kids that were held back in middle school, were dominant at the middle school level, and now are enjoying tremendous success at the high school level. Not saying that a team is guaranteed success just because their players are older, nor that a team without many holdbacks can not win at the high school level. Just pointing out that there are exceptions to every rule.

you're right.......there is an exception to every rule and there are a few cases where the success continues into high school but by far and large that isnt the case. to answer top notch as well........nothing wrong with holding a kid back for athletic purposes if the maturity and growth goes along with it. how many times though does it really make a difference? the concern is what message does it send a kid when he can dominate at the junior high level because he is more mature and then only to find out later in high school that he basically blends in with the crowd and no longer can dominate or be the big man on the field or the court. not every kid grows 5 inches and puts on more muscle by staying back. seen plenty of kids that stayed back for athletic purposes and never finished playing in high school. really this is a mute point because in 2017-18 state of kentucky wants to make starting age for kindergarten 6yrs old by Aug 1. that will stop a lot of the holdback issue for good. then age will catch them and not let them stay back. bottom line......it is a parents decision to hold back without question for whatever reason.......all KHSAA is saying is you cant play twice in the same grade. those that stay can play travel ball or something until they are eligible again.