[BLUEGRASS-RULES]

[quote author=The Guru link=topic=20651.msg207798#msg207798 date=1141968266]
I have nothing against  holdbacks, if for the right reason. Some, might want to play sports, and either have a terrible birth date, in which they end up playing there whole life as the youngest in their class, or be so small from being a late bloomer, that they could get hurt physically. Some, might not be mentally or emotionally ready for High School. To me, these are justifiable reasons, for holdbacks.
Then you see a kid, who is not only emotionally ready for High School, but is already very mature for his age. They are already one of the top athletes in Middle School, and instead of going on to High School, They stay back one more year in MS!!! With the only purpose, is so they can totally dominate the Middle School ranks!!! To me, these are the pathetic ones!! And the ones that want to be so far ahead in their class, that when a High School coach, looks down his bench, and has to choose a freshmen, to come in and step up, that the Middle School Warrior, that is now a 16 year old Freshmen, is the obvious choice. I have seen numerous athletes that are age/grade appropriate, have mediocre years as freshmen and Sophs. Then Light up the Highlight reels as Jr. and Srs.!!! Seldom do you see an 18 year old Jr. improve any at all during their Sr. season. Thus.....they get bashed!!! Sometimes, it's not right, sometimes, it might just be.
[/quote]The one and only reason there should be a hold back is for academic reasons and that is the only reason. Holding a youngster back for atheltics is the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard of. End of discussion in my opinion.