[Mr.Kimball]

Mr. Kimball, Pike Co. and Pikeville have a no holdback rule in gradeschool (middleschool). This will definitely put your HS into a disadvantage. We used to have this rule in Letcher Co. but that changes when coach howard arrived and it has made a huge difference in ms. The two middleschools in Letcher Co. have been pretty dominant in the area the last two years and it will be pay big dividends in the future. The age limits haven't changed, but most children go to school at age 5 and will be 13 on graduating ms and 17 in HS even though the limit is 19 after aug 1. Huge difference

I'm understanding the physical differences in the ages that is being described , but is this ( the no holdback rule) something that has just recently been initiated into the Pikeville and Pike County school systems, because I can think of many kids that are playing right now or have played at not only Pikeville but at several Pike County schools that have been held back at some point and time? I named two as examples because they were both held back at some point in their careers.

I do realize that one way around this issue is to not start a child in school until the latest date possible, and still retain eligibility during their senior seasons. Tell me what would be the difference?