[SportsKing]

It seems to me parents that didn't hold their kids back for whatever reason, ( bad birthday, wanted kid out of the house early, thinks kid is to smart and will get bored in school, etc.) are the ones against holding kids back because now their kid will be competing against kids that are physically and mentally more mature. Let's call it what it is,"jealousy." Don't get upset at parents for doing what they feel may be giving their child a better opportunity to compete. Let's face it, most kids will never play any sports at the college level, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have every opportunity available to them. Sports teaches alot of "lifelessons" and for some kids, it's their only way to get some money for college. For those against holding kids back, what are the disadvantages vs. the advantages? Whether people like it or not Sports plays an important role in our society. It teaches kids how to compete, enjoy success, and deal with failures and most of all it teaches self discipline. I've never heard anyone that didn't hold back say they "were glad they didn't hold back", it's usually the oppsite, "regret!"
Think about this, what's the difference in your kid competing against another kid in his/her grade that is younger and didn't hold back or your kid competing against a kid in his/her grade that held back and is older than your kid? One thing, it's your kid!