These policies, procedures and guidelines are regarding the movement of players from a younger age group into an older age group and/or the movement of players from a lower level of competition to a higher level (eg: Div 2 to Div 1) within an age group.

General

The Club is committed to providing exceptional opportunities in soccer for all members. For most members, the Club’s regular programming that is based on the Long-Term Player Development models created and endorsed by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Ontario Soccer Association, meets their needs. However, for players with exceptional abilities, the Club has provided paths for them to potentially be advanced to a higher age group or to a higher level of competition within an age group, in order for them to be able to play in an optimal environment for their development.

This advancement can take two forms. One is temporary and occurs most often within an age group (Call Up) and one is permanent for the season and can involve moving up in competition level and/or moving up an age group (Play Up). Players may be moved at the Club’s discretion if an appropriate level of play does not exist in their own age group or numbers dictate the player movement to form complete teams. In general, players moving up would not "bump" an age group player from a team if there is no other team to play on for the bumped player.

The Kincardine Minor Soccer (KMS) club supports the philosophy of continuing to challenge its member players. However, any player who is to be considered for playing up an age group should meet the following guidelines for selection:

Technical-Tactical Ability

A player must demonstrate that their individual skill and game understanding meets or exceeds the technical-tactical abilities of other participating players within the age group the player wishes to participate in.

Physical Ability

A player must match other players within their age group in physical strength and speed, and have the ability to blend in with players of the intended age group.

Cognitive Ability

A player must meet or exceed other participating players within the age group in decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. 

Social-Emotional Ability

A player must be able to comfortably interact with players within the intended age group on and off the field (games, training and social gatherings). This includes the mental strength that will be necessary when dealing with chronologically older opponents.

Youth (U14+) Team Evaluations or Tryouts

In order to be selected to an older age level competitive team, an underage player, along with meeting the above guidelines, must rank within the top third of the players for the older age group. At the end of the season, the player returns to their normal age group.

In some instances KMS may choose to deny an underage player the opportunity to play up for more than one season if it is felt that it is in the best interest of the player’s long-term development to return and play at his/her own age level.

In some instances the KMS may allow an underage player who does not necessarily meet these guidelines the opportunity to play up an age level as a result of special circumstances, such as being able to field a recreational team at an older age group.

Where tryouts have been missed or do not happen:

1. The parent or guardian of the player shall make their request in writing to the Club. The request can be made to via the Information Request form on the club website
2. The Club will assess the player
3. First, in their own age group environment and
4. second, if merit warrants, in the older age group environment

The player or coach initiated request to play up an age group must be made annually. 

This policy has been developed to address individual player circumstances only and not the needs of an entire team.

Eligibility

Play Up decisions are made in the pre-season or early season. Players can only be advanced if they will be capable of playing as one of the starters in the top team at the next age group. For example, if there is a Lake Shore League team at the next age group, they must be capable of starting at that level.

Process

• Age Group Head Coaches determine the appropriate level based on player evaluations.
• Age Group Head Coaches discuss playing up opportunities with Program Coaches who would be affected by the

change

• Age Group Head Coaches discuss playing up with the parents of the identified player.
• Any required paperwork for the league/district is completed and approved.
• Player is re-assigned for the season.