Question Number: 4055

League Specific

RE: Recreation

Teresa of Prescott Valley, AZ USA asks...

Under ASYO or YSL rules and regulations, can I hold a 12-year-old (date of birth: 02/28/90)down on the U12 team if U14 and U16 teams are being combined due to insufficient amount of players registered? He is small for his age, 4'10", 70-pounds and is intimidated by the bigger size of the 16-year-olds. I have been told this is not possible due to "rules & regulations". Can you please verify this for me. Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Nagy

Well Teresa, it is not our place to pass comment on rules set by local organizations. Sorry. ASYO and YSL are quite capable and have all the rights to set their own rules as far as age is concerned. We are just a bunch of refs who pass comment on IFAB Laws of the Game as published by FIFA...I am afraid you'll have to play by their rules.

Answer provided by Referee Stacy Kalstrom

I have to agree with Mr. Nagy. Perhaps you can find him another team in a nearby area where he can play in his own age group. U-12 to U-14 & 16 can be a huge difference in size and maturity of players. I can see why he is intimidated by these older bigger players, I hope you are successful in finding him a team in his own age group.

Answer provided by Referee Dawson

Hi Teresa,. as my colleagues have indicated we do not set such guidelines. I will say I absolutely share your concern of the physics involved in the mass, size and speed of those your son plays against. I understand the reasons why in smaller populated areas the combining of ages is done but definately it is a cause for concern. Aside from the possibility your son will not enjoy the experiance the intimidation factor and the risk of injury is greater. However it is entirely possible the only option for him to play is within this framework. The risk is there but if the coaches, players and officials can see the risk perhaps they will not allow the larger players to run amuck. I hope he has fun and things work out. Cheers