Quick Summary

• Players must register in their age-appropriate division (August 1 cutoff)

• August-born players may request placement with their grade level

• All other play-up or play-down requests are limited and based on player safety and team balance

Play-Up and Play-Down Guidelines

AYSO Region 599 places players in divisions based on AYSO National age guidelines (August 1 cutoff). This structure is designed to support player safety, development, and balanced teams. The updated AYSO National cutoff aligns more closely with school grade groupings rather than the former calendar year system.

August Birthdays

National Division Structure

AYSO groups players into multi-year divisions (e.g., 8U and 10U). Region 599 may further separate these into single-year divisions (e.g., 07U/08U and 09U/10U) to support player development and balanced competition.

Play-Down Requests

• Play-down requests within the same National division grouping (e.g., 10U to 09U or 08U to 07U) may be considered for players who are new to soccer.

• Play-down requests outside of National divisions will not be considered without a documented medical reason and written verification from a physician.

Play-Up Requests

• Play-up requests within the same National division grouping (e.g., 07U to 08U or 09U to 10U) may be considered based on skill, size, and maturity.
  

• Play-up requests outside of National divisions will be rare and are subject to approval by the Regional Commissioner.

• All play-up requests require a willing Head Coach in the higher division who agrees to accept and roster the player.

• Final placement decisions will be made by the Region and will prioritize player safety and overall team balance across the division.

We understand the convenience of having siblings on the same team; however, play-up decisions must be based on player safety and overall team balance. Convenience alone is not sufficient. Requests should be in the best interest of the player, the team, and the broader program.

Evaluation Process

Players requesting a different placement may be required to attend a Player Rating Day.

How to Request

1) Register your player in their age-appropriate division.

2) Review these guidelines.

3) Submit your request by emailing [email protected] with details about your player and the reason for the request.