What to do about overage kids playing in our soccer league

In the overall scheme of things does it matter? You are talking about a 5/6 year old league where winning/losing shouldn't matter. The only thing I would be wary of is any size differential. Otherwise, it wouldn't matter to me.

 

I'd only be concerned if it's a safety issue. Big kids bowling over the little ones. Your team shouldn't be dejected because they play a better or bigger team one time.

If they've played in the league all season and this is the last game -- probably best to just play the game and have fun. If, after playing the game, you think it really was a big issue -- then send a note to the league office letting them know your safety concerns. So they can address it NEXT year.

I'd tell the parents to chill out and let the kids play.

 

Well, you could always go the Buddy Ryan route and place a bounty on some of the older kids on the opposing team.

A slice of pizza for every kid that “accidentally” kicks an opposing team member in the groin? A PS3 for an ACL injury?

 

Frustration for who?

 

And....if the kids get frustrated at being outplayed in one game (regardless of the circumstances) their coach isn't doing a very good job

 

As long as your kids are having fun, let the other parents provide entertainment.

Honestly, I used to coach youth football for several years. Parents can be such a distraction. 99% of the time, the kids are oblivious and are just having fun.

Of course, it helps when you are winning.

 

When I first read the title I thought that y'all had too many kids playing soccer, not kids that were too old. If it looks like it could be risky for the smaller kids, I would talk to the other coach.

 

You could always go the route of The Benchwarmers and buy the older kids tequila and a six pack.

 

Sign me up I'll impose my will on those 8 year olds all day long. One thing you must know is that I have never played soccer before, but I'm sure playing basketball will translate well (opposite Steve Nash) against those n00bs. I will need some help with documentation and the game would have to be early as the five o'clock shadow will be a dead giveaway. Seriously though, you don't know any 8 year olds?

 

I might call the league and ask them if anyone else has brought this to their attention. I wouldn't say "There's 8 y.o.s on the team we are supposed to play". But tell them that apparently you heard from some of the other coaches that the kids on the team are all much bigger than kindergartners and were saying that they were 8 not 6.

Even if your kids aren't frustrated and do well against the older kids, it's still not safe in the long run.

I am sure it depends on their birthdays as well. I can see having a 7 year old on a 5/6 team depending on the month of their birth, but not an 8 year old.

Edit: wait your league does it by grade and not age?? Our leagues were always by date of birth never from grade level until you get to middle school and play for the school teams.

 

I coached travelling soccer for 4 years (U-12 through U-15). For the most part, we had no other parents step up to help do anything. I told them prior to each season what my coaching style would be and if, during the season, they had any complaints then they were welcome to become an assistant or take over the team.

We were in a tournament once and a team had to drive in from a couple hours away to play us. A number of their kids were late and they had to start with a lineup of 7 players and the goalie. I chose to play the same number of players until their others showed up. No one complained.

I also told them that if their kids were serious about getting better so they could pursue future soccer opportunities, then I was not the coach for them and they should go to one of the area travelling teams.

 

Recruit some 3rd graders.

 

WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA... how can you "see how some kids are behind in school grade level..."????!?!?! Only because they speak LITTLE ENGLISH? Back off your language-based-supremacist wagon, Dada . I respect you and all, but that was a little harsh. Their speaking little English has NOTHING to do with this matter.

Anyway, first you say that there is an AGE limit, then you say that they are in the "right grade". Which one is the defining rule... the grade or the age?

I think that if you are going to go strictly by the book, you ask for their birth certificates. If they want to forge, then ask for NAME and LAST NAME and DOB, and then ask for the certificate, whether the certificate is from U.S., or CANADA or GHANA or MEXICO, and have them prove it. Don't mention grade at all. It is not relevant.

Since these are only "alleged" (allegation) statements from other parents, someone has to prove something here.

I'd go by the book and say to them: "hey, others have complained... I think if you prove them wrong, we'll all be winners... but if you're really cheating, let me know and I will talk to them and this could be handled in a civilized manner and you can just pack up and go home without a fight if you don't want to."

If there is an AGE RULE, apply it.

 

Just win, baby.

 

Well recruit your own overage players. If you can't beat them, join them. And if you don't, it will only make your players better to compete against older, stronger, faster players. Better competition brings out the best in everyone.