Each year, we get a number of questions/requests from parents who want their child to play in a league above their age eligibility (ex: the child is 6 years old on May 1 but the parent wants him to play Rookie instead of Shetland). While we understand there are often valid reasons for the requests, we strongly discourage playing up, and most often do not permit it for the following reasons:

- We play by Pony league rules which define age limits for each league.
- We offer appropriate level leagues for each age group that have specific goals outlined.
- Often children may have above-average skills but not have the maturity to play in older leagues. This may be a burden to the coach and detract from the attention the other players should be getting for guidance.
- Additionally, above average skills in their age group may be below average when compared to older kids. This may mean less playing time and less success for the child (both of which may have a negative impact on their feel for the sport).
- Someone's "opinion" on a child's ability is largely subjective. If we adhere to the age guideline, it removes the subjectivity.
- It may lead to the older league getting "watered down" with younger players.
- If a younger player takes a spot in an older league, he/she is taking a potential roster spot from a child who is not allowed to play down in the event their league is full. Even if this isn't the case, he/she is still taking playing time from the kids who are age eligible for that league.

Some exceptions may be made but mostly if kids are needed in order to make team numbers work out best, and those exceptions are rare. We do allow more playing up in the fall due to those leagues being more instructional, but playing up in the fall in no way means the child will be allowed to play up again in the spring. Feel free to talk to your commissioner or a board member if you have further questions. Thank you!