Play-Up Requests & Policy
Play-Up Requests & Policy
Play-Up Requests & Policy
AYSO’s National Rules and Regulations define AYSO’s Standard Age Divisions, consistent with US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives, AYSO’s Age-Appropriate Coaching methodologies, and in the best interest of the player. Click here to see the most current Standard Age Divisions, which changed for the 2026/27 year.
From time to time, Regions may receive requests from parents for their child to be placed in an age division other than their standard division.
In the vast majority of cases, placement in an age division other than that recommended by AYSO's National Rules and Regulations, is strongly discouraged.
Region 84 Play-Up Guidelines and Player Considerations
Region 84 follows AYSO National guidelines and approves play-up requests only in extraordinary circumstances. To provide context, Region 84 served over 1,800 players in the fall season last year and approved only 5 play-up requests across the entire Region.
Play-up approvals are intentionally rare and will not be granted:
- To bypass the 2026/27 age division changes
- Solely to allow players to join friends or former teammates
General Play-Up Guidelines
- Play-up requests will only be considered on an individual player basis (considerations enumerated below)
- Only players in 7U divisions and above are eligible for consideration
- Players must be at least 11 years old to play in the 14U division (due to heading restrictions)
- Requests will only be considered if space is available in the higher division (so if you register and the division you are seeking to play up into is already full, the request will not be approved)
- Play-up approvals from other AYSO regions are not automatically recognized by Region 84
Individual Player Considerations
- The player must have completed at least one season in Region 84
- The player should be within two months of the upper division’s age cutoff
- The player must demonstrate exceptional skill—typically the top player in their division
- In divisions with formal ratings, the player should have one of the highest two ratings
- A parent must serve as a coach (preferably head coach) for the team during the season the player is playing up
Approval Process
If you believe your player meets the criteria, you may submit a request using the Region 84 Play-Up Request Form.
The approval process includes:
- Review and approval by both affected Program Managers (the player’s current division and the requested division)
- Final review and decision by the Regional Commissioner (potentially with input and consultation from other regional board members)
Timing
Requests may be submitted once registration opens for the upcoming season. However, approvals will not be granted until the current season has concluded.
Example: Fall season requests will not be approved until after the spring season ends.
Play-Down Requests
Region 84 does not consider play-down requests at any level.