There is no down side to an age based system. Club owners should open their eyes and realize that moving to an age based system will increase the amount of families seeking to participate (and return), and therefore, increase their profits. At present there are too many blowouts and mismatches at tournaments, and too many games where one team is much older (bigger, faster, more aggressive, more skilled, higher IQ) than the other one. One of the main reasons for this is that it is very hard for tournament directors to create matchups when you have no idea how old the kids really are, and its very hard for club directors to recommend (or choose) a divisional placement when they have no idea how old the competition will be. If everyone is born within the same 12 month window, than its much easier to place a team based on its skill level and athleticism, as well as performance at prior tournaments.
POINTLESS post!!! People have been complaining about this for years when their little Johnny isn't big enough. When it comes to this age, guess what - size does matter and you are finally realizing it. So in about 6th grade all the complainers come out about the age gap. No matter WHAT rules you follow you will still have the same complainers. Just let your kid play and shut up! He should play where he fits in. Not just because daddy thinks he should be on an AA team
