Playing-Up Policy
Aurora Soccer Club - Playing Up Policy Handbook
1. Purpose
To enable advanced U9-U17 players to benefit from higher-level competition while ensuring safety, fairness, and development — fully aligned with Canada Soccer’s Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) and grassroots standards.
2. Scope
Applies to players born in U9 through U17. Players may move up one age division only. Approval is seasonal and subject to ongoing review, while being at the sole discretion of the club at all times.
Note: U9 requests make up the majority of applications. These will be handled carefully to ensure that only clear stand-out players benefit, without disrupting overall age group development.
3. Measurable Criteria (4-Dimensional Assessment)
All players looking to move up a division must evaluate and place within the next age group's top division. Failure to make the top division will result in the player remaining in their actual age group for that season. They will be assessed in;
Technical & Tactical Skill: Equal or superior ball control and game sense.
Physical Performance: Comparable in speed, strength, and stamina.
Cognitive Readiness: Advanced decision-making and spatial awareness.
Social & Emotional Resilience: Comfortable interacting and coping with older peers.
4. Application & Evaluation Process
A. Submission Deadline:
Written requests must be submitted no less than 10 days before the upcoming season’s evaluations. This minimum deadline allows the Technical Team at least a week to review each request and approve or deny before evaluations begin — avoiding last-minute pressure.
B. Late Submissions:
Any players who miss this deadline cannot submit requests in-season or at/after evaluations. Requests will only be considered at the discretion of the Technical Team after evaluations if stand-out players are identified during the process.
C. Assessment Sessions:
Candidates must attend tryouts with both their own age group and the older age group.
D. Decision-Making:
The Technical Committee will make final decisions before the season starts. This may include a trial period before final team confirmation.
E. Agreement & Registration:
Approved players sign a Play-Up Agreement confirming their placement.
5. Monitoring & Reversion
Ongoing reviews occur every 4-6 weeks. Players can be moved back at any time for developmental or welfare reasons.
6. Governance & Oversight
Oversight by the Technical Committee, with Board review for exceptional cases. All decisions and evaluations are documented.
7. Special Provisions & Limitations
Goalkeepers may receive tailored consideration due to positional needs.
Playing up for friendships or convenience is not permitted.
All approvals are seasonal and must be renewed annually.
8. Alignment with Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards
Coaches must be trained per Grassroots and LTPD guidelines.
Players must maintain balanced competition and fun.
Aligns with Fast-Tracking norms, including signed evaluations and parental consent.
~~ Updated August 2025 ~~
