LSC Playing Up Policy

LSC Playing Up Policy

Lightning players will play with their appropriate age group based on the age matrix established by US Youth Soccer.

If LSC officials determine that a player would benefit substantially from playing up (becoming rostered) on a team that is older, the family will be contacted to discuss the player's options. The consent for a player to play up on a team is given for one season at a time, with no automatic renewal of this consent.  Coaches, in conjunction with the Director of Coaching or the Girls or Boys Director, will determine what is best for that player's soccer development, as well as what is best for the teams affected. If a player moves up after their seasonal fee has been paid, there may be an additional fee imposed.

Note: The LSC Playing Up Agreement must be signed by the player, both parents, head coach and either the Director of Coaching, or the Girls' or Boys' Director prior to the playing up opportunity taking effect. The term for Playing Up will be granted for one season only, and a player's status must be reviewed each season, and a new Agreement must be executed each season. Only a head coach can request a Playing Up Agreement from the LSC Office.

Additionally, a coach, with the approval of the DOC, may invite a player to train up an age group with his/her team if they determine that a player would benefit substantially from practicing up, and so long as it doesn't conflict with that player's primary team training. The LSC Player Status Change Form must be processed prior to any player practicing up (or across) an age group. An extra fee will be imposed for extra training days. A change in a player's status will be granted for one season only, and that player's status must be reviewed each season, and a new form must be executed each season. Only a head coach can request a Player Status Change Form from the LSC Office.