The formal promotion/relegation of MAPLE emulating the European/English leagues created a problem in that it stifled player development to insure that all of the various MAPLE tie breakers would not come into play.
Total goals scored, total goals allowed, etc. are among the tie break rules for promotion/relegation. Clubs used to own their slots, so it was important to maintain or advance positions. Under these rules many coaches/clubs played solely to win and win with as big a margin as possible. Such started at U-little and continued through U18.
This win at all costs forced using players and tactics to win with no regard for the long term development of the player or the team.
Pre-pubesent teams change month by month. Children do not grow/develop identically. The promotion/relegation scheme fostered rosters heavily tilted to August/September/October/November birth dates, large players, with kick and chase play relying on a temporary physical advantage.
There is no perfect placement methodology, but relying on EPL style promotion/relegation is not proper for youth play.
Total goals scored, total goals allowed, etc. are among the tie break rules for promotion/relegation. Clubs used to own their slots, so it was important to maintain or advance positions. Under these rules many coaches/clubs played solely to win and win with as big a margin as possible. Such started at U-little and continued through U18.
This win at all costs forced using players and tactics to win with no regard for the long term development of the player or the team.
Pre-pubesent teams change month by month. Children do not grow/develop identically. The promotion/relegation scheme fostered rosters heavily tilted to August/September/October/November birth dates, large players, with kick and chase play relying on a temporary physical advantage.
There is no perfect placement methodology, but relying on EPL style promotion/relegation is not proper for youth play.
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