[EKUAlum05]

It is very common throughout the state and nation that kids get held back on a regular basis. A lot of kids start thier freshman year of college at nineteen years old. It is not illegal to hold a child back, so therefore everyone can take advantage of this specific rule. It is quite common for a group of kids who play a specific sport to be held back, especially in Middle School. I know in Breathitt County the majority of your better athletes are hold backs. I know a lot of kids this rule has helped out tremendously, and given the fact if they were not allowed to be held back, may have led to them not receiving an athletic or academic scholarship. In my opinion, it sounds like a paticular individual is upset with Johnson Central being so dominant this year, rather than being concerned with the rule itself. Good Luck Golden Eagles, and bring home a state title back to the mountains this year.

What the OP is missing is the fact this is a parental decision, not affiliated with the school/program itself.

This is not meant as an indictment on Johnson Central, but even in the mid 90's JC often had several hold backs at the Middle School Level. This was 2 or 3 coaches prior to Matney.. so it is obvious it is not conclusive that it is solely dependent on a coach "trying to make his team better". As with any decision of this matter, it is more about the Jones' Effect moreso than anything. Once one parent does it.. and it is successful (whether it be academic, athletic, or socially) then other parents will do likewise.

Even if a school has no knowledge whatsoever, it won't stop parents from doing it and potentially competing with one another because they want their kid to be the best and give them the best opportunity for scholarships (athletically or academically) and/or the best chance to be more mature socially or physically by the time they reach those critical years of Middle School or High School when physical appearance and self confidence are so critical. There is no way you should fault a parent for this.. there is also little to no chance you can place any blame on an athletic program unless they verbally endorse this process.

Holdbacks are very common. The only people who typically take exception and point them out are people who have struggled with a loss and want to point the finger anywhere but internally. "Holdbacks" to Middle School Football are as "Recruiting" is to the High Schools. A buzzword that wreaks of butt hurt and typically a crutch to those who need an excuse as to why they can't win.