[Frank Martin]

Who are parents trying to "justify" any decision about their children to? You? Lol. I'll go out on a limb that you're one of the parents blaming kids that held back for your child not getting a "fair shot". Advantage in middle school? Usually. Advantage in high school? Absolutely none.

If you read this thread there are some justifying it as part of the discussion. Also, without ever being asked or even part of the discussion I have had parents feel like they needed to explain or justify why they held their kid back. I'll reiterate, I have no issue with parents making that decision. It is theirs to make and 100% within the rules. My issue is with those that pretend it's not a temporary advantage for most. Though there is a school of thought that it actually causes some to regress to the level that they associate themselves with. Physical maturity being the exception.
If you go out on that limb it will break. Fortunately my kids have earned their shot and are and have been very successful at all levels academically and athletically (all credit to God and my better half on both fronts).
Lastly, it is an advantage in middle school but who cares? I always liked my kids playing against and with older kids during middle school. It begins to even out with each year of high school but it can still be an advantage. Let me ask the question, if there's no advantage in high school then why do it at all? Do a little research on human development and you'll see that with each year until early 20's males continue to mature cognitively, physically and emotionally Healthy debate is a good thing and that's all I am in this discussion for. Not trying to say anyone is wrong but just express my opinion and what it's based on.