Player Play-Up Request & Waiver

East Lake Houston Youth Soccer Association • Association Policy & Liability Release

Governing Rule Coach & Parent Discretion

Association Policy on Play-Ups

In alignment with South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) guidelines, ELHYSA maintains no strict association-mandated restriction or rule regarding youth players playing up into older age brackets. We recognize that development pathways vary by individual athlete.

Accordingly, the decision for a player to play up—and the specific number of age groups or years played up—is determined directly by the head coach in thorough consultation with the player's parents or legal guardians. Because ELHYSA does not restrict this practice, families and coaches assume joint responsibility for evaluating athletic readiness, team compatibility, and player well-being.

Seasonal Year

Season Period

Fall Spring

Player & Parent Information

Player Full Name

Date of Birth

Parent / Guardian Full Name

Contact Phone Number

Parent Email Address

Player ID # (If known)

Team & Play-Up Specifications

Club Name

Team Name

Team Age Group (e.g. U14)

Head Coach Name

Coach Phone

Years Playing Up

Rationale / Discussion Summary

Mandatory Liability & Developmental Waivers

Please review both waivers carefully. Acknowledgment and signatures from both the Head Coach and Parent/Guardian are required.

1. Physical Injury Liability Waiver

I/We acknowledge and fully understand that participating in sports programs, specifically playing up in older age brackets with older, larger, and faster athletes, involves inherent risks of severe physical injury, permanent disability, or property loss. Knowing these risks, I/We voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and hereby release, waive, and hold harmless East Lake Houston Youth Soccer Association (ELHYSA), its member clubs, coaches, officers, and volunteers from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of injury or harm sustained during team practices, matches, or travel.

I/We have read, understood, and accept the Physical Injury Liability Waiver above.

2. Developmental Hindrance & Athletic Progression Waiver

I/We further acknowledge that placing a youth player in an older age bracket may carry psychological and developmental risks, including but not limited to reduced playing time, emotional discouragement, peer mismatch, and the potential hindering of athletic progression, confidence, or technical skill acquisition due to competing against physically more mature athletes. I/We confirm that this play-up decision has been discussed collaboratively between the head coach and parents, and we voluntarily accept all responsibility for any potential negative impact on the player's athletic development or emotional well-being.

I/We have read, understood, and accept the Developmental Hindrance & Athletic Progression Waiver above.

Parent / Guardian Signature (Typed Full Name) Date:

Head Coach Signature (Typed Full Name) Date: