I have a question about children moving between JV and Varsity. Specifically risk of injury from size discrepancy. This is in a middle school setting. Do you have any information that would help me establish a policy.

I'm not sure how your JV and Varsity is set up... our JVs and Varsity practiced together.. they were juniors and seniors.... an occasional sophomore. IF your sophomores are YOUR JV team thats a different story.

I don't think that any coach would put a kid into a situation where he is going to get hurt... kids that play on the Varsity are there because they have the talent to play there.

I saw a game last night where a Freshman played... and he got significant minutes... a little shaky at first ... but played very well with no fear... and he was NOT a big kid.. he looked like a freshman... a short one at that.

I don't think that you can make a black and white policy that will fit every situation. I know of some coaches that always keep their freshman together.. but if they are good enough they come right up to the Varsity... one of the coaches has now changed and is letting the really good freshman play JV this year because he knows that they are going to the Varsity next year.

I coached middle school ball for many years before going to the high school level.... and there were times I had a 6th grader on the team because he had the talent to play with the 8th grade team... its all about talent and their maturity level.