In recent years, eighth-grade athletes have been asked to join high school sports teams here at Scituate High School. This year, SHS has seen an increase in 13-to-14-year-old players participating on sports teams like soccer, co-ed wrestling, ice hockey, and softball.
Each program recruited different athletes based on necessity and skill level. The softball program experienced a notable change last Spring with the addition of three new middle school players. In addition, the Girls’ JV soccer team saw a significant influx of eleven eighth graders, making up almost forty-five percent of the team.
These eleven girls injected new energy into the team this fall, contributing to their success on the field. Still, it was not without its sacrifices, “It seemed like a lot as an eighth grader, and it was tough balancing it with other club sports,” soccer player Ainsleigh O’Brien said, “But if I had the opportunity again I’d take it, it gave me a new appreciation for the sport.”
O’Brien balanced her two sports teams and homework, but it was challenging to fit it all into her schedule. The girls also said it was hard for them to find their place among under and upperclassmen. They described having to “earn your spot” and prove that you were good enough to play on a high school team, especially when it came to playing time.
The Gates Middle School co-ed wrestling team had five boys play up in high school matches because they only had fifteen team members. Gates Wresting Coach Brian Robinson observed that it seemed to be girls’ sports that needed the most players, and there was one that shocked him in particular. The Scituate girls’ hockey team used to be extremely popular, but now, they must combine with three towns, establishing the NSA co-op. “It makes me sad to see fewer kids getting involved in sports because now I have to have 13-14-year-old kids wrestle 16-17-year-old men,” Robinson said. “There is a major difference between coaching a middle schooler versus a high schooler,” Robinson said, “and there is a big maturity factor in that.”
This raises the question: How can high schools have eighth graders play up? The answer is an MIAA waiver. SHS Varsity Field Hockey and Softball Coach Andrew Barlow comments on the waiver: “For 8th graders to play, you need to ask your athletic director as well as all of the other athletic directors from the league before the league can even approve it.” A team has to apply for the MIAA waiver, which will either be granted or denied. However, the league must also approve your waiver and can override the MIAA.
For the most part, students see playing up as a positive occurrence that is worth the challenge, “Rare opportunities like this don’t come every day. Even if you don’t like it, at least you tried it. Prove your commitment. You may be a bit of an underdog, but if you work hard, you will get better,” said Amelia Kinsley.