Can a player play up or down a year group?

Q: Can a player play up or down a year group?

Yes, with limits (WA Football handbook sections 6 to 9): Play ups A player can play up a maximum of one year group. In a combined competition the lower year group's rules apply. Temporary play ups are allowed only if the player is not displacing a registered player in the older year group, and in metro competitions the club manages this without approval. No more than four games in an older year group without League approval. Once approved for a fifth game, the player belongs to the older year group for the rest of the season including finals. A fifth game without approval makes the player ineligible and the match a forfeit. Play downs A maximum of one year group, on application by the club with parent or guardian support, and not temporary. Needs evidence: a school letter if based on school year group; written authority from a sports physician or registered medical practitioner that the child is below the fifth percentile for height or weight; or medical authority for a disability. Small clubs short of players may apply for play-down permits, with a maximum of four per team. Moving teams: a player cannot move to another team in the same club and year group after Round One unless the League approves or directs it; otherwise the player is ineligible and the game a forfeit. Players cannot play for another team in the same age group.

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, with limits (WA Football handbook sections 6 to 9):

Play ups

A player can play up a maximum of one year group. In a combined competition the lower year group's rules apply.
Temporary play ups are allowed only if the player is not displacing a registered player in the older year group, and in metro competitions the club manages this without approval.
No more than four games in an older year group without League approval. Once approved for a fifth game, the player belongs to the older year group for the rest of the season including finals. A fifth game without approval makes the player ineligible and the match a forfeit.

Play downs

A maximum of one year group, on application by the club with parent or guardian support, and not temporary.
Needs evidence: a school letter if based on school year group; written authority from a sports physician or registered medical practitioner that the child is below the fifth percentile for height or weight; or medical authority for a disability.
Small clubs short of players may apply for play-down permits, with a maximum of four per team.

Moving teams: a player cannot move to another team in the same club and year group after Round One unless the League approves or directs it; otherwise the player is ineligible and the game a forfeit. Players cannot play for another team in the same age group.