MLS Tier 1 Bio-Banding Guidelines

Purpose

At Cedar Stars Academy, we recognize that players develop at different rates physically, technically, tactically, and psychologically. Our MLS Tier 1 Bio-Banding initiative aims to group players based on biological maturity rather than chronological age, ensuring a more appropriate, competitive, and developmental environment.

Definition of Bio-Banding

Bio-Banding is the practice of grouping players based on their biological (physical) maturation rather than their birth year. This approach accounts for early and late developers and supports holistic player development.

Objectives

• Provide better developmental opportunities for late-maturing players.

• Create competitive balance by minimizing physical mismatches.

• Reduce injuries related to size and strength disparities.

• Support long-term player potential rather than short-term physical dominance.

Scope

Only MLS Tier 1 players at Cedar Stars Academy are subject to Bio-Banding protocols. Players outside of MLS Tier 1 will remain grouped strictly by chronological age.

Bio-Banding Process for MLS Tier 1

1. Maturation Assessment

• Method: Utilize established, non-invasive measurements such as Peak Height Velocity (PHV) calculations and maturity offset assessments.

• Data Collection:

  • Height

  • Sitting height

  • Weight

  • Date of birth

• Frequency: Measurements are collected twice per year (Fall and Spring).

Academic Analogy: Just as students are assessed through periodic testing to identify their learning level or readiness for advanced coursework, we assess physical growth markers to group athletes for optimal challenge and growth. For example, schools may use reading level benchmarks or math placement tests to ensure students are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged.

2. Classification of Maturation Status

Players will be classified into the following groups:

• Pre-PHV: Players who have not yet reached their growth spurt.

• Circa-PHV: Players currently undergoing rapid growth.

• Post-PHV: Players who have completed their growth spurt.

Justification: This classification ensures players compete with similarly developed peers, much like advanced academic programs separate students by readiness rather than just grade level. For instance, a student in 8th grade taking 10th-grade math is placed based on ability, not age.

3. Player Groupings

• Grouped within training sessions, internal matches, and tournaments based on maturity.

• Grouping is flexible and reviewed semi-annually.

• Players may train and compete "up" or "down" relative to their birth year to support development.

School Comparison: Like honors or gifted tracks in school that allow students to advance or receive more tailored instruction, bio-banding gives players an environment where they are neither held back by physical disadvantage nor overly dominant due to early maturation.

4. Training and Competition Application

• Bio-banded training groups focus on technical, tactical, and cognitive development.

• Internal events and scrimmages organized using bio-banded teams.

• Chronological age groups maintained for league play as required.

Example: A late-maturing U14 player might struggle in games dominated by physically stronger peers but thrive in a bio-banded environment that focuses on skill and decision-making, similar to how a student might excel in small group instruction even if they struggle in a large class setting.

Bio-Banding Eligibility Guidelines

Who Qualifies for Bio-Banding:

• Must be a registered MLS Tier 1 player at Cedar Stars Academy.

• Must participate in the full maturity assessment cycle, including height, weight, and sitting height measurements.

• Must have parent/guardian consent and attend player/family education sessions.

• Must demonstrate developmental need as identified by technical staff—either being a late developer in a physically demanding environment or an early developer whose growth may be outpacing technical-tactical development.

Note: Not all MLS Tier 1 players will be bio-banded. Bio-banding is a developmental tool, not a fixed status. Eligibility is determined by the Academy’s technical staff in consultation with performance and medical teams.

Communication Strategy

• Players and Parents: Education sessions each season.

• Coaches: Ongoing training on bio-banding implementation.

• Staff Coordination: Collaboration among physical, technical, and coaching staff for player monitoring and adjustments.

Educational Parallels: Just as parent-teacher conferences communicate a student’s placement and academic development, our bio-banding sessions explain player groupings and long-term goals.

Key Principles

• Development over Winning: Prioritizing player growth over short-term results.

• Individualized Pathways: Tailoring each player's pathway to maximize potential.

• Player Welfare: Challenging players appropriately while minimizing injury risk.

Classroom Comparison: We value a growth mindset over grades. A student who improves steadily over time is celebrated, even if their scores aren’t the highest. Likewise, a player’s progression is more important than early dominance.

Important Notes

• Players outside MLS Tier 1 remain in chronological age groups.

• Player movement between groups is dynamic and flexible.

• Final placement decisions rest with Cedar Stars Academy Technical Leadership.