Gray Zone Move-Up Policy
Players born between June 1 and August 31 (summer birthdays) may have the option to move up to the next skating level if they have completed two years at the current level. Minnesota Hockey adopted the MN Dept. of Education birthdate ranges to allow flexibility for parents to decide to move up their child to the next level to skate with others in their school grade.
If this is something you’re interested in, please complete the Gray Zone Move-Up Request form below and wait for approval from the board. Approval may take 3–5 days.
Example from the 2024–25 season: The Mite age range that year was players born between 6/1/16 and 5/31/18. Little Johnny Hockey played his last two years at Mite and has a birth date of 7/2/16 (between June 1 and August 31). Johnny had the option to remain a Mite or move up to Squirt per the gray zone policy.
Gray Zone Move-Up Ranges
| Level | Oldest Age | Youngest Age | Move-Up Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termite | 6/1/19 | 5/31/21 | 6/1/21 – 8/31/21 |
| Mini-Mite / 6U | 6/1/18 | 5/31/20 | 6/1/18 – 8/31/18 |
| Mite / 8U | 6/1/16 | 5/31/18 | 6/1/16 – 8/31/16 |
| Squirt / 10U | 6/1/14 | 5/31/16 | 6/1/14 – 8/31/14 |
| PeeWee / 12U | 6/1/12 | 5/31/14 | 6/1/12 – 8/31/12 |
| Bantam / 15U | 6/1/10 | 5/31/12 | N/A |
Moving Up Outside the Gray Zone
If you have a player outside the gray zone birthdate range and want to look into moving him or her up to the next level early, please refer to the RAHA Handbook & Policies for current player move-up policies.
If Your Request Is Approved
The following conditions apply:
- He or she must complete a minimum of two years of hockey at the level they are moving up to.
- Because of their extended eligibility, this player may choose to play three years at a particular level. It will be at the player’s parent(s)’ discretion as to when it is in the best interest of the player to remain at a level for a third year.
- You will fill out a new move-up request in two years if you are choosing to forego your third year of eligibility.
Questions?
Bonnie Halvorson
Registration Coordinator
