Sat, Oct 24
Playoffs begin for these divisions, which played their final week as scheduled.
Fall 2026 playoffs
How playoffs work.
Every team should finish the season challenged at the right level. Here’s when playoffs are, how teams are placed, and what to plan for on game day.
2Playoff dates
Key dates
Mark your calendar.
Weather canceled the last week of games. Coaches voted to make up those games before playoffs.
Sat, Oct 24
Make-up games for the weather cancellations, the final week of the regular season.
Sat, Oct 31
Playoffs begin. It’s Halloween weekend, so plan ahead.
Bracket-style: teams could play multiple games on the same day. Families should plan accordingly.
Playoff placement
Every team at the right level.
We evaluate teams all season and make adjustments for playoffs. This isn’t about punishing success. It’s about fair, competitive games for every player.
01
Evaluated
all season
We review every team throughout the season, not just at the end.
02
Dominant
teams move up
A team that consistently dominates its division may be moved up, which could mean an older age group.
03
Fair for
new players
Many Rec players are just learning the game. It isn’t fair to keep matching them against established teams.
04
Challenged
to grow
Teams winning by large margins face stronger competition. That’s how players grow.
What we look at
The bigger picture, not one game.
Placement decisions aren’t personal. Our goal is to create the fairest matchups possible.
Team performance
How a team has played across the whole season.
Scores
Results and margins, game by game.
Strength of schedule
Who each team has played.
Competitiveness
How evenly a team is matched in its division.
Everyone competes together
We don’t have enough elite teams in the fall to create separate divisions, so placements are adjusted for playoffs instead.
True Elite Divisions
Established, competitive teams play teams of similar talent levels.
Can my child’s team be moved to a different division for playoffs?
Yes. We evaluate teams throughout the season and adjust placements for playoffs. A team that consistently dominates its division may be moved up, which could mean playing in an older age group.
Why aren’t there Elite divisions in the fall?
In the fall we don’t have enough elite teams to create separate divisions, so everyone competes together. In the spring we have true Elite Divisions, where established, competitive teams play teams of similar talent.
Is moving up a punishment for winning?
No. It’s about making sure every team competes at an appropriate level. If a team is consistently winning by large margins, it should be challenged against stronger competition. That’s how players grow.
Can my child play more than one game on playoff day?
Yes. Playoffs are bracket-style, so teams could play multiple games on the same day. Please plan accordingly.
How will I hear about my team’s placement and schedule?
We share league information through coaches, so your coach is your first stop. Playoff brackets are posted once placements are final.
Who can I talk to about a placement decision?
Reach out any time at aimhighyouthsports@gmail.com. We’re always happy to talk through questions or concerns.
Questions about
playoffs?
We’re always happy to talk through anything. Start with your coach, or reach out to us directly.
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