That's as much late puberty problem as it is player identification problem and the priority we have on size. RAE is magnified in the US because we have poor player identification. US soccer is always trying to change the rules to improve development instead of trying to improve the coaching and culture. Legislating buildout lines, small sides, competition years is worthless with out a change in development mentality.Yeah, to suggest that everyone has hit puberty by 11 yo (U12) is ridiculous. What is baked in is that the ones who hit puberty first, generally the older, are dominating (physically) and they are on the "elite" train. The younger ones and the ones who don't hit puberty until the 14-16 timeframe have a problem making up the ground at that point.
I have no insight on whether it will change from birth year, but ECNL parents are acting like its already a done deal.