When I lived in Michigan and I guess where I lived in Michigan you were expected to have your child (especially boys) do the K1- K2 kindergarten program.The thinking is 2 years of kindergarten gives kids the chance to "mature" a bit more physically and emotionally. This had nothing to do with athletics but of course there were advantages if your child was involved in athletics as they got older.I think it is a terrific idea for so many reasons.Then of course you don't run into this athletic redshirting in 8th grade and any attendant stigmas associated with it.The kids are all "redshirted" in kindergarten.Of course the school district has to be able to afford it but for all I know it may be a mandate throughout Michigan .Just giving a different perspective.