This is my interpretation of the clear language of Rule 19.04 as well. At all other places in the SCAHA, CAHA, and USA Hockey rules, the age groups are referred to as 8U, 10U, etc (meaning age 8 and under, 10 and under, etc.)
But, in new Rule 19.04, the good folks at SCAHA specifically reverse that universally-used language. The Rule says "starting in the 2017-18 season, no Mite aged player (u8) may play up."
They could have (a) just said no mite aged player can play up, or (b) said no might aged player (8U) can play up -- but they did not.
Instead, they used the "u8" language, meaning "under 8" which is certainly different than 8U for an eight year old kid.
We all have to assume that they chose their words carefully and are not just using words/rules willy-nilly, right?
So, the CLEAR interpretation of their chosen words is ... if your kids is 8 by the time of tryouts, your kid can play squirts. They are no longer "under 8."
Just wondering if I'm dyslexic. As I read the rule it states that no mite (u8) can play up. Seems to me if your child is 8 years old he/she can tryout for a Squirt team privided they meet all other requirements. Now if your child is under 8 years old then they are ineligible. Pretty clear to me .If SCAHA has a different rule written, I haven't been able to find it.