Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Policy

Purpose

To establish student academic eligibility standards for high school participation.

Extracurricular activities are defined as all activities EXCEPT those in which student participation is necessary to receive a grade in a course in which the student is currently enrolled. Extracurricular activities include student government offices, class offices, school clubs, and interscholastic athletics.

Extracurricular activities are a valuable part of the entire education of each student. However, participation in extracurricular activities should be maintained and supported by academic standards. Each student should maintain high academic standards while also pursuing extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded education.

Procedures

Eligibility

1. Students who have no more than one grade below passing in the previous marking period automatically will be eligible to participate or practice in any extracurricular activity governed during the next marking period.
2. Grades reported as incomplete as a result of legal excused absences shall be considered passing grades until changed. Incomplete grades that are not changed to a passing grade within ten school days after the report cards are issued will be considered failing grades for eligibility purposes.
3. On the day that the report is issued, each activity sponsor, athletic director, or coach will verify student eligibility for extracurricular participation.
4. The following marking periods shall be used to determine eligibility:
   1. first marking period
   2. second marking period plus final/mid-term exams
   3. third marking period
   4. fourth marking period plus final exams
      —A student’s eligibility status will be updated as of the last issuing date of report cards on the current Board calendar.
      —Students may become eligible for all activities by completing summer school.
5. Individual special education students may be exempted by the local school Child Study Team when it is determined that failure to meet the eligibility requirements is a direct result of the handicapping condition.
   The eligibility criteria defined in this policy shall be considered minimum standards. Any high school considering increasing these standards must submit for approval an eligibility policy that delineates the increased standards. The approval process will follow these steps:
   • The principal will submit the proposed policy to the appropriate Area Academic Officer for feedback and approval.
   • The Area Academic Officer will submit the proposed policy to the Chief Academic Officer who will inform the Chief Executive Officer.
   • The Chief Academic Officer will submit the proposed policy to the Board of School Commissioners for approval.
     The eligibility standard will be reviewed for the purpose of increasing the standards to reflect the expectation of the BCPSS for greater rigor in its high schools.