Non-Enrolled Students

Non-Traditional Student-Athletes - Standard Procedure for Determining Athletic Eligibility 

Key Update – June 2025

Once a student-athlete is formally assigned to a school by District Athletics, that school’s Athletic Director assumes full responsibility for completing and verifying all required eligibility documents and managing the student-athlete’s participation in athletics. District Athletics’ assignment constitutes the official placement for that academic year.

Standard Procedure

1. Initial Inquiry

• A student-athlete or parent/guardian contacts either the school AD or District Athletics regarding participation eligibility.

• The School AD must loop in District Athletics immediately.

2. District Application Submission

• The student/family must complete the CPS Non-Enrolled Student Extracurricular Application.

• District Athletics reviews submitted application and verifies information using PowerSchool or other available platforms.

3. Review of Previous Participation

• If the student is in grades 10–12 and previously participated in CPS athletics, eligibility remains vested at that school.

• If no prior participation occurred, District Athletics will determine eligibility based on the student’s home address.

4. School Assignment Process

• Using MapQuest.com (per OHSAA guidelines), District Athletics determines the closest CPS school to the home address.

• If the closest school does not offer the student’s desired sport, District Athletics assigns the student to the next closest school that does.

• If the student later participates in another sport that is offered by their originally assigned school, they must return to that school for eligibility in that season.

5. Official Assignment & Documentation Transfer

• Once assignment is confirmed, District Athletics notifies the family and School AD.

• From that point forward, the School AD is responsible for:

  • Collecting and verifying the following:

    • Valid Ohio High School Physical Form

    • CPS Parental Release Form

    • Concussion Information Sheet

    • Previous report card/grade verification

    • Copy of birth certificate

  • Scheduling an intake meeting with the student/family.

  • Ensuring OHSAA and CPS eligibility compliance.

Note: For returning non-enrolled student-athletes (with prior-year approval), a new application is not required—only verification and documentation collection by the School AD.

6. Final Review (School-Level Responsibility)

• The School AD conducts a final review of the full eligibility package.

• The AD no longer needs to submit forms back to District Athletics for approval unless directed otherwise.

• The school will maintain records and monitor eligibility in accordance with CPS and OHSAA regulations.

*Special Notes

• Students enrolled at SCPA are not eligible to participate in athletics at another CPS school per OHSAA rules.

• For digital/virtual students (e.g., CPS Virtual High School), the same process applies based on residency address.

Click here for the Cincinnati Public Schools Non-Enrolled/Transfer Guide