KAIAC BY-LAWS

C. Eligibility Rules Governing Participation in KAIAC Athletic Activities

These eligibility rules are considered minimum requirements. Member schools may set higher standards but must meet the minimum KAIAC requirements.

1. The overall intent of KAIAC programs is that they are meant for high school (9th – 12th grade) students (with the exception of the music and forensics programs). All KAIAC schools should have as their goal to achieve a totally high school program as soon as they are able. Seventh and eighth grade students’ eligibility to play varsity and junior- varsity will be determined by one of the following:

   • a. Seventh and eighth grade students from “Small Schools” are eligible to play varsity and junior-varsity competition. The names of the middle school students who will be participating in any KAIAC Blue, Red or White Division activities must be submitted to the Governing Board and the Blue, Red or White Division athletic directors prior to the beginning of that athletic season. (See D#2, for definition of “Large and Small Schools”)

   • b. Seventh and eighth grade students from “Large Schools” are not eligible for varsity and junior varsity athletic competitions. (See D#2, for definition of “Large and Small Schools”)

   • c. Seventh and eighth grade students from “Large Schools” may be granted a waiver to the ineligibility rule under the following circumstances:

     • i. There is not sufficient enrollment of 9th –12th grade students in the school to field a team.

     • ii. The school does not have a middle school program in which the student could participate.

     • iii. (Aug 2019) A student who has reached his/her 15th birthday prior to August 1 of that school year, can participate.

   • d. Prior to the beginning of that athletic season, “Large Schools” must officially request a waiver to the seventh and eighth grade ineligibility rule and then submit the names of middle school students who will be participating in any KAIAC Blue Division athletic programs to the Governing Board and Blue Division athletic directors.

   • e. Seventh and eighth grade students in “Small and Large Schools” are eligible to participate in (Aug 2019), forensics competitions & music festivals.

2. Seniors are not eligible for junior varsity competition.

3. Any KAIAC member school may bring a student eligibility issue or request for exception to policy to the KAIAC Governing Board. The Governing Board will review these eligibility issues on a case-by-case basis.

4. A Student is considered eligible, if he/she:

   • a. Is adjudged academically eligible and physically fit by a member school‘s principal and coach/sponsor.

   • b. Has parental/guardian authorization to participate in the activity.

   • c. Is a high school student (9th-12th grade). (Exceptions see paragraphs IV.C.1)

   • d. Is considered as a full-time student who is fully enrolled in a member school. An exception can be made for KAIAC Board identified Home-Schooled students. (See paragraph IV.C.4.m)

   • e. Has passed a regular physical exam within the 12 months prior to the start of the athletic season.

   • f. Has not completed eight consecutive school semesters after entrance into the ninth grade.

   • g. Is an eligible seventh and eighth grade student who has not participated as a seventh and eighth grade student for more than four consecutive semesters.

   • h. Is not a sixth grade or below student.

   • i. Has not reached his/her 19th birthday prior to August 1st (Aug 2019). If this is the case, he/she will remain eligible for the remainder of the year.

   • j. Has not graduated from a U.S. or internationally-based four-year high school.

   • k. Has not lost amateur athletic standing in the sport which he/she is competing.

Has not earned an unexcused absence for the day of a competition.

• • l. Has a grade point average that does not fall below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Once the GPA returns to above a 2.0, they are again eligible. For schools without a 4.0 grading scale, the standard for judging eligibility for the school in question will be presented to the Council for approval.

Clarifying Information:

• • • i. The determination of academic eligibility may be adapted by each school‘s individual grading system and scale; however, it is understood that students must meet minimum KAIAC requirements.

    • ii. If a special needs student‘s average falls below a 2.0 GPA, that school‘s administration in conjunction with the coach, athletic director, or sponsor shall review his/her case and make the final determination for eligibility. Special needs students are those students who qualify for an IEP or intervention.

    • iii. At the beginning of the first quarter of each academic year, all students are considered academically eligible.

• • m. Is determined by a member school to have fulfilled its requirements for Home-Schooled Student Eligibility. Following this determination of eligibility, a home-schooled student may participate in KAIAC activities upon officially informing the KAIAC Governing Board.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• MS students are eligible when he/she has not reached his/her 15th birthday prior to September 1st of that school year. If this is the case, he/she will remain eligible for the remainder of the year. Waiver requests can be presented to MS KAIAC with a two-thirds majority required for approval.