NEPN/NSBA Code:  JJI-R2 

LEWISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS 

Interscholastic athletics can be a very important dimension of a student’s education. However, the main purpose of Lewiston Middle School is to insist on academic growth and success for students; therefore, Lewiston Middle School will require a minimum level of success in ALL classes as a standard for participation. 

The policy outline below establishes a definite standard for participation (passing all subjects) and a means to become eligible after a short period of time. 

The focus is on early diagnosis, communication and correction. It establishes a clear relationship between academics and athletics. Our goal is not to punish but to help our students affect a positive behavior change. 

1.  Academic eligibility will be based on the student’s quarterly average; either the student is passing or failing for the quarter at any given time of the year. 

2.  The process will begin on the third/fourth week of the school year and will continue approximately every other week for the remaining weeks of the school year. 

3.  Teachers will be notified of the athletic eligibility dates. Grades must be current as of 8 AM on that date. 

4.  An eligibility list is made available to each coach listing his/her athletes and their eligibility status. This allows the coach to pull the athlete aside and discuss their academic progress. A letter is also sent home to the parents whenever a student appears on this list. 

5.  Students failing a course will be ineligible for at least one week. If the student is able to bring his/her grade to passing, he/she will become eligible the second week. Written notification indicating the grade has been brought up to passing must be submitted by the student to the Athletic Director before eligibility can be reinstated. 

6.  An updated eligibility list will be kept in the Athletic Director’s office.

Status of a student who is not passing a course(s): 

1.  Teachers are strongly encouraged to give a verbal warning anytime a student is in danger of failing. 

2.  If on any given checkpoint a student is not passing for the quarter, that student will become ineligible for the following week – Monday through Sunday. This means that the student may practice but may not compete in any scrimmages, exhibitions, or regularly scheduled competition during that week. The student has a responsibility to the classroom first and then to practice. 

3.  A student who is ineligible must be ineligible for one week. However, if the student is able to bring his/her grade to passing, he/she will become eligible the next week. Written notification indicating the student has attained a passing grade must be submitted to the Athletic Director before eligibility can be reinstated. 

Adopted: April 23, 2007 

Reviewed: September 24, 2012