All students will be encouraged and allowed to participate in individual sports on the basis of their abilities, interests and desires, satisfying academic eligibility requirements, and meeting medical requirements. Student eligibility for participation on interscholastic teams will include:
Authorization by the school or private physician (with the school physician having the final authority);
Written parent or guardian consent;
Compliance with the District and Athletic Codes of Conduct; and
Academic eligibility requirements.
All interscholastic athletic teams will be open to all eligible students enrolled in the District. Coaches will make every effort to give each team member opportunities to play in interscholastic games subject to the rules governing limits of substitution. Progressive levels of skill proficiency are needed at the three grades of interscholastic sports: freshman, junior varsity, and varsity. Coaches will help students to develop these skills.
Freshman teams are open to all eligible 9th graders.
Junior Varsity teams are open to all eligible 9th, 10th and 11th grade students.
Varsity teams are open to all eligible 9th through 12th grade students.
In rare circumstances, with the approval of the Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education, students may be permitted to go through the athletic
placement eligibility process in accordance with law and regulations and the rules of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association
(NYSPHSAA).
The District will ensure adherence to all relevant rules and regulations of the appropriate State and County Leagues, Associations and Conferences.
Cross-ref: 5281, Athletic Placement Process for Interscholastics Athletic Program
5285, YHS Academic Eligibility for Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
5300, Code of Conduct
New York State Education Department, Athletic Placement Process for Interschool Athletic Programs
District Athletic Code of Conduct
Ref: Education Law §§414; 1502; 1604(7-b); 1709(8-a); 1718(2); 3001-b; 4409
8 NYCRR §135.4
Adoption date: December 1, 1995
Amended date: September 23, 2003
Amended date: September 21, 2009
Amended date: November 4, 2019
Reviewed date: March 5, 2026