EI Board of Education
Athletic/Extracurricular Eligibility Policy

The East Irondequoit CSD Board of Education firmly believes that its students benefit tremendously from participating in athletics and/or extracurricular activities during their secondary school years. This experience presents learning opportunities that enrich and expand upon the contributions of our academic program. Students who engage in these activities broaden their connections to the school and the community at large. The Board of Education’s goal is to encourage its student body to become involved in the numerous opportunities that are available throughout their middle and high school years, and to represent the school community in a positive manner. The Board of Education recognizes that participation in athletics/extracurricular activities is a privilege. Student participation is dependent on his/her commitment and performance related to the academic program and demonstration of positive behaviors in the school and in the community.

The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will also be responsible for establishing the administrative practices, plans and procedures.

Policy 3300 Adopted May 21, 2007

EICSD Secondary Academic Eligibility Policy

The purpose of the East Irondequoit Central School District Secondary Academic Eligibility Policy is to:

  • Communicate the value of a well-rounded education and the importance of academic achievement.

  • Set clear standards for students and the school community at large regarding participation in
    athletics/extracurricular activities.

  • Hold students accountable for their academic performance.

  • Monitor and support students’ academic performance throughout the school year.
    The district emphasizes the importance of effective communication with regard to the
    implementation of this policy and in ensuring adequate support for continued student learning.

Student Eligibility Status

A student’s academic eligibility status will be assessed and determined based on the school calendar, approximately every two weeks (and adjusted annually). A student who is failing one or more courses will have his/her name submitted for eligibility monitoring. The first time a student is placed on the list for a given course, he/she will be placed on academic probation. A student whose name is submitted two consecutive times for the same course(s) will become academically ineligible. Students’ academic eligibility status will be updated according to the scheduled reporting periods. Teachers are required to report students who are failing on Fridays and the students’ status will take effect on the following Monday. Students’ status will remain in effect from Monday following the reporting period up until the Monday following the next reporting period.

A student’s academic eligibility status may fluctuate throughout the school year. As a result of the student’s academic performance being tracked approximately every two weeks, his/her performance and standing will be carefully monitored.

Academic Probationary Status

A student is considered to be of probationary status if he/she is failing one or more courses and is reported for the first time. The student then has until the following reporting date to rectify his/her academic standing by making up overdue assignments and/or seeing the teacher(s) for extra help and guidance on how to improve. If the student’s effort results in attaining a passing average, the student’s name will not be submitted for the consecutive reporting period, and therefore is removed from probation. When a student is on probation, he/she may participate in practices, games, and performances. However, the student must take responsibility in addressing academic deficiencies to avoid becoming academically ineligible.

The student will communicate with his/her coach or advisor if he/she needs to miss practices/meetings to be able to attend work sessions with his/her teacher. Coaches and advisors will support the student’s attendance for extra help even when this action may result in conflict with practices or scheduled meetings.

Academic Ineligibility Status

A student becomes academically ineligible when he/she is reported for two consecutive periods for the same course(s). When academically ineligible, a student may participate in practices for athletics and performance based extracurricular activities, but may not participate in athletic games/competitions and extracurricular performances. For non-performance based extracurricular activities (i.e. Student Council, Environmental Club, etc), the academically ineligible student may not attend meetings during this period of time.

The student is strongly encouraged to improve his/her academic performance in order to become academically eligible. He/she needs to seek out assistance from his/her teachers and needs to commit the time and energy to address his/her failing grades. Once the student achieves a passing grade and is no longer reported as failing for a given course(s), he/she becomes academically eligible. A teacher may notify the athletic director or extracurricular advisor at any time during a reporting period when a student achieves a passing grade. At this time, the student is eligible to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities.

In cases where the student has exhibited a repeated pattern of ineligibility during the athletic season or current school year the coach/advisor may determine that continued participation in the sport/extracurricular activity may not be in the best interest of the student and/or the team/club. Ideally, this decision will be discussed and agreed upon by the coach/advisor, parent, and student. If there is disagreement amongst these parties regarding the desired outcome, a parent, coach/advisor, or student may appeal his/her case to the Appeals Committee for a final ruling.

Special Circumstances

The district recognizes that unique circumstances occasionally arise that require special consideration, and that the Academic Eligibility Appeals Committee will review these cases on an individual basis and will be charged with reaching a final determination regarding the student’s eligibility status.

Academic Eligibility Appeals Committee Membership

  • Director of Athletics

  • Building Principal (Middle or High School Principal)

Academic Eligibility Policy Responsibilities

Administrators are expected to:

  • Ensure that the faculty/advisors implement the policy consistently.

  • Ensure that the coaching staff implements the policy consistently.

  • Monitor student academic performance.

  • Create the calendar identifying the specific reporting times for the entire school year.

  • Communicate clear expectations regarding the policy at the beginning of every school year to teachers, advisors, coaches, students, and parents.

  • Ensure that the student status reports are generated in a timely fashion and distributed properly.

Teachers are expected to::

  • Submit reports as designated by the yearly schedule, identifying the eligibility status of their students.

  • Notify students of their eligibility standing.

  • Make necessary arrangements to communicate reporting information if absent.

  • Review student academic status reports to make necessary arrangements to work with
    identified students.

  • Ensure that students are frequently assessed during the reporting periods.

  • Expect and communicate to students that they need to arrange a time to obtain extra help
    and/or make up work.

  • Make themselves available to students for extra help.

  • Communicate with students, parents, coaches and/or advisors regarding persistent academic concerns.

  • Notify the athletic director or extracurricular advisor when an ineligible student achieves a passing grade.

Coaches/Advisors:

  • Review student academic status reports to identify probationary/ineligible students.

  • Communicate eligibility status (probation or ineligibility) to parents and students promptly
    after the Monday that the reports are received.

  • Facilitate opportunities for students to obtain extra help from their teachers.

Students:

  • Monitor their academic performance in their classes.

  • Communicate with teachers to determine areas that require improvement and to schedule time to obtain extra help.

  • Communicate their academic standing to their parents/guardians.

Parents:

  • Monitor their son/daughter’s academic performance in his/her classes.

  • Communicate with teachers/coaches/advisors on how to support their son/daughter’s
    academic learning and success.