Tri-Valley Central School District > Athletics > Student-Athlete Handbook

Student-Athlete Handbook

2026-2027 Student-Athlete Handbook

 

Academic Calendar

2026–2027 Academic Calendar

 

SPORTS OFFERED (Modified/JV/Varsity)

Fall

Sideline Cheerleading – Varsity/Modified

Boys Cross Country – Varsity/Modified

Girls Cross Country – Varsity/Modified

Football – Varsity/Modified

Boys Soccer – Varsity/Modified

Boys Golf – Varsity

Girls Soccer – Varsity/JV/Modified

Girls Tennis – Varsity

Girls Volleyball – JV/Modified

Winter

Boys Basketball – Varsity/JV/Modified

Girls Basketball – Varsity/JV/Modified

Sideline Cheerleading – Varsity/Modified

Competition Cheerleading – Varsity

Boys Indoor Track – Varsity/Modified

Girls Indoor Track – Varsity/Modified

Skiing – Varsity

Wrestling – Varsity/Modified

Spring

Baseball – Varsity/JV/Modified

Girls Golf – Varsity

Softball – Varsity/JV/Modified

Boys Outdoor Track and Field – Varsity/Modified

Girls Outdoor Track and Field – Varsity/Modified

SPORTS SIGN-UPS FOR 2026-2027: (GRADES 7-12)

Registrations for the 2026-2027 sports seasons will be processed through Bound Sports. After setting up your account, use your login to sign up for the sports program you’re interested in. Please contact the athletic office if you have any questions.

ANNUAL REQUIRED HEALTH EXAMS

Parents should plan to provide the school nurse with an updated private physical using an NYSED Health Exam Form so that their child can participate in interscholastic athletics for the 2026-2027 school year. If your student requires any medication, please provide an updated order to the nursing staff.

IMPORTANT DATES

Fall

Open Bound Registration for Varsity/JV Fall Sports – July 24th

Open Bound Registration for Modified Fall Sports – August 8th

1st Day of Varsity Football – August 17th

1st Day of Fall JV/Varsity Sports – August 24th

1st Day of Fall Modified Sports – September 8th

Homecoming Week: Monday, October 19th – October 24th

Homecoming Pep Rally: Friday, October 23rd

Homecoming Bonfire: Friday, October 23rd

Homecoming Game: Saturday, October 24th

Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 24th

Winter

Open Bound Registration for Varsity/JV Winter Sports – October 16th

Open Bound Registration for Modified Winter Sports – October 23rd

1st Day of JV/Varsity Winter Sports – November 16th

1st Day of Modified Winter Sports – November 23rd

Spring

Open Bound Registration for Varsity/JV Spring Sports – February 8th

Open Bound Registration for Modified Spring Sports – February 15th

1st Day of JV/Varsity Spring Sports – March 8th

1st Day of Modified Spring Sports – March 15th

Tri-Valley Central School District

Mission Statement:

Tri-Valley ensures all learners are prepared for the future through meaningful learning that builds curiosity, resilience, and confidence.

Vision Statement:

Tri-Valley aspires to be a forward-thinking school community that ensures excellence and empowers all learners to thrive.

PHILOSOPHY OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Interscholastic athletics is a component of the health and physical education program and, therefore, an integral part of the district’s total education program. This value-building experience should be offered to as many students as possible. A well-coordinated program is vital to the morale of the school and community.

Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values. Athletics serve as a miniature model of life in that they provide opportunities for students to learn responsibility, fair play, cooperation, concern for others, leadership, respect for authority, good citizenship, loyalty, and tolerance.

It is the nature of the athletic competition to strive for victory. However, the number of victories is only one criterion when determining a season’s success. Guiding the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal. The coaching staff must teach student-athletes to prepare their minds and bodies in order to reach maximum potential, and then to be modest in victory and steadfast in defeat.

*It is important to note that at no time will our program place the educational academic curriculum secondary in emphasis to interscholastic athletics.

ATHLETIC LEVEL OF PLAY PHILOSOPHY

MODIFIED LEVEL

The opportunity to participate in a modified sports program is available to all seventh, eighth, and select (by sport) 9th graders. The modified level of interscholastic athletics focuses on the improvement of the fundamental skills of the sport, improved game play, the knowledge of rules, appropriate training methods, and other basic athletic skills. No emphasis is placed on winning, and maximum participation is desired. The modified level sets the foundation for the future Athletic Experience at Tri-Valley. Practices will be held 5 days a week.

JUNIOR VARSITY

The Junior Varsity level is where increased emphasis is placed upon team play, physical conditioning, and refinement of the fundamental skills of the sport. Winning at the junior varsity level is considered important, and participants should be taught how to effectively cope with winning/losing and crowd influence during contests. Athletic potential and attitude may be the determining factors in making the team at the junior varsity level. Practices will be held 5-6 days a week.

VARSITY LEVEL

The Varsity level of athletic competition is the culmination of our Interscholastic Athletic program at Tri-Valley. Team play, sportsmanship, individual physical ability, motivation, and mental attitude are fundamental aspects of competition at the Varsity level. The team plays to win the contest, but Varsity athletes should accept the fact that important lessons are to be learned from both winning and losing. Not all participants will play in every contest. Practices will be held 6 days a week.

GAMES-SCHEDULES-INFORMATION

For up-to-date team schedules, go to the district web page at https://www.trivalleycsd.org, click on the Athletic Department’s web page, and then choose Athletics Schedule. Of course, there are many days that, due to weather or other problems, a game is rescheduled or canceled. It is suggested that, when the weather is threatening, you look at the Athletics Schedule on the website prior to leaving for the game. Changes and cancellations are posted as they occur.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

The Tri-Valley Central School District wishes to advise students and their parents/guardians that participation in an interscholastic sport or related activity may place the student at risk for injury. Such physical injury can occur in any type of sports activity and may vary in nature regardless of instruction, precaution, or supervision.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE AND RETURN TO SPORT (RTS) PROGRESSION FOLLOWING A CONCUSSION

Coaches and physical education teachers will complete Concussion Management training annually (http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html). Nurses and certified athletic trainers will complete the Concussion Management training annually (http://preventingconcussions.org). The training includes the signs and symptoms of concussions, post-concussion, and return to play protocols. At the end of the course, coaches must print the course completion certificate and submit it to the athletic director’s office

On the District’s website, in the co-curricular handbook, and at preseason parent meetings for athletic teams, parents and students will receive an informative concussion bulletin, the Concussion Management Procedure, and a copy of the District’s Return to Sport (“RTS”) progression.

The District will establish and maintain a Concussion Management Team (CMT) to evaluate students considered to be at risk. The team will consist of a school nurse, administrator(s), coach(s), physical educator(s), and the school medical director.

Any student suspected of having a concussion – either based on the disclosure of a head injury, observed or reported symptoms, or by sustaining a significant blow to the head or body – must be removed from cognitive, athletic, and/or physical activities (e.g., PE class, Recess), and observed until an evaluation can be completed by a private healthcare provider/licensed physician. The student cannot participate in after-school activities. After the event, the coach/ teacher will forward copies of the Concussion Management Checklist and Student Accident Report to the school nurse.

Action Plan for Head Injuries

When any student is suspected of having a concussion – either based on the disclosure of a head injury, observed or reported symptoms, or by sustaining a significant blow to the head or body – the student must be removed, and the following actions must occur:

Immediately remove the student from athletic activity and/or physical activities, and observe the student until an evaluation can be completed by a medical provider. Fill out the Concussion Management Checklist form. Call for help on the radio if possible and/or necessary. If possible, have the student accompanied to the school nurse. If emergency intervention is warranted, call 911.

Inform the student’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion. Provide the parents or guardians with a copy of the completed Concussion Management Checklist and a Fact Sheet on concussions.

Direct the parents to bring the injured student to his or her private doctor for an evaluation. Instruct the parents to make sure that the student is seen by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussions. Provide the parents with blank copies of the Concussion Management Checklist, Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) Form, and ACE Care Plan Form, and ask the parents to (1) give these documents to the private doctor; and (2) direct the private doctor to return the completed documents to the District. If the student’s private doctor determines there is a possible concussion, then the student may not return to athletic activities until:

The student is symptom-free for at least 24 hours

The student’s private physician evaluates the student and provides the district with a written and signed authorization permitting the student to participate in athletic activities

The District’s medical director clears the student to begin the Return to Sport (RTS) procedure

The RTS is successfully completed

The District’s medical director approves final clearance for the student to return to play without restrictions. There will be no exceptions. Keep the student out of physical and/or athletic activities from the day of the injury and until directed to follow the return to play procedure.

If the student’s private doctor determines there is no injury, and the District’s medical director approves the student’s return to play, then the student may return to play after 24-hours of rest.

Notify the Athletic Director of the incident in person or by phone.

In some situations, a 504 plan may be appropriate for students whose concussion symptoms are significant or last 6 months or longer. A temporary impairment, such as a concussion, does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities for an extended period of time. The issue of whether a temporary impairment is substantial enough to be a disability must be resolved on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration both the duration (or expected duration) of the impairment and the extent to which it actually limits a major life activity of the affected student.

RETURN TO SPORT PROGRESSION

Implementation Procedure:

Any student suspected of having a concussion – either based on the disclosure of a head injury, observed or reported symptoms, or by sustaining a significant blow to the head or body – must be removed from cognitive, athletic, and/or physical activities (e.g., PE class, Recess), and observed until an evaluation can be completed by a private healthcare provider/licensed physician. The student cannot participate in after-school activities.

Student’s private healthcare provider/licensed physician clears the student to begin graduated Return to Sport activities once the student has been symptom-free at rest for at least 24 hours.

District’s medical director clears the student to begin the Return to Sport (RTS) Progression.

Once cleared for the RTS, the student can attend all team/school activities, both home and away.

Student retrieves the RTS protocol from the school nurse and gives it to the coach/physical education teacher/athletic trainer.

Coach/physical education teacher/athletic trainer observes the student and, immediately following each activity, reviews the RTS Progression with the student.

Coach/physical education teacher/athletic trainer returns RTS Progression to the school nurse.

If there are no symptoms, the student can move forward to the next stage, the following day, with school nurse approval. If any concussion symptoms recur, however, the student should drop back to the previous level then re-attempt the new activity after another 24-hours have passed.

If there are no symptoms following completion of Stage 4, the District’s Medical Director will use the RTS progression to approve full contact practice, including participation in normal training activities without restrictions.

If there are no symptoms following completion of Stage 5, a student will be allowed to return to sport, including normal game play without restrictions.

Stage Progression:

Baseline (Stage 0): The student has (1) completed physical and cognitive rest, (2) has not experienced concussion symptoms for a minimum of 24-hours, (3) has been cleared by his or her private healthcare provider/licensed physician to begin a return to activities, and (4) has been cleared by the District’s medical director to begin to return to activities.

Stage 1: Symptom-Limited Activity Goal: Gradual reintroduction of work/school activities. Activities: Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms.

Stage 2: Light Aerobic Exercise Goal: Increase heart rate. Time: Approx. 20 minutes. Activities: Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training.

Stage 3: Sport-Specific Exercise

Goal: Add movement.

Time: Reduced from typical routine (at least 20 minutes).

Activities: Running. No head impact activities.

Stage 4: Non-Contact Training Drills Goal: Exercise, coordination, and increased thinking. Time: Closer to Typical Routine. Activities: Harder training drills, e.g., passing drills. May start progressive resistance training activities.

Stage 5: Full Contact Practice Goal: Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff.

Time: Typical Routine.

Activities: Following medical clearance, participate in normal training activities.

Stage 6: Return to Sport

Goal: Return to full activities without restrictions.

ACADEMIC/EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Policy

Satisfactory academic progress is necessary for participation in ALL extracurricular programs. Extracurricular programs include, but are not limited to, sports, clubs, field trips, dances, etc. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right; therefore, students are expected to maintain a certain level of academic performance to participate. The following academic eligibility code emphasizes cooperation between student participants, teachers, parents, and advisors/coaches.

Eligibility Standards

To participate in extracurricular activities in the Tri-Valley School District, students may not fail more than one course. At the end of each eligibility period, grade reports will run from Schooltool to determine eligibility.

Incomplete/Inaccurate forms could lead to disciplinary action.

Grade reports will run approximately every 5 weeks. Students can only be removed from the list during the grade pulls. Based on current grades at the time of the grade report, each student’s academic eligibility for all extracurricular activities will be determined as follows.

Grace Period: Any student who is failing 2 or more classes but was eligible during the previous pull (this is a grace period)

  • Students can participate in extracurricular activities for 1 week; after 1 week, if they do not complete the form and bring their grades back to passing, they will move to restricted.

Restricted: Any student who is failing 2 or more classes and not completing their academic eligibility form.

  • Students who are restricted may not participate in contests or attend extracurricular activities/events.
  • Students must complete their Academic Eligibility Form to retain member status within their team or club.
  • Students on the list must remain in Study Hall unless they have a signed pass from a teacher to report for academic support.
  • Students on the list can not go to the Bear Den or Barista Bears
  • Students on the list can not attend practices, clubs, activities, or on-campus school events

Back on Track: Students are completing academic eligibility forms and are passing.

  • This means they completed forms and are passing, but grade pulls have not been completed yet.
  • Students must continue to complete the forms weekly to remain Back On Track until grades are pulled again (IPR’s and Marking Periods)

Options for Help:

Meet with the teacher/counselor/administration

Academic Support (Register on Bound)

Additional Notes: All grades reported reflect the student’s current marking period average.

All students are subject to this eligibility policy. Any student who is ruled ineligible will not be allowed to attend any after-school extracurricular activities as a participant or spectator.

The school’s code of conduct may override a student’s eligibility status. Any student on out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in any school activity, nor is he/she allowed on the school grounds. Any student who has served in-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on that day. Other disciplinary infractions may result in the student not being allowed to play on sports teams, attend trips, or participate in school activities.

This code does not apply to intra-curricular activities, such as field trips within an academic class, which are part of a curriculum. Those teachers and the administration will determine ineligibility for intra-curricular activities.

All decisions regarding student eligibility may be appealed to the Principal. The student must submit a written request for the appeal immediately after the eligibility check.

CO-CURRICULAR CODE OF CONDUCT

Co-curricular activities in the Tri-Valley School District are an extension of the academic environment. It is expected that all students involved in all after-school activities will follow rules and regulations, which will ensure academic as well as co-curricular success. Co-curricular participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the team, to the student body, and to the community. When a participant accepts this privilege, he/she must also live up to a code of conduct beyond that of the general student body, on and off school property, during the season and the off-season. The following code has been established for all students in any co-curricular activity in grades 7-12.

Tryouts

In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students participate in the athletic program as possible, we encourage coaches to keep as many athletes as they can without jeopardizing the integrity of their sport. The final decision on squad size will be left up to the coach. Though exclusion of students from athletic participation is not a preferred policy, unfortunately, there are times a student may face a situation where he/she does not make a team. Team selection will be determined by a pre-identified process and timeline. This process will involve review by multiple coaches, and the criteria will evaluate athletic skill, sport-specific skill and knowledge, teamwork, grades, and behavior. When a student is not selected, the coach will meet with the student individually to explain why he/she did not make the team. It is understood that this is a very difficult time for students, families, and coaches, and communication at this time is critically important to the student’s learning process.

Medical Clearance

The student-athlete must be medically cleared by the school nurse to participate in each sports season. The student-athlete must have on file in the nurse’s office a current physical (a physical is good for one year) and have an approved Athletic registration prior to the start of the season, including tryouts for the team. An Interval Health History form must also be filled out and on file before each season to participate. Failure to have proper documentation will leave the student ineligible until the documentation is completed.

Attendance

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in practice sessions/meetings and scheduled games/activities, the student must attend school for a half day of school on the day of the activity (8:00 am-11:30 am or 11:30 am-2:45 pm), or they will not be allowed to participate

in co-curricular activities. In addition, being late to school for multiple days may result in a referral, which could also prohibit the student-athlete from participating in practice/games. Squad members are expected to be present at every practice session/meeting called by the coach unless absent from school or excused by the coach. Tardiness will not be tolerated, but a late arrival pass from a teacher who is giving academic assistance is acceptable and should be presented to the coach. Members who cut practice may be suspended by the coach of that sport.

Any student-athlete who is not prepared and/or does not participate in physical education class (without a note) will not be eligible to practice or play.

Hazing/Initiation

“Hazing” means the performance of any act or the coercion of another to perform any act of initiation into any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions. The act of “hazing” may result in disciplinary action as per the code of conduct.

Withdrawing from a team/activity

If a student decides to leave a team/activity after ten days of practice, he/she MUST see the coach/advisor before leaving the team to give them an explanation. Failure to do so may lead to suspension from the following season’s athletic team. The Athletic Director will review each situation and render a decision.

Appearance

Participants represent Tri-Valley Central School and the community. Participants should be neat and dress in good taste. The coach/advisor is responsible for the team/activity attire.

Transportation

Team/activity members must ride the bus provided for them to and from games (this includes the manager, statisticians, and helpers). A team/activity member may also return with another squad member’s parent if a parent note requesting this transportation is signed and approved by the principal. Team members may not ride to and from games in any other vehicles unless approved by the Principal/AD. Release times for away games will be communicated on the morning announcements and by the coach. In general, students will only have about 10 minutes after being released from their class before the bus is scheduled to leave. Co-curricular trips are a privilege; student participants are responsible for handing in all school work due the day of the trip before they leave. Failure to do so may result in a zero.

Equipment and Uniforms

Equipment issued to each participant must be properly cared for and not abused. All issued gear must be turned in after the last scheduled game/event, on the first school day following the last scheduled contest/event. Equipment or uniforms are to be used only for scheduled activities. Certain equipment may be used in practice situations with the approval of the coach/advisor.

Uniforms, however, are never to be used for any purpose other than an organized, scheduled activity. Students are responsible for all issued school uniforms and/or equipment and must return them immediately after the conclusion of the sport season or activity. If unreturned, the student must pay for such articles. Failure to do so will cause that student to become ineligible for any and all school activities and, if necessary, require administrative action. The District may also initiate civil proceedings to recoup the costs for all unreturned uniforms and/or equipment.

Lockers

Keep lockers locked at all times. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR LOCKERS. The school is not responsible for such items. If you have anything of value, bring it to the Secondary School Office for safekeeping. Students should not give out their locker combination to anyone. Students are not permitted to use or go into any locker not assigned to them. Any student experiencing locker problems should notify their coach/advisor immediately. Gym lockers will be assigned to you on the first day of practice or during your physical education class. Students are not allowed to decorate the outside of their lockers with any stickers, markers, etc.

Sportsmanlike Conduct and Student Participant Behavior

All Tri-Valley students are expected to act appropriately at all times. Vulgarities, fighting, and disrespect to other players, coaches, fans, officials, and faculty members while in school or on a bus to and from another school will be treated seriously. A coach may request a suspension of an athlete for unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the court or playing field.

Other examples of unacceptable behavior both on and off school property are truancy or illegal absence from school or classes, insubordination, fighting, lack of cooperation with school personnel, vandalism, violation of the rights of others, stealing, assault, and harassment. Issues pertaining to questions of conduct will be resolved by a committee consisting of the sport’s coach, the Principal, and the Athletic Director.

All students are required to follow school rules and regulations. Failure to obey school rules will result in a disciplinary referral, and the student may be suspended from participating in co-curricular activities, depending upon the nature of the disciplinary infraction. Students who commit severe disciplinary infractions or repeatedly receive referrals will be suspended from athletics and all co-curricular activities. A committee consisting of the coach, the Principal, and the Athletic Director will determine the length of the suspension, and the nature and frequency of the incidents will be determining factors.

Any student-athlete receiving an in-school or out-of-school suspension will be ineligible to participate in Athletics while serving the suspension. Following the suspension, the student-athlete will meet with the Athletic Director, and a suspension from the next athletic contest will occur.

Students are expected to abide by all additional rules established by individual programs. Such aspects as dress codes, holiday, and weekend practice time are included here. Players will know these rules BEFORE trying out. All athletes are required to follow all rules and directives set forth by the coach. It is understood that each individual coach may develop rules and criteria for the athletes involved in their sport.

Vandalism

Participants represent our school and community. Any documented acts of vandalism to our school facilities or to visiting school facilities may lead to the suspension of the student from participation in co-curricular activities for 90 calendar days. This decision will be made by the coach, Athletic Director, and Principal.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Vape Products & Illegal Drugs

Any athlete(s) determined to be in possession of, under the influence of, or participating in the sale of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, or vape products of any kind will be:

A. Suspended from the team for a minimum of two weeks.

B. Be required to seek counseling from their guidance counselor regarding substance use, prior to their return to the team.

C. A second offense will result in the removal from their current team for the remainder of the season.

D. A third offense will result in the removal of the student-athlete(s) being suspended from participation in Tri-Valley Athletics for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year.

**Coaches can request the release of student-athlete (s) from their team if found to be abusing drugs/alcohol/tobacco/Vape products on or off campus. A committee consisting of the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach will determine the final status of the student athlete(s).

SECTION IX DISQUALIFICATION POLICY

Sportsmanship is an integral and vital ingredient of any interscholastic athletic program. The National Federation of High School Athletics, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Section IX, and the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association have targeted the area of sportsmanship for a major emphasis. Section IX has instituted the following policy to ensure the development of the understanding of the importance of proper sportsmanship and fair play. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule

Any Tri-Valley student-athlete, coach, or spectator who is ejected/disqualified from a contest will be automatically suspended for a minimum of one game. The game(s) is to be the next regularly scheduled contest(s) and may be carried over to the next season. Ejection/disqualification incident reports must be submitted to the Athletic Director, the Section IX office, and the league Sportsmanship Chairperson. A conference between the player or coach and the Athletic Director will take place before the student-athlete or coach is eligible to return.

SOCIAL MEDIA CLAUSE

Student-athletes shall conduct themselves through social media platforms in such a way that each student-athlete conforms with all the requirements located in this Code of Conduct in the same way that he/she would in person. Student-athletes should remember that any posts made to social media sites may be made available for all to see on the internet and, as such, should refrain from posting content that promotes illegal conduct or is disrespectful to teammates, competitors, coaching staff, officials, teachers, or administrators. Violations of the social media rule will subject the violating student-athlete to consequences as determined by the Head Coach and Athletic Director. The violating student-athlete may be subject to additional consequences as determined by his/her team’s head coach.

NYSPHSAA CODE OF ETHICS

In compliance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Code of Ethics, it is the duty of all concerned with student athletics to:

1. To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.

2. To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.

3. To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.

4. To show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.

5. To establish a happy relationship between visitors and host.

6. To respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.

7. To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.

8. To encourage leadership, use of initiative and good judgment by players on the team.

9. To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players.

10. To remember that an athletic contest is only a game, not a matter of life and death for player, coach, school, fan, or community

NYSPHSAA Guidelines for Student-Athlete Eligibility

ELIGIBILITY

Each athlete will participate under the eligibility requirements, rules and regulations set forth by the New York State Commissioner of Education and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, as well as the Middletown City School District Board of Education. Each student-athlete and his/her parent/guardian will be required to sign and submit to the respective coach a “Guidelines for Athletic Participation Authorization Form”. The coach will then forward this form to the athletic office. A student-athlete will not be permitted to participate unless this requirement is completed. This should be done at the preseason meeting scheduled for student-athletes and parents/guardians.

NEW YORK STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

1. Age and Grade: According to the regulations of the NYS Commissioner of Education, a pupil shall be eligible for senior high athletic competition in a sport during each of four consecutive seasons of such sport commencing with the pupil’s entry into the 9th grade and prior to graduation, except as otherwise provided in the Athletic Placement Process. The Athletic Placement Process permits pupils in the 7th and 8th grades to compete in senior high school competition provided that they meet the standards of the program. A pupil shall be eligible for interschool competition in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 until his/her 19th birthday. A pupil who attains the age of 19 years on or after July 1 may continue to participate during the school year in all sports.

2. Amateur: A student who represents a school in an interscholastic sport shall be an amateur in that sport. An amateur is one who engages in athletic competition solely for the pleasure of the activity and for the benefits derived from participation. An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by: a. Competing for money or other compensation (travel, meals, lodging, etc.); b. Receiving an award or prize of monetary value which has not been approved by NYSPHSAA. (Only awards/prizes less than $50 in value will be approved.); c. Capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value (scholarships to higher institutions are exempted.); d. Signing a professional playing contract in that sport.

3. Assumed Name: Participating under an assumed name in any athletic contest shall make the student-athlete ineligible in that sport for one year from the date of violation.

4. Bona Fide Students: A contestant must be a bona fide student of the high school represented and must be taking at least four subjects, including physical education.

5. College: A student is no longer eligible to represent the school in that sport in that season if the student participates in practice or competition with or against any college squad.

6. All-Star Contests: The only all-star contests that an athlete may participate in are exceptional senior athlete contests that are approved by the NYSPHSAA. a. Only seniors who have completed their eligibility in that sport may compete in these contests. b. A contestant may participate in no more than one approved exceptional athlete contest in the same sport during the school year.

NYSPHSAA Transfer Rule

A. A student in grades 9-12 who transfers, with a corresponding change in residence of his/her parents (or other person with whom the student has resided for at least six months) shall become eligible after starting regular attendance in the second school. A residence change must involve a move from one school district to another. Furthermore, when a student moves from one public school district to another public school district, for athletic eligibility, the student must enroll in the public school district or in a private school within that district’s boundaries of his/her parents’ residency. For athletic eligibility, a residency is changed when one is abandoned by the immediate family and another residency is established through action and intent. Residency requires one’s physical presence as an inhabitant and the intent to remain indefinitely. The Superintendent, or designee, will determine if the student has met district residence requirements.

B. A student who transfers without a corresponding change in residence of his/her parents (or other persons with whom the student has resided for at least six months) is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic contest in a particular sport for a period of one (1) year if, as a 9-12 grade student, participated in that sport during the one (1) year period immediately preceding his/her transfer. Students who transfer from any school to the public school district of the residence of his/her parents (or other persons with whom the student has resided for at least six months) or a private school within that district’s boundaries shall be exempt from the Transfer Rule. That type of transfer without penalty will only be permitted once in a high school career. NOTE: A student in a foreign exchange program listed by CSIET has a one-year waiver of the Transfer Rule. If such a student elects to stay a second year, he/she becomes a foreign student at the start of the school year with item (B) in effect.

Exemptions to (B): For athletic eligibility, a student must enroll in the public school district or in a nonpublic school within that district’s boundaries of his/her parent’s residency.

1. The student reaches the age of majority and establishes residency in a district and can substantiate that they are independent and self-supporting.

2. If a private or parochial school ceases to operate, a student may transfer to another private or parochial school of his/her choice. Otherwise, a student must enroll in the public school district of his/her parents’ residency.

3. A student who is a ward of the court or state and is placed in a district by court order. Guardianship does not fulfill this requirement.

4. A student from divorced or “legally” separated parents who moves into a new school district with one of the aforementioned parents. Such a transfer is allowed once every six months. The legal separation agreement must address custody, child support, spousal support, and distribution of assets and be filed with the County Clerk or issued by a Judge.

5. A student who is declared homeless by the Superintendent pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation 100.2.

6. A student of a military employee who is transferred to an active military base may enroll in the non-public school closest to their residence and maintain eligibility if the student enrolls in a nonpublic school immediately following the change in residence.

NOTE: It is provided, however, that each school shall have the opportunity to petition the Section involved to approve transfer without penalty based on an undue hardship for the student.

C. Transfer students trying out for sports before school opens in the fall shall register and be accepted by the principal of that school before the medical examination and the first practice. This shall constitute the start of the regular attendance for fall sports.

NOTE: After approval by the school medical officer, a student may practice immediately and must satisfy the specific Sports Standard according to the number of practice sessions required.

D. Practices at the previous school may be counted toward the minimum number of practices required provided the principal or athletic director of the previous school submits, in writing, the number and dates of such practices to the principal or athletic director of the new school.

E. 7th and 8th graders who compete at the HS level will be subject to the transfer rule in “that” sport.

ATHLETIC PLACEMENT PROCESS (APP) – PARTICIPATION OF 7TH AND 8TH GRADE STUDENTS ON JV AND VARSITY TEAMS

The Tri-Valley Central School District is subject to the New York State Education Department’s Athletic Placement Process (previously known as the Selection Classification Process) for athletics. This program is intended only for the student who is truly at a level of physical and emotional maturity, comparable physical size, fitness, and sport skill that is commensurate with the level they wish to pursue. The intent of the Athletic Placement Process (APP) is to provide for students in grades 7 through 12 a mechanism that allows them to participate safely at an appropriate level of competition based upon readiness, rather than age and grade. Students do not mature at the same rate, and there can be a tremendous range of developmental differences between students of the same age. This program is not used to fill positions on teams, provide additional experience, provide a place for junior high students when no modified program is offered, or to reward a student. Instead, it is aimed at the few selected elite students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness. Seventh and eighth-grade students who participate on a high school team past the tryout period are not permitted to return to the modified level in that sport.

If your child is mature and an exceptional athlete and is interested in trying out for a high school sport team, please review the steps and process timeline for this program:

Coaching Recommendation: Request consideration from the sport’s head varsity coach for a signed letter of recommendation. The coach may wish to include your child’s physical education teacher or past coaches in this process if he/she is not familiar with your child. This form is to be presented to the Athletic Director. If this recommendation is not obtained, the process stops.

Administrative Approval: The athletic administrator should confirm that the student is suitable for consideration, which includes the likelihood that the student would play in at least 50% of the games. Additionally, because of the increased time demands of participation at the high school level, the student’s academic performance (as determined at the local level) should be at or above grade level. Furthermore, administration should assess the student’s emotional readiness to socialize with high school-aged students. If the student is not academically or socially ready, the student should not proceed through the APP.

Parent/Guardian Permission: Upon receipt of the coach’s recommendation form, the Tri-Valley Athletic Office will provide your child with a parental permission form. Please complete this form and return it to the Tri-Valley Athletic Office.

Medical Clearance: The district medical director will review your child’s medical records and current sport physical status. The sport physical must be updated annually and on file with the School Nurse’s office and include the Tanner Maturity Rating form. The district medical director will review the student’s maturity level and compare the physical size of the student in relation to that of the students against whom the student wishes to compete. Students deemed to have attained the appropriate physical maturity level and comparable physical size for the desired sport and level may proceed to step 4 of the APP. If the student is determined not to have attained the appropriate physical maturity level for the desired sport and level, the process stops.

Physical Fitness Testing: This President’s Physical Fitness test will be administered to the child, following the district’s scheduled timeline for each sport season. The student must meet the threshold set forth by the NYS Education Department. If the student does not meet the physical fitness standards, the process stops.

Qualification Determination: The results of the three evaluations will be sent to the Director of Physical Education/Athletics. Only students who have passed all areas of the APP are permitted to try out with a high school team.

Tryouts: The student will try out for the sport & level requested. Students who do not make the team, or decide not to complete the tryout session, must return to the modified level of competition.

VARSITY LETTER/PINS

A Varsity athlete will receive a letter for the sport they participate in, provided they end the season in good standing. Each athlete will only receive 1 Varsity Letter. Each athlete will receive a pin for each varsity sport they participate in.

SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARDS

At the end of each year, senior athletic awards will be given at the senior celebration. The awards are determined by the current Varsity coaches and the Athletic Director. The awards are:

Outstanding Senior Athlete (Male/Female)

Perseverance Award (Male/Female)

Sportsmanship Award (Male/Female)

Leadership Award (Male/Female)

“Iatauro Award” 12 Consecutive Seasons Award (grades 9-12, 3 seasons per year)

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Each sports season will have its own Athletic Awards Banquet. The purpose of the awards banquet is three-fold: increase awareness and support of the athletic program, summarize the current sports season, and recognize outstanding qualities of each team and individual athletes. All sports teams will be represented by the student-athletes, their family members/guests (number based on venue), and coaches. Coaches will make a speech about the season, recognizing their roster by having athletes stand, stating team highlights, and award winners. Award winners will come to the podium to accept their award. Student-athletes are expected to dress appropriately.

DUAL SPORT ATHLETES

Students with exceptional time management skills as well as multi-faceted athletic ability can choose to participate in two sports within the same season. Both coaches must agree to this, and a primary sport must be chosen, which takes precedence over the secondary sport when there is a conflict in schedule or training. The Athletic Director will then review the request and take into consideration the student’s academic record to make a final decision.

COMMUNICATION

Conflict Resolution

Co-curricular involvement is highly emotional and very time-consuming. Sometimes conflicts arise between students, coaches/advisors, and occasionally parents. However, the student’s interest is best served when each participant understands the position of the other. This understanding can only be accomplished by open and honest communication. When conflicts or issues arise, it is important that they be addressed immediately and as directly as possible, so that they can be promptly resolved.

Communication you should expect from your child’s coach/advisor

Philosophy of the coach/advisor and district.

Expectations the coach has for your individual child and the team as a group. This includes practices, games, travel, early notifications of conflicts, etc.

Locations and times of all practices, games, and/or events.

Team requirements, i.e., off-season conditioning, personal equipment, etc.

Procedure should your child be injured.

Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation both long and short term.

Communication coaches expect from parents

Concerns expressed directly to the coach/advisor.

Notification of any occasional schedule conflicts well in advance.

Specific concern in regard to a coach’s/advisor’s philosophy and/or expectations.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches/advisors

The treatment of your child both mentally and physically.

Ways to help your child improve.

Concerns about your child’s behavior.

It is difficult to accept when your child is not participating as much as you or he/she may hope. Coaches/Advisors are professionals who make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all of the students involved. As you have read above, there are items that you can and should address with the coach/advisor. Other things, such as the ones following, must be left to the discretion of the coach/advisor.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches/advisors

Playing time.

Team strategy and line-ups.

Play calling.

Other students/athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach/advisor and the parent. These conferences are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

Students and their parents should use the following process as a guideline when seeking a resolution to conflicts or issues between an athlete and a coach:

First Step: Contacting the Coach/Advisor

The student should present the conflict/issue to the coach/advisor as soon as possible. If personal contact is not practical, a student may ask his/her team captain to approach the coach. If the personal or captain route is not possible, contact may be made by the student’s parent at an appropriate time. In order for the contact to be as productive as possible, times that students, captains, or parents should avoid are:

Prior to, during, or immediately following a contest.

During an active practice session.

When other students are present or when it would be readily visible to others that the discussion is taking place.

When it is apparent that there is not sufficient time to allow for a complete discussion.

Perhaps the best solution is to ask the coach, either over the phone or in person, if an appointment could be made to discuss the issue. A parent or student may also leave a note for the coach in the athletic office.

Second step: Contacting the Athletic Director

If a satisfactory solution is not reached through direct contact with the coach, the student and/or parent should contact the Athletic Director. The coach should be informed that this contact is going to be made. If this discussion does not result in a satisfactory conclusion, then a meeting will be scheduled involving all concerned parties in an attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution.

While there can be no guarantee that all parties will agree with all resolutions or findings, a thorough, respectful airing of different perceptions and experiences can lead to more productive relationships and clearer understandings in the future.

Third step: Contacting the Principal

If there is still not a satisfactory resolution, the student or parent may contact the high school Principal. The Athletic Director should be informed that this contact is going to be made.

NCAA Qualifier

An NCAA Division I or II qualifier is an individual who is eligible for practice, competition, and to receive athletically related financial aid. An individual who is not a qualifier may be deemed an “academic redshirt” in Division I or a “partial qualifier” in Division II and may be eligible for practice and financial aid during his or her first year of attendance at an Institution, but not eligible to compete.

NCAA Information

NCAA BYLAW 14.3.1.1 DIVISION I

A qualifier in Division I is defined as one who is a high school graduate and who presented the following academic qualifications:

(a). A minimum cumulative grade point average as specified in 14.3.1.1 (based on a maximum of 4.000) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses.

(b) A minimum combined score on the SAT critical reading and math sections or a minimum sum score on the ACT as specified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Index (also known as a sliding scale). The required SAT or ACT score must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing date [no residual (campus) testing or regional testing dates] except that a state-administered ACT may be used to meet the test-score requirements; AND

(c) Completion of 10 of the required 16 core courses before the start of an individual’s seventh semester (or the equivalent) of high school. Seven of the 10 core courses must include English, mathematics, and natural or physical sciences.

Check out the NCAA Eligibility Center at: NCAA Eligibility Center and NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Sheet Division 1 and 2 to learn more about NCAA eligibility and the Sliding Scale. Div I and Div II Quick Reference Guide: The minimum necessary GPA on the sliding scale is a 2.3. 2.3 or Take a Knee Reference

It is required that you register as an Athlete with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have your official high school transcripts and test scores submitted to the NCAA: NCAA Athlete Registration Center – Start your Profile

DIVISION I 16 CORE-COURSE RULE

16 Core Courses:

4 years of English

3 years of Mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

2 years of Natural/Physical Science (one laboratory course If offered by high school)

2 years of Social Science

1 year of additional English, Mathematics, or Natural/Physical Science

4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, comparative religion/philosophy)

Division I core course time requirement: A prospective student-athlete must complete core curriculum requirements not later than the high school graduation date of the prospective student-athlete’s class [as determined by the first year of enrollment in high school (ninth grade) or the international equivalent]. Prospects may complete one additional core course post-high school graduation, or three additional core courses if the prospect has a diagnosed education-impacting disability.

NCAA BYLAW 14.3.1.1 DIVISION II

In Division II, a qualifier is defined as one who is a high school graduate and who presented the following minimum academic qualifications:

(a). A minimum cumulative grade point of 2.00 (based on a maximum of 4.000) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses (as in Division I, 14.3.1.1.1; and

(b). A minimum of 820 combined score on the SAT Critical Reading (Verbal) and Math Sections only, or a minimum composite score on the ACT of 68.

Core Courses

  • Division II currently requires 16 core courses. See the chart below.
  • Beginning August 1, 2018, to become a full or partial qualifier for Division II, all college-bound student-athletes must complete the 16 core-course requirement.
  • See the chart Link here: NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Sheet Division 1 & 2

Test Scores

  • Division II currently requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.
  • Beginning August 1, 2018, Division II will use a sliding scale to match test scores and core-course grade-point averages (GPA). The sliding scale for those requirements is shown on Page No. 2 of this sheet.
  • The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used.
  • Remember, the NCAA core GPA is calculated using NCAA core courses only

DIVISION II 16 Core Courses:

3 years of English 30

2 years of Mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

2 years of Natural/Physical Science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)

3 years of additional English, Mathematics, or Natural/Physical Science

2 years of Social Science

4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy)

Important: Students enrolling at an NCAA Division I or II institution for the first time need to also complete the amateurism questionnaire through the Eligibility Center Website. Students need to request final amateurism certification prior to enrollment.

** For additional information on the rules, please go to www.ncaa.org. For more information, visit the NCAA Eligibility Center or www.2point3.org.

NOTE: These requirements do not apply to NCAA Division III institutions where eligibility for financial aid, practice and competition will continue to be governed by institutional, conference, and other NCAA regulations.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

At the conclusion of a student-athlete’s junior year, if he or she plans to participate in an NCAA Division I or II level program after graduation, the student-athlete must be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse for eligibility. The NCAA Clearinghouse has adapted to an Online Application that has replaced the paper application. Below are the step-by-step procedures to utilize the site.

1. Go to NCAA Eligibility Center

2. Click on the appropriate box for Students and Parents

There is a fee, payable by the student, for processing. This report covers all reports to all institutions. The fee must be paid by the student. It is an NCAA violation for the school, booster club, or supporter to pay the fee for the student.