Athletic Placement Porcess (APP)

Purpose

The Potsdam Central School District recognizes that, in limited circumstances, a student may demonstrate the readiness and ability to participate safely and successfully in interscholastic athletic competition outside of the student’s usual grade-level classification.

In accordance with Section 135.4 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and guidance established by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the Board of Education authorizes the District to utilize the Athletic Placement Process (APP).

The APP is intended for a limited number of students who may benefit from competing at another level. Participation outside of a student’s usual grade-level classification is a privilege and is not guaranteed.

Reccommendation and invitation process

A coach, physical education teacher, parent/guardian, or other appropriate individual may bring a student to the attention of the Athletic Director for consideration under the APP.

A recommendation or request for consideration does not automatically result in an invitation to try out and does not guarantee participation at a higher level.

The Athletic Director shall review the recommendation and determine whether the student should be formally invited to participate in the APP and try out for the higher-level team.

The decision to invite a seventh- or eighth-grade student to try out rests with the Athletic Director or Physical Education Director in accordance with NYSED requirements.

Parent/Guardian Consent and health requirements

Prior to participating in the APP tryout process, the student must satisfy all applicable NYSED and District requirements, including:

• Written parent/guardian permission;
• Required health examination and medical clearance; and
• Any other documentation required by NYSED or the District.

The physiological maturity/Tanner rating previously associated with the APP is no longer required

Tryout and evaluation Process

Once invited and properly cleared, the student shall participate in the regular tryout process for the team being considered, including the District’s established minimum number of tryout days when applicable.

The APP student shall be evaluated using the same tryout criteria applied to all other students trying out for that team. A separate physical fitness test or other additional performance requirement shall not be imposed solely because the student is participating through the APP.

During the tryout process, the coach and Athletic Director shall specifically consider whether the student has demonstrated appropriate readiness in the four areas identified by NYSED:

1. Personal and Social Responsibility – The student demonstrates the maturity, responsibility, behavior, and social readiness necessary to participate appropriately with older or younger students.
2. Sport-Specific Skill Development – The student demonstrates the skills and athletic abilities necessary to participate successfully and safely at the proposed level of competition.
3. Knowledge of the Sport – The student demonstrates an appropriate understanding of the rules, strategies, expectations, and demands of the sport at the proposed level.
4. Physical Fitness – The student demonstrates the physical conditioning, strength, endurance, agility, or other fitness characteristics necessary to participate safely and successfully at the proposed level.

Final Placement Decision

At the conclusion of the tryout period, the coach and Athletic Director shall review the student’s performance and readiness.

Placement at the higher level shall occur only when the Athletic Director and coach agree that the student:

• Has demonstrated appropriate readiness in the four areas identified above;
• Meets the same applicable tryout expectations used for other students seeking placement on the team;
• Can safely compete at the proposed level; and
• Would appropriately benefit from participation at that level.

The Athletic Director shall document the final APP determination.

An invitation to participate in a tryout does not guarantee placement on the team.

Appropriate use of the APP

The Athletic Placement Process shall be used selectively and only when participation at another level is appropriate for the individual student.

Consistent with NYSED requirements, the APP shall not be used to:

• Fill roster vacancies;
• Provide additional playing opportunities;
• Replace or circumvent a modified athletic program; or
• Reward a student for athletic performance or achievement.

The primary consideration shall be whether participation at another level is developmentally appropriate and beneficial for the individual student, while maintaining the safety and integrity of the District’s interscholastic athletic program.

Administration

The Superintendent of Schools and Athletic Director are authorized to develop forms, procedures, and administrative practices necessary to implement this policy consistent with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and current NYSED guidance.

The District shall maintain appropriate records documenting students considered and approved through the Athletic Placement Process.

REFERENCE: 8 NYCRR §135.4; current New York State Education Department Athletic Placement Process guidance.