Athletic Placement Process
Dear Red Jacket Families,
Since the early 1970’s New York State has had a process called ‘Selective Classification’ that gave the exceptional athlete in 7th or 8th grade, the opportunity to play on a high school athletic team. This process was developed to screen a student’s readiness by evaluating their physical maturity, fitness and skill. In the Fall of 2015, the New York State Education Department announced a new process called the Athletic Placement Process (APP).
Red Jacket CSD believes that exceptional students in grades 7 and 8 should have the opportunity to try out for JV and/or Varsity teams and have included this option in the district policy. However, if this policy was not in place, by law, 7th and 8th grade students would not be allowed to try out for any higher level athletic teams. Also, even with the district policy in place, Red Jacket must adhere to the new APP state standards in order to classify students as exceptional athletes for tryouts; which does not guarantee a place on a team.
Steps to become classified under the APP:
- The varsity coach only will recommend an exceptional MS athlete.
- The AD will have a conversation with the parents/guardian, and if in agreement, will sign the parental permission form and return it to the athletic office.
- The athlete is evaluated by the school medical physician to see if they are physically ready by using the athletes tanner score, height and weight.
- The athlete takes the fitness test (needs to pass 4 of 5 components).
- If the athlete passes both the physical development test and the fitness test, they are eligible to try out for the higher level. Trying out does not guarantee them a spot on the team.
The complete APP process can be found at this link (or below): Athletic Placement Process
Frequently asked questions regarding APP link: FAQ Document
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Go Indians!
Shannon Bodine
Athletic Director