Eligibility Standards For Interscholastic Athletics

Before being permitted to try out, practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic activity, students must be enrolled in a Yonkers secondary school and fulfill each of the following requirements:

According to the Commissioner’s Regulations, a pupil shall be eligible for interschool competition or inclusive athletic activities in a sport during a semester, provided that he or she:

• is a bona fide student, enrolled during the first 15 school days of such semester;
• is registered in the equivalent of three regular courses;
• is meeting the physical education requirement; and
• has been in regular attendance 80 percent of the school time, bona fide absence caused by personal illness excepted.

Practice Sessions

All student-athletes must participate in the NYSPHSAA required number of practices for that sport to be eligible for participation in any athletic contest. Coaches are responsible for reviewing practice rules and for conducting practice sessions five or six days per week, excluding game days.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form

Parent/Guardian consent will now be signed and submitted through FinalForms before the start of each sports season.

Health Examination

As noted in the NYSPHSAA Handbook, a student who may engage in interschool competition shall receive an adequate health examination and may not practice or participate without the approval of the school medical officer. Health examinations may be conducted by a private physician and are accepted by the district medical director. 

NOTE: Physicals for participation in school sports may be scheduled at any time during the calendar year. The results of the physical shall be valid for a period of 12 months after the last day of the month in which the physical was conducted. Unless the medical examination is conducted within 30 days of the start of a season, a health history update is required. Any pupil whose safe participation is in question as a result of the health history interview, or injury, or prolonged absence must be re-qualified by the school physician prior to participation. If the 12-month period for the physical expires during a sports season, participants may complete the season as long as a health history was conducted prior to the season.  For example, a physical conducted on August 1 would be valid through August 31. If a student plays beyond August (ex, football), the student may complete that sports season as long as an interval health history was conducted before the start of the season. Immediately following the last sanctioned tournament competition for that season, a new physical is required if the student is going to play another sport. Sport season includes tryouts. 

Health Status Review (HSR)

Prior to participation in each athletic season, health history forms will be completed and signed through FinalForms to verify current health status. For this reason, registration will open 30 days prior to the start of the season. 

Medical Disqualification

If a student is medically disqualified for participation in a given sport or activity, the examining physician must indicate the reasons for disqualification on the Physical Examination Card.

Insurance

The school district’s accident insurance coverage provides a fixed benefit schedule based on the nature of the injury. This coverage applies to all pupils engaged in school sponsored activities. This plan is a secondary, non-duplicating policy. If you have medical or dental insurance that covers your child, charges must be submitted to your primary insurance first. Submit the explanation of benefits or rejection from your carrier along with itemized bills to Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. The school office will give you information about the claim form, benefits, time limits and instructions.

Attendance Requirements

Students absent from school may not practice or participate in athletics that day. Absences, cutting and lateness to class can result in the student being dropped from the team.

Academic Eligibility Policy

Students have to meet the following criteria:

1. Must have a 70% average on his or her report card for the previous marking period
2. Must maintain 90% attendance in all classes
3. Must adhere to the District’s Code of Conduct for students
4. Must pass physical education

A student falling below in any of the above areas during the previous marking period will be placed on probation and may practice and play. A bi-weekly review of his or her progress will be conducted by the Athletic Director to determine participation status. The administrative liaison for athletics will review, verify and make the final determination with regard to playing status. If no improvement is evident, the student will be prohibited from playing until he or she meets the minimum requirements noted above.

Responsibility for maintaining academic achievement, attendance and conduct rests primarily with the student-athlete and his or her parent/ guardian; coaches, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators all play important roles in the process.

Coaches periodically check and monitor the academic status of student-athletes and work cooperatively with teachers to improve academic performance. If coaches have concerns about any aspect of the student-athlete’s academic commitment, they immediately collaborate with teachers and administrators.

The importance of academic achievement is stressed during team meetings and in individual sessions with student-athletes.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

No student-athlete shall possess, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance, including anabolic steroids, or any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor, or possess, use or transmit drug paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs or possess, use transmit or be under the influence of any other chemicals or products with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration or euphoria or of otherwise altering the student’s mood or behavior.

This policy shall apply to all student-athletes before, during and after school hours at the school, in any school building and on any school premises; on any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school sports activities, off school property at any school-sponsored activity, event or function; or during any period of time when student-athletes are subject to the authority of school personnel.

This policy shall not apply to the proper possession and use of prescription medication.