Key Takeaways
The Athletic Placement Process (APP)
● Purpose: The Athletic Placement Process (APP) allows select 7th and 8th-grade students to compete at higher levels (JV/Varsity) based on readiness, not age or grade.
● Selection, Not Guarantee: Passing the APP makes a student eligible to try out; it does not guarantee a roster spot.
● Irreversibility: Once a student is elevated to a high school team, the decision is final for the season; they cannot return to the Modified level.
● Readiness-Based: Participation is based on comprehensive evidence of social, emotional, and cognitive maturity, alongside sport-specific skill proficiency and social and personal responsibility.
● Eligibility: Candidates must maintain a minimum academic average of 70% with no course failures and have a clean discipline record.
The Athletic Placement Process (APP) is a New York State Education Department (NYSED) initiative that permits school districts to allow students in grades 7 and 8 to compete at the Junior Varsity or Varsity level, provided they meet specific readiness criteria.
Per Commissioner’s Regulation §135.4, this process ensures that participation at an advanced level is based on a student’s physical, emotional, and cognitive maturity and sport-specific skills, rather than age or grade alone. This program is intended for the select few students who demonstrate the necessary readiness to compete safely and effectively at a higher level.
Effective July 29, 2026, the NYSED updated these regulations to streamline the evaluation process. These amendments eliminated the requirement for a physiological maturity assessment (formerly the Tanner Sexual Maturity Rating), shifting the focus instead to comprehensive, evidence-based criteria regarding student readiness.
Important Considerations
● Selective Process: The APP is not designed to fill roster spots, provide extra playing time, or serve as a reward for high-achieving students. It is strictly based on the developmental readiness of the individual student.
● Tryout vs. Guarantee: Passing the APP makes a student eligible to try out. It does not guarantee a roster spot. Students must still compete for a position on the team against all other candidates.
● Irreversibility: Once a student is elevated to a high school team, the decision is irreversible for that season. Students are not permitted to return to the Modified level for that sport during the same season.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the APP, students must meet the following baseline criteria:
● Academic Standing: A minimum average of 70% with no course failures.
● Readiness: Demonstrated social, emotional, and cognitive maturity, demonstrated personal and social responsibility, knowledge of the game, and proven sport-specific skill proficiency.
● Commitment: The ability to attend all practices and contests.
● Transportation: Families are responsible for all transportation to practices (not on a school day) and home from games.
● Medical Clearance: Students must provide a valid annual health examination. If the exam was completed more than 30 days before the start of the sports season, an updated health history form is required.
The Process
1. Initiation: APP requests must be initiated by the coaching staff or the Director of Athletics.
2. Committee Review: A committee will review the student’s profile, including
academic records, disciplinary history, social, emotional and cognitive maturity, personal and social responsibility and the students sport specific skill level to determine if they meet the specific requirements of the desired sport.
3. Tryout: Upon successful completion of the APP, the student is invited to participate in the high school tryout process.
If you have questions regarding the Athletic Placement Process or would like to discuss your child’s eligibility, please contact the Director of Athletics’ office.