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FFE-AR: Eligibility Petition for an Exceptional Athlete

PHILOSOPHY

West Fargo Public Schools is committed to meeting the needs of all students. The district believes that every student should be given an opportunity to participate in their chosen activity for as many years as possible in both practice sessions and competition with their peers. In acknowledging this belief, occasionally, a young athlete may be so skilled that their needs are better met by participating at the highest level (varsity) of competition. While it is important to acknowledge the skills of a student, it is also important to carefully consider the ramifications of promoting a student. This regulation only supports promotion of a student to the highest level of competition (varsity).

In making a recommendation for promotion of an athlete, there are many variables that should be considered including: chronological, physical, and emotional maturity. This regulation presents a procedure that considers the needs of the young athlete while not unnecessarily displacing high school athletes. This process should not be initiated to enhance the quality of the team, but rather to meet the needs of a student athlete.

The scope of this petition is for 7th-8th grade students participating in individual and/or team sports/activities that are also offered through the middle school level or club programming. While the district acknowledges that students may be promoted to higher levels due to program needs, one-on-one competition, or time trials, coaches will consider the criteria listed below before promoting the athlete.  

While many athletes are very skilled, seldom are they at the level for advancement to be considered. In making this recommendation, one must keep in mind the importance of keeping students in their peer group. We remind all individuals involved in the assessment that the young athlete may appear very strong within their chronological level of competition but may not perform well when they advance to the highest level.

CRITERIA FOR PETITIONING THE ADVANCEMENT OF A STUDENT-ATHLETE

In considering a student for promotion, several criteria should be weighed. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but represents the intent of the exceptional athlete regulation. The following criteria should be met:

  • Physical Skills: The level of physical skills is appreciatively above those of hers’ or his’ peers. He or she is an extremely dominating athlete.
  • Academically Sound: The student’s ability to maintain academic eligibility would not be in question.
  • Level of Competition: Age-appropriate competition will not enhance the student’s opportunity to develop his or her skills to full potential.
  • Maturity: The student must be emotionally stable and mature to advance to the high school level (9-12).
  • Self-Disciplined: The student must be coachable and self-disciplined in relation to work ethic and attitude. Evidence of this must be provided with respect to preparation and athletic competition.
  • Other Activities: The student must be encouraged to participate in other activities with her or his peers in other athletic seasons. Advancement in one activity does not automatically translate to all activities that the student participates in.

PROCEDURE

The process for completing the petition is important. The welfare of the student is the first concern. Therefore, it is necessary for all involved to be sure that this process is strictly followed to prevent unnecessary emotional stress on the student.

The process must be initiated by the head coach of the respective sport/activity. The coach must first contact the high school building activities coordinator, before contacting the student, any coach, teacher, or administrator. Once the building activities coordinator is notified, they will notify the District Activities Director, who will be responsible for overseeing that the procedure outlined below is adhered to. Whenever possible, the procedure should be initiated before try-outs begin, so the student is considered with the rest of the group. The procedure may also be initiated at any time after the first week the season begins. If the promoted student is added to the roster after the season begins, no student currently on the roster may be “cut” from the team. Once advanced, an exceptional athlete may not return to their original level of competition.  

DISTRICT-INITIATED ADVANCEMENT OF STUDENT ATHLETES

At times when a given sport is undersubscribed, coaches and administrators, may consider advancing younger athletes. The same criteria will be applied to determine which, if any younger athletes should be advanced.