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Montgomery County High School Sports Eligibility Requirements: A fall sports primer
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With the fall high school sports season starting up on August 15, 2009, it’s a good time to get acquainted and familiar with the eligibility rules for incoming (freshman) or returning (sophomore, junior and senior) student-athletes. First, a quick primer and reference on the organizational structure of the system associated with the rules.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and its 25 member high schools operate under a governing body, the Montgomery County Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MCPSSAA). MCPSSAA in turn operates under the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), which regulates Maryland's inter-scholastic programs and events for each of its 188 member high schools.
It is important to note that MCPS, under the direction of Dr. William G. Beatty, can adopt and put into practice additional rules and regulations that may not be part of the MCPSSAA rulebook. As such, it is always a good idea to discuss any eligibility questions, issues, or concerns with your high school’s Athletic Director. Don’t take anything for granted: always inquire if you have doubts!
Below is a list of primary rules regarding eligibility criteria. A more complete checklist is published by MCPS. Reading through the checklist is if not mandatory, certainly strongly suggested, however this list will provide a quick guide. Eligibility requirements include:
- The student is not 19 or older before August 31st of the upcoming school year;
- The student has not played more than three (3) varsity seasons in any one sport (if he/she played on varsity as a 10th grader) or four (4) varsity seasons (if he/she played on varsity as a 9th grader);
- The student participates in one (1) sport per season;
- A parental permission form is completed and submitted to the school;
- A current medical exam form (MCPS Form SR-6) is completed by a qualified physician or nurse practitioner;
- The student resides within the boundaries of the school where he/she will compete or obtains a waiver from the athletic coordinator to participate;
- The student has a minimum 2.0 GPA with no more than one (1) failing grade within any marking period.
In addition, other restrictions may apply if a student plays on other "outside" teams (club or recreation) during the season, plays in outside "all-star" games, or is being paid to play a sport as a professional. Again, it is important to review the checklist and discuss these issues with your school's athletic director.
Once you've established eligibility, the season is yours!
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