Academic Eligibility Policy

In order for students in grades 7-12 to participate in athletics, the following academic requirements must be met:

A.    Per New York State rules, a student must be a bonafide pupil of the school which he/she represents. To participate in interscholastic athletic competition at the high school level for a Niagara Frontier League (NFL) member, a student must have passed, or be passing at the league-recognized first tryout date of each season, four (4) credit-bearing classes and physical education as defined in 207.0, Subsection K of General NFL By-Laws. For fall athletic competition, eligibility will be based on final grades from the prior school year through the close of summer school classes in August.

B.    If a student-athlete does not meet the standard outlined in A. above, instances of extenuating circumstances may be reviewed by the principal. If deemed to be a legitimate extenuating circumstance, the principal (or designee) may present the case to the Athletic Directors for a waiver of the eligibility requirements. A unanimous vote of the Directors will approve the waiver. If the Directors do not approve the request unanimously, the principal may request a waiver by the Executive Committee of the Niagara Frontier League. Their approval by majority vote will enact eligibility.

C.    Once a sport season begins (recognized league start date), each school district has the right to review student eligibility for the purpose of reinstating or removing a student-athlete from participating in approved interscholastic athletic competition. These reviews will take the form of five- or 10-week checks throughout the season beginning at 10 weeks.

Fall Sports will have grades checked from the prior school year through the close of summer school and at the 10-week marking period. Winter Sports will have grades checked at the 10-week and 20-week reports with the 15-week progress reports used to reinstate athletes that were put on academic probation at the 10- or 20-week reports. Spring Sports will have grades checked at the 20-week and 30-week reports with the 25-week and 35-week progress reports used to reinstate athletes that were put on academic probation at the 20- or 30-week reports. Grades used after the 10-week marking period will be evaluated cumulatively. The intent is to make sure all athletes are passing the required 4 classes plus Physical Education throughout the entire school year. If your child is placed on academic probation, they will be allowed to practice with their teams but not compete in any contests until their grades are passing at the 5-week progress report checks.

D.    League-member schools participating in competition not governed by the NFL (i.e. Federation football, ice hockey) will adhere to league eligibility standards stated herein for purposes of student eligibility.

E.    Eligibility standards for Modified Sports will also follow the above requirements.