ATHLETICS

JIO Academic Eligibility Policy:  for Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

ELIGIBILITY POLICY (ACADEMIC)

This policy applies to all extracurricular activities that meet more than three hours per week and includes all clubs and athletic teams (see Academic Eligibility Policy in Athletic Handbook). Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right; therefore, students are expected to maintain a certain level of academic performance in order to participate in extracurricular programs. Academic performance will be monitored during the entire school year and students must meet the following criteria in order to participate in extracurricular activities (including, but not limited to sports, certain field trips, dances, etc.).

Academic Standard

A student is expected to maintain a program of five (5) classes (or the equivalent) plus physical education. The student is expected to be in regular attendance and to perform regular course work in all of his/her classes for each marking period.  Student performance will be reviewed at the end of each progress report and marking period (further known as Eligibility Period). An eligibility list will be published after each progress report or marking period report is finalized - approximately every five weeks.  In order to remove themselves from any level of probation, a student must be passing all courses at the next quarter or mid-quarter report. 

Eligibility Standards 

Attendance at Expanded Day is required for all levels of eligibility.  During Expanded Day, students must attend the class(es) they are failing for the entire period (1:54-2:24).  Teachers will provide weekly documentation of attendance.

Level 1:  Academic Probation

If a student receives one (1) failure on the progress report or on the report card, he/she will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation:

If after the next progress report or report card the student is still failing the same course, he/she will convert to a Level 2 or “Ineligible to Compete” status (see statement below). 

Level 2:  Ineligible to Compete

If a student receives two (2) failures on the progress report or the report card, he/she will be deemed as INELIGIBLE TO COMPETE.  A student on ineligible to compete status:

If after the next progress report or report card the student is still failing two courses he/she will convert to Level 3 or “Ineligible” status (see statement below). 

Level 3:  Ineligible

If a student receives three (3) or more failures on the progress report or report card OR has been failing two classes for ten or more weeks, he/she will be ineligible to participate in ANY extracurricular activity for the next five weeks. A student who is ineligible:

If the student’s situation improves after a minimum of two weeks within the five week period, the student may request an “appeal” (see below) for reconsideration of his/her ineligible status

Appeals

In order for a student to appeal his/hers ineligibility status, he/she must be passing all courses. The decision regarding the student’s ineligibility status will be determined by the Academic Eligibility Committee. 

NOTE:  In order to appeal their status, a student must complete the “Academic Ineligibility Status Change Request Form” (see guidance counselor or the Athletics website for form) for each class he/she is failing and submit the appeal to the principal. An appeal cannot happen until at least two (2)  weeks have passed since the end of the quarter or the mid-quarter date (official dates will be created by the administration), the student has actively worked toward improving his/her grades, and the student fulfilled the Expanded Day requirement required for his/her eligibility level.  The only exception is if there was a teacher error on the progress report.  In those cases, an appeal can be granted immediately once the appeal form is completed. 

It is the sole responsibility of the student or his/her parent/guardian to present specific facts and circumstances regarding the student’s academic performance and provide proof that his/her academic performance has improved sufficiently.  The student has met all the requirements for the Expanded Day program.  The committee shall examine the specific facts of each case and render a decision within three school days of the appeal. During the appeal process, the student may not practice or play and/or participate in extracurricular activities beyond what is allowed by his/her eligibility status. The decision of the appeals committee is final.  NOTE:  A dropped class does not automatically reduce the number of failing courses for a student. If a student does drop a class, that failure will only be considered “resolved” at the next five-week check point. In order to demonstrate that the student is in good academic standing, he/she must maintain passing grades in all remaining classes for a sustained period of a time. 

If a student is granted an appeal, he/she will be required to complete a weekly Academic Report for the remainder of their athletic/performance season.  This form must show that the student is regularly completing his/her work and is maintaining passing grades in all classes.  If the student is failing any of the appealed classes at any point during the remainder of the season, his/her original eligibility status will be reinstated and maintained until the next five (5) week report cycle.

Enforcement

Failure to adhere to one’s academic probation status will result in an extended probation for that student or possible removal from the team/activity.  In addition, once a student violates the policy, he/she loses the right to appeal his/her probationary status. NOTE: Students who are absent from one or more daily study sessions for unapproved reasons will lose eligibility to participate in any facet of extracurricular activities.

Tryout Period

Due to the brief and specific dates for athletic tryouts, auditions and certain extracurricular activities, students will be permitted to try out or audition, and will not be penalized due to their eligibility status. The ability to tryout and audition does not give the student the ability to participate if selected unless he/she meets the Academic Standard.

Fall Sports & Extracurricular Activities

The June report card final grades will determine Fall eligibility status. If proof of the student’s successful completion of the courses in summer school is submitted to the high school principal, the student’s eligibility status will be restored.

ELIGIBILITY POLICY (CONDUCT)

Participation in extracurricular activities contributes to the development of character, personality, physical fitness and leadership.  Students are, therefore, expected to conduct themselves in accordance with all rules and regulations of the school and laws of the community.  Furthermore, as visible representatives of O’Neill High School, a student’s behavior in and out of should be characterized by exemplary conduct and self-discipline.  Conduct unbecoming of a student may result in suspension from participation in extracurricular activities.

Any student violating the O’Neill High School Code of Conduct is subject to administrative determination of ineligibility as a consequence of such behavior. A primary source of information about the conduct of students who participate in extracurricular activities is the completed Academic Eligibility List mentioned earlier. The Assistant Principal will inform the Principal of any student deemed ineligible due to behavioral reasons.  Administration reserves the option of suspension from extracurricular participation as discretionary authority.

All students and parents/guardians must sign the O’Neill High School Student/Parent Pledge. Any student who fails to submit this form will not be allowed to attend or participate in any school activities beyond his/her academic classes. The signed pledges will be kept on file in the Main Office. 

If the parent/guardian or student has any questions pertaining to any of the policies of the Extracurricular Program, they must contact the Principal’s Office at 446-4914 x2502 BEFORE signing the parent/student pledge.  Once the pledge is signed by the parent/guardian and student, it will be understood all rules and practices are agreed with and all discipline will be mutually enforced.

EXTRA HELP

PEER TUTORING

Peer Tutoring is scheduled through the National Honor Society.  Student volunteers make their time available during study hall periods and after school to assist other students. Those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity either as a tutor or those seeking tutoring should see their Guidance Counselor. 

EXPANDED DAY

All teachers provide additional academic support for students on Tuesday – Friday from 1:54-2:24 P.M.  Teachers may request that a student stay for additional instruction from 1:54 – 2:24 P.M. on a date agreed upon by the teacher and student.  Parent/guardian contact will be initiated should the student fail to report for additional instruction. If a student does not stay for extra help, he/she must leave school campus at 1:50 P.M.  Students participating on athletic teams and in extra-curricular activities must report to the cafeteria until their program begins. 

Updated July, 2021

• may fully participate in all extracurricular activities and interscholastic sports 
• must attend Expanded Day at least one (1) day per week.
• may only participate in practices, but may not participate in games, competitions or other activities. 
• must attend Expanded Day at least two (2)  days per week If the student’s situation improves after a minimum of two (2) weeks within the five week period, the student may request an “appeal” for reconsideration of his/her ineligible to compete status. 
• may not attend any extracurricular activities.
• must attend  Expanded Day at least three (3) days per week.

Extracurricular Activities

Academic League	Interact	Red Cross Club
Anime Club	Jazz/Rock Ensemble*	SADD
Art Club	JROTC Clubs	Safe School Ambassadors
Band*	Literary Magazine*	Science Club
Black Student Association	Mock Trial*	Social Studies Club
Chess Club	Musical*	Spanish Club
Chorus*	National Honor Society*	Student Advisory Council
Drama Productions*	Oracle	Student Council*
Environmental Club	Podcasting Club	Student-to-Student (S2S)
Fashion Club	Powerlifting Club	Tech Crew*
Fitness Club	Raider Readers	Video Club
GSA	Reading Buddies	Yearbook*
		Youth-in-Government

• *Activity that may be affected by Academic Eligibility Status

  Note that participation in these activities is subject to the same O’Neill High School eligibility standards as the athletic program (See “Eligibility Policy” and “Athletic” Sections).

  Students may hold only one (1) major school office:  Editor in Chief of Yearbook, Editor and Chief of the Newspaper, Student Body President, Class President, President NHS.

 

 

Any student-athlete wishing to compete in college at the Division I or Division II level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play sports in college. Athletes playing in Division III do not have to register.

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It reviews the student-athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.

What are NCAA Divisions I, II, and III?

The NCAA is the governing body of many intercollegiate sports. Each college regulated by the NCAA has established rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid and falls into one of the three membership divisions (Divisions I, II, and III). Divisions are based on college size and the scope of their athletic programs and scholarships.

When should students register?

The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.

How do students register?

Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. They will have to enter personal information, answer questions about their coursework and sports participation outside of high school, and pay a registration fee.

Can students have the registration fee waived?

Students who have received a waiver for the SAT or ACT are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee. The student's counselor must submit confirmation of the student's test fee waiver. Go to the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal for more information.

What records does the Eligibility Center require?

Students should arrange to have you send their high school transcript as soon as they have completed at least six semesters of high school. The transcript must be mailed directly from their high school. They must also arrange to have their SAT or ACT test scores reported directly by the testing company to the Eligibility Center. Students can arrange this when they register for the tests.

The student-athlete must make known their intention of being an NCAA athlete to the High School Guidance Department.   The Guidance Department can assist with sending in the students' final transcripts and proof of graduation at the end of their senior year.

How often can students update their athletics participation information?

Students can update the information on the athletics participation section online as often as they want (and should update it regularly), up until the time when they request a final certification of their status. At that point—usually three to four months before enrolling in college—students must finalize their information.

What are the NCAA academic eligibility requirements?

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:

• Complete a certain number of high school core courses.
• Earn a certain minimum grade point average in these core courses.
• Earn a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT.
• Graduate from high school.
• NCAA Division III schools set their own academic standards on campus, the Eligibility Center certifies the amateur status of Division III international student-athletes (first-year enrollees and transfers). All other Division III student-athletes are certified on campus. The student-athlete must contact the Division III school you plan to attend for information about its academic requirements.

For more information, see the NCAA's Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, in the Publications section of the NCAA website.

What are core courses?

This is the name that the NCAA gives to high school courses that meet certain academic criteria specified by the association. Students must complete a certain number of core courses for NCAA Division I and II eligibility.

How are high school courses classified as core courses?

All participating high schools submit lists of the courses that they offer that meet NCAA core course criteria. If approved, the courses are added to a database that the NCAA Eligibility Center maintains. You can check this database or view a list of approved core courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal to see whether your student-athletes are enrolled in courses that will count toward NCAA eligibility.

It is often the counselor who provides the NCAA with the list of your school's core courses and updates it annually. The NCAA may ask for more information before approving a core course.

What are the NCAA amateurism eligibility requirements?

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student athlete must follow NCAA amateurism rules about receiving a salary or prize money for athletic participation, playing with a professional team and other areas.

For more information, see the NCAA's Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, in the Publications section of the NCAA website.

Please Keep in Mind

The best way for students to prepare for a future in college athletics is to complete the approved core courses and earn appropriate grades in them. Indeed, more students fail to qualify to play NCAA sports because of lack of appropriate coursework than for low test scores.

Make sure your athletes are enrolled in the courses on your high school's core course list, and also know the eligibility requirements of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Then make sure your athletes are taking the necessary courses, earning the necessary grades, and doing anything else they must to stay on track for NCAA eligibility.

Spotlight on Student/Athletes

At O'Neill we have implemented a program to spotlight athletes who model excellence in sportsmanship.  Each season, the coaching staff is encouraged to nominate student athletes who exemplify the characteristics of sportsmanship.

The coaches' nominations are reviewed by the sportsmanship committee.  It is their privilege to choose two winning candidates from the nominees.  Each season, the coach's written nomination of the athletes chosen are placed in a frame in our Hall of Fame to recognize their accomplishments. 

 Sportsmanship

In compliance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHAA) Code of Ethics, it is the duty of all concerned with student athletics to:

1. Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
2. Eliminate all possibilities that tend to destroy the best values of the game.
3. Stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
4. Show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
5. Establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.
6. Respect the integrity and judgment of the sports officials.
7. Achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
8. Encourage leadership, use of initiative and good judgment by players on the team.
9. Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of individual players.

Remember that an athletic contest is only a game--not a matter of life or death for a player, coach, school, fan or community.

Fall (Mid- Aug. - Mid Nov.)	Winter (Mid. Nov. - End of Feb.)	Spring (Mid-Mar. - End of May)
Cheerleading (V & JV)	Boys' Basketball (V, JV, Mod.)	Baseball (V, JV, Mod.)
Cross Country (V B & G)	Girls' Basketball (V, JV, Mod.)	Crew (V B & G)
Equestrian (V)	Cheerleading (V, JV, Mod.)	Golf (V B & G)
Football (V & JV)	Alpine Skiing (V B & G)	Boys Lacrosse (V)
Boys Soccer (V, JV, Mod.)	Indoor Track (V B & G)	Girls Lacrosse (V)
Girls Soccer (V & JV)		Softball (V, JV, Mod.)
Girls' Tennis (V)		Boys' Tennis (V)
Volleyball (V G, JV G, Mod.)		Track & Field (V B & G)
		Volleyball, (V B)

Interscholastic athletics in the Highland Falls ~ Fort Montgomery Central School District is a component of the Health and Physical Education program and therefore is an integral part of the district's total educational program.  Athletics should be a broadening experience in which harmony of mind-body functions is created through striving for physical and mental excellence.  This value-building experience should be offered to as many students as possible.  A well-coordinated program is vitally important to the morale of our school and community.

Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values.  Therefore, this educational experience requires coaches to project an image which exemplifies everything that athletics stand for.  Desire, dedication, and self-discipline need to be developed in order to ensure the commitment and personal sacrifice required by athletes.  Making such a commitment helps to nurture integrity, pride, loyalty, and overall character.  The final outcome is a better citizen carrying these values throughout their life.

It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory.  However, the number of victories is only one criterion when determining a season's success.  Guiding the team to attain maximum potential is the ultimate goal.  To this end, the coaching staff must teach student/athletes to prepare their minds and bodies in order to reach maximum potential, and then to be modest in victory and steadfast in defeat.