Athletic Placement

The Athletic Placement Process is the policy used by Hamilton Central School and New York State to classify those athletes in grades 7 and 8 for levels above the modified level. These standards state that students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, maintain personal health, and acquire both the knowledge and ability to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment. The intent of the APP is to provide a protocol to allow certain students in grades 7 and 8 to move up at an appropriate level of competition based upon physical and emotional readiness and athletic ability rather than age and grade alone. 

Normally, a student is eligible for senior high athletic competition in a sport during each of four consecutive seasons, beginning with entry into the ninth grade. However, by satisfying the requirements of the APP, a student may receive extended eligibility that permits: a) participation during five consecutive seasons in the approved sport, after entry into the eighth grade; or b) participation during six consecutive seasons in the approved sport, after entry into the seventh grade.

Students do not mature at the same rate, and there can be tremendous developmental differences between students of the same age and grade. The APP is not to be used to fill positions on teams, provide additional experience, provide an opportunity for middle school or junior high students when no modified program is offered, or to reward a student. Instead, it is aimed at the few, select student athletes (based on observations, discussions, and discretion of the Coach and Athletic Director, not parent/guardian wishes) who can benefit from such placement because of their level of physical and emotional readiness.