10.13 Ninth Grade Student Participation in Varsity Athletics

Participation of ninth grade students in high school varsity athletics may be authorized on an individual student basis for special circumstances. Such participation shall be limited to conditions described in this policy.

By mutual agreement of the superintendent of schools and the two building principals, a ninth grade student whose age would make the student ineligible during the senior year may be granted approval to participate in high school varsity athletics while still a ninth grade student.

By mutual agreement of the two principals and the athletic director, a ninth grade student may be granted approval to participate in a non-contact sport, such as tennis, golf and track.

A ninth grade student may be granted authorization to participate in contact sports of basketball, soccer and wrestling at the varsity level, subject to the following conditions:

1. A request for a student to be authorized to participate at varsity level may be submitted by a varsity coach to the athletic director. After consultation with the principals of both schools, and by mutual agreement of parents, both supervising coaches, and the athletic director, the athletic director may authorize in writing a ninth grade student to participate in varsity competition.
2. Written authorization shall specify restrictions which are to apply within the guidelines of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) concerning a ninth grade student's participation in varsity athletics.
3. A student who has been granted permission to participate at varsity level shall not be authorized to participate at ninth grade and varsity levels during the same year.

Requests for any exception to this policy shall be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools, who shall present such requests for review and consideration by the Board of Education.
Source: Broken Arrow Board of Education policy adoption, February 3, 1992.