NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK ACADEMY ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

2013-2014

GENERAL INFORMATION

Director of Boys’ Athletics: T.W. Johnson, Jr. ’92539-8789 ext. 3357tjohnson@nsacademy.org

Director of Girls’ Athletics: Betty Jean Riddick ’72, CAA539-8789 ext. 3317briddick@nsacademy.org

Associate Director: Tim Davis, CAA539-8789 ext. 3327tdavis@nsacademy.org

Office Manager: Pauline Warren539-8789 ext. 3353pwarren@nsacademy.org

Athletic Trainer: Haley Rector ’07, ATC539-8789 ext. 2322hrector@nsacademy.org

Athletic Trainer Asst. Mills Bradshaw, CSCSConditioning: mbradshawiii@gmail.com

Strength and Russell Edwards, CSCSConditioning: Fitness Rm. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday

School Days

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHYThe interscholastic program at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy strives to develop each student academically, physically, emotionally, socially, morally and creatively. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy believes that participation in interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the development of young boys and girls and provides a wholesome physical outlet to complement a rigorous academic schedule. Participation on a team provides desirable attitudes towards teamwork and team unity, social growth and maturation, and preparation for young people to meet

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the responsibilities of adult life. Every interested student has an opportunity to become involved in the athletic program as a player, manager, statistician, video recorder or athletic training student aide. Interscholastic sports are an effective method for teaching and practicing responsibility, self-reliance, commitment and leadership. It is the school’s philosophy that coaches, student-athletes and parents should strive to develop and display attitudes of good sportsmanship, good citizenship and loyalty to teams and to the school. At NSA, we believe that winning and losing are important only when considered in the context of how we play the game and how we represent ourselves and NSA under the pressure of competition.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND GOALSThe NSA Athletic Program strives to accomplish the following goals:

1. The program shall instill and promote a sense of honor, respect for self and others and an appreciation for discipline, teamwork, commitment and hard work.

2. The program shall build and reinforce positive mental attitudes and employ positive motivational approaches.

3. The program shall provide developmentally appropriate instruction based on sound principles of conditioning and athletic techniques.

4. The program shall promote the love of sports and strive to be an enjoyable experience for the athletes, coaches and parents

NSA ATHLETIC OFFERINGSBOYS GIRLS

FALL Cross Country CheerleadingFootball Cross CountrySailing (Co-ed) Field HockeySoccer Sailing (Co-ed)

TennisVolleyball

WINTER Basketball BasketballSwimming Cheerleading

Swimming

SPRING Baseball Golf (Co-ed)Golf (Co-ed) LacrosseLacrosse SoccerTennis SoftballTrack Track

The number of participants, grade and age will determine the number of teams fielded in eachsport.

COACHESCoaches who are faculty members can be reached through the school switchboard at 539-8789 orby e-mail. Non-faculty coaches can be contacted through the Office of Athletics or using contactinformation provided by each coach.

WEB PAGE - www.nsacademy.orgYou can access current athletic schedules, scores, rosters and opponent locations and directions (map) to athletic events from the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy website. Click the Athletics tab

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and scroll down to seasonal sports. Please be aware that schedules are always subject to change due to weather and other conflicts; check the school website weekly for the most recent updates and the most current schedule.

ATHLETIC HOTLINE - 539-8789 ext. 4004Daily athletic schedules, locations and any cancellations are placed on the Athletic Hotline.STUDENT-ATHLETE CONTRACTStudents and parents should become familiar with the guidelines of the student/parent handbook and will be asked to sign a form indicating they will follow the guidelines as a prerequisite for participation in the athletic program. Coaches will hold a meeting with parents and athletes before their first scheduled contests to go over rules and expectations.

TIDEWATER CONFERENCE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLSNansemond-Suffolk Academy is a member of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) and the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS). NSA is subject to the rules and regulations of the state and conference. The TCIS is comprised of ten schools that offer varsity championships in eleven boys and eleven girls sports and two co-ed sports - golf and sailing. For overall excellence, a rotating Headmaster’s Cup is given yearly for team participation and seasonal records. The league also recognizes sportsmanship each season per team and an All-Academic Team award recognizing two seniors from each school. The members of the TCIS are Bishop Sullivan Catholic, Cape Henry Collegiate, Greenbrier Christian Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Christian School, Norfolk Collegiate School, Peninsula Catholic and Walsingham Academy.

SELECTION OF TEAMSCoaches at all levels reserve the right to limit the number of players on a team. The selection of players is made on the basis of a tryout procedure determined by the coach whose decisions are final. Our coaches will provide every student with an equal opportunity to demonstrate his or her skills in seeking an opportunity to play.

JUNIOR JUNIOR VARSITY (JJV)1. JJV teams are comprised of students in Grades 7 and 8 only.2. JJV teams are considered the introductory level of interscholastic competition.3. At the JJV levels, every attempt will be made to allow every player to participate in regular

season games when possible unless prevented by reasons of injury, conditioning, skill development, discipline or other special circumstances of the sport.

4. Transportation will not be provided for Saturday leagues held at Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Christian and Norfolk Collegiate. The school will provide all other transportation to games.

Please note that when there is more than one JJV team for a particular sport, ability will be the driving force behind the division of teams. It is our goal to be able to best teach a group of individuals based upon their present physical growth and maturity, athletic ability and prior experience playing the sport. It is important that children are not over-extended or under-challenged. This method may vary from season to season and year to year depending upon each particular situation, including the number of seventh and eighth graders involved and the overall talent or experience level of this group. Please remember that each child is being given the opportunity to participate on an interscholastic team, and what a child does with that opportunity on a daily basis will determine his/her overall development.

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JUNIOR VARSITY (JV)1. The JV teams should be considered the transitional level between JJV and the Varsity level.2. Selection is earned based on skill level. If a ninth or tenth grader are of equal skill level, the

upperclassmen may then be given priority, assuming his/her attitude and effort are appropriate for the JV level.

3. Competition and striving to win are a part of interscholastic sports. While coaches will make every effort to give all JV team players playing time, it is not guaranteed.

VARSITY1. Varsity teams will be comprised of students in Grades 8-12.2. Students who turn 19 on or before August 1 shall be ineligible for interscholastic

competition.3. At the Varsity level, the commitment is to put the best teams possible on the field or court.4. Each athlete’s skill level is re-evaluated at the beginning of the season for team

membership and is evaluated against the current pool of ability.5. Varsity selection is earned based on skill and maturity of the individual players. Varsity

teams are not selected on a class basis.6. Younger players will only be considered if they can contribute to the success of the team.

A student-athlete may not quit a team and join another team once the first athletic contest of any sport has been played in the fall, winter or spring seasons. A student-athlete may leave one team and join another team during the preseason with the consent of both coaches and the Director of Athletics. A student-athlete may participate on more than one team in a season with the consent of the coaches involved and the Director of Athletics. The student-athlete must choose a primary sport and attend that game/practice if a conflict arises. At the Varsity level, a student must participate in at least two regular season contests to be eligible for a TCIS championship.

GENERAL ATHLETIC POLICIES1. Student athletes are required to travel to away games as a team. After a game, athletes must

return via team transportation unless they leave with their parent or have written permission to return with another parent. All parents will be asked to initial a form provided by the coach upon leaving from the athletic event. The Director of Athletics must approve any deviation from this policy.

2. Student-athletes must be at school by 9:00 a.m. to participate in practice or a game on that day. Students who are not at school by 9:00 a.m. due to illness must have a note from their doctor in order to practice or play that day. Students with a medical note must attend a minimum of two classes in order to practice or play on that day. Students leaving school early due to illness may not participate in practices or games.

3. Student-athletes who are on a NSA in-season team will not be allowed to attend workouts for NSA out of season teams on days they have a practice or game.

4. Student-athletes who are unable to participate in physical education may not participate in practice or a game that day.

5. Middle School and Upper School lunch times are not the same, therefore there will be no team lunches during the school day.

6. All team t-shirts, warm ups, equipment, etc. purchased for the team by a parent or donor must be approved by the Director of Athletics and the Office of Advancement before any purchase.

7. Athletes may not park in the Lower School parking lot by tennis courts, in front of the Lower School Camp Gym or by the Upper School locker rooms during the school day or after school for athletic practices or games.

8. The school will host all athletic banquets on a Monday-Thursday night. Game day dress code will be required for all student-athletes.

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9. All initiations and/or hazing by student organizations at NSA are in violation of Virginia law and will be subject to disciplinary action.

10. Spikes and cleats are not allowed in any building at NSA other than the locker room.11. Coaches will meet with parents and athletes before the first scheduled contest to go over their

rules and expectations.12. Student-athletes are only allowed to leave class at the appointed dismissal times for games.13. Students participating on athletic teams will adhere to the following dress code on game days

and when traveling out of uniform. Failure to adhere to the letter of this code will result in the student not traveling or participating in that day’s game or contest.

Boys will wear a white button-down shirt, the school tie, khaki pants (tan) or bermuda shorts (tan), and dress shoes on travel days. Home game days student-athletes are allowed to wear their team jerseys, NSA or team apparel with their khaki pants (tan) or bermuda shorts (tan).

Girls on game travel days will wear a white collared shirt, the school belt, khaki pants (tan), skirt (tan) or bermuda shorts (tan) and dress shoes. Shirts must be tucked in or the school belt will be worn on the outside of the shirt. If any undershirt is worn, it must be white without any writing. Home game days student-athletes are allowed to wear their team jerseys, NSA or team apparel with their khaki pants (tan), skirt (tan) or bermuda shorts (tan).

On any NSA spirit day, blue/gold day or dress down day, the athletic team members are allowed to participate and will change into game day dress before they depart to travel.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES1. Strive to perform in the classroom as well as on the playing field.2. Student-athletes will meet with the teacher of any class they will miss due to an athletic

contest; they will obtain assignments prior to leaving for the contest.3. Make a commitment to be part of a team effort. Be punctual and prepared for all practices

and games.4. Abide by the rules established by the coaches and attend every practice and game. Notify

your coach at least three days prior to any practice or game you must miss and give the coach a full explanation of the necessity of your absence.

5. Exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship and refrain from any action that would reflect poorly on you, the team or NSA.

6. Maintain all uniforms and equipment issued to you and return one week after season ends. Athletes will not be issued uniforms or equipment for the next season until all uniforms and/or equipment are returned.

7. Maintain and take pride in all facilities used by the team, at home and on the road.8. Refrain from using substances that are harmful to one’s health.9. Represent one’s self, team, school and family in an honorable manner.10. Student-athletes must adhere to school detention policies. Student-athletes may not use

practice or games as an excuse to avoid detention.11. All athletes are requested to turn in their physical form to the athletic office by August 1.12. Athletes may not practice or work out on their own or participate in any unsupervised

activity on campus.13. Student-athletes should address any concerns with their coach first.

EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTSNSA has enjoyed parent support in all school programs, and the athletic program has been one of the primary beneficiaries of this support. We encourage student-athletes to manage their own

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issues involving playing time or any athletic concern. If a student-athlete has a concern, he or she should communicate directly with their coach. If a situation develops where a parent finds it necessary to intervene on his/her child’s behalf, the parent should contact the coach about the problem. Since it is often counterproductive to do this after a game or during a practice, a time should be set that is convenient for everyone involved. If a parent is unsuccessful in working out the issue with the coach, he or she should notify the Director of Athletics. It is never appropriate to undermine the authority of a coach or teacher by complaining to other parents or athletes; it is a poor example to our students, and it destroys the trust our faculty enjoys with the student and parent communities.

Athletic contests, by their very nature, bring the NSA community into contact with other school communities. We, therefore, place a high level of importance upon how our athletes, coaches and spectators conduct themselves as they represent NSA. The use of profanity or abusive language toward any athletes, officials, coaches or fans will not be tolerated.

SPORTSMANSHIPInterscholastic athletics fosters a sense of sportsmanship throughout the entire school community and offers a unique opportunity to compete in an atmosphere of respect, friendship, trust and enjoyment. NSA believes that sportsmanship is expected daily and is enforced on the practice field and in the locker room as well as during the competition with other other schools. Winning must always be considered within the framework of good sportsmanship.

Therefore, coaches, players and spectators are expected to act in a way that reflects a sense of pride in NSA and is deserving of respect from opponents. NSA follows the codes for the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) and the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS). The TCIS Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to the school whose athletes, coaches and spectators best exemplify the principles of good sportsmanship.

Violations of the principles of sportsmanship are unacceptable to NSA and the TCIS. As a result, the following policies will be observed:

1. Any coach ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from coaching his/her team from the following game.

2. Any athlete ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from participating in the following game.

3. Any athlete suspended for a second time in a season (fall, winter, spring) for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended by the conference for the remainder of that season.

4. NSA reserves the right to require any spectator who exhibits poor sportsmanship to leave the premises and/or refrain from attending home games.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITYAcceptable academic performance is a minimum requirement for participating in athletics at NSA. Please refer to the Academic Progress Policy in the Student Handbook.

SAFETY AND ATHLETIC TRAININGThe Office of Athletics strives to provide students a safe and enjoyable environment in which to participate. Consequently, all coaches and administrative personnel have a responsibility to reduce all potential safety hazards. It is vital to understand that participation in athletics involves inherent risks. Coaches and administrative personnel are obligated to act in a prudent manner in order to prevent foreseeable accidents and injuries.

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The first concern for all NSA athletes is their safety and good health. Each athlete must have a thorough medical examination and turn in the physical form to the Office of Athletics by August 1 before participating in interscholastic sports. A certified athletic trainer will supervise the athletic training program.

An in-house athletic trainer will provide medical coverage for games and practices. An athletic trainer is a healthcare professional who specializes in sports-related health care for a physically active population in the following areas:

1. Prevention of athletic injuries2. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis3. Immediate care of injuries4. Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning5. Organization and administration6. Professional responsibilities

INJURY POLICIES

The school’s general insurance policy does not cover costs associated with athletic injuries.

Any injury to an athlete should be reported immediately to the athletic trainer, who will report it tothe Director of Athletics.

Athletes with the following conditions must have written permission by a physician to return toactivity:

1. Any severe injuries that require EMS transport on an immediate ER visit2. Fractures3. Major surgeries4. Illness lasting a week or more (mononucleosis, etc.)5. Head injuries referred to a physician6. Athletic injuries referred to a physician

Any student missing school for a doctor’s appointment must return with both a note excusing thestudent from class and a note explaining physical limitations, if any.

A coach is not legally allowed to put an athlete, who has been sidelined by a physician, into a game or practice without prior authorization or written notice from a physician. If a physician removes an athlete from activity, then a physician must release the athlete back to activity at the appropriate time. Parents cannot waive liability in the state of Virginia.

Parents and players, please note: a doctor’s note does not automatically clear the athlete

for immediate return to full-contact. The note releases the player back into the care of the

athletic trainer, who will make the final decision on when the athlete may return to play.

HEAD INJURIES

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The athletic trainer must see all head injuries and will notify parents as well as the Director of Athletics. It is strongly recommended that an athlete who sustains a head injury should be seen by a physician and cleared by a physician if the following situations occur:

1. Any loss of consciousness2. Any post-traumatic amnesia (memory loss)3. Presents with moderate to severe symptoms (vomiting, slurring of speech, convulsions,

unequal pupils, migraine headaches)4. Symptoms that increase or worsen over the next 24 hours5. Mild symptoms that linger for a week or more

Quite often the signs of a head injury do not appear immediately after trauma but hours after the injury itself. The following are signs and symptoms of significant head injuries that may occur several hours after leaving the training room or practice area. If the athlete experiences one or more of the following symptoms after a head injury, medical help should be sought:

1. Difficulty remembering recent events or meaningful facts2. Severe, persistent headache, particularly at a specific location3. Bleeding or clear fluid dripping from the ears or nose4. Mental confusion, strangeness, lethargy5. Nausea or vomiting6. Dizziness or poor balance7. Weakness in either arm or leg8. Abnormal drowsiness or sleepiness9. Convulsions or slurring of speech10. Unequal pupils11. Persistent ringing in the ears12. Increasing neck pain or stiffness

Following a head injury, an athlete will be removed from practice or competition for the remainderof the day and evaluated by the athletic trainer, in accordance with NSA’s Mild Traumatic BrainInjury Protocol. The athlete will be returned to play as quickly and safely as possible, inaccordance with the Criteria for Return to Play outlined in the Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryProtocol. In addition to physical rest, it is important for the athlete to rest mentally. The athletictrainer will notify the athlete’s teachers of the injury and will ask that the athlete be excused fromany test, quiz or homework the following day. The athlete will not be cleared to return to playuntil all missed homework, tests, and quizzes are made up.

It is important to remember that a mild head injury can occur without loss of consciousness, andsymptoms may subside within 24 hours. The athlete is still required to wait 2 symptom-free daysbefore beginning a gradual return to play progression.

Students are required to progress through a 5-day sequence of activities designed to graduallyreintroduce physical activity, mimicking the exertional requirements of the student’s sport. Theprogression is a follows:

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Days 1 & 2 (symptom-free): no activityDay 3: ellipticalDay 4: TreadmillDay 5: non-contact practiceDay 6: full practiceDay 7: athlete may return to game

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALIST (SCS)

Nansemond-Suffolk is committed to the physical well being for all of its school students, staff and athletes. We have contracted with Physical Therapy Works, Inc. to provide us with a specialist in strength and conditioning from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. each school day, Monday through Thursday.

1. Education and Training: The SCS will provide clinics, training and advice to coaches of athletes of all sports regarding proper conditioning, injury prevention, strength training and conditioning regimens.

2. Remediation and Therapy: The SCS will coordinate with the Athletic Trainer to assist in remediation and therapy of injured athletes as necessary.

3. The SCS will provide strength training and conditioning services for all NSA students and faculty Monday - Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

4. The SCS will assist the coaches in strength training and conditioning of their respective athletes with a focus on sports specific function.

5. The SCS will make recommendations to coaches, staff and students on strength training and conditioning procedures and techniques. The SCS will have the final authority regarding safety-related or training issues pertaining to the use of equipment, exercises prescribed and recommendations provided.

SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE

Alcohol and other drug use by student-athletes at NSA is strictly prohibited. Team members depend on each other to be mentally and physically prepared to give their best effort each day. This cannot happen if the student-athlete is using alcohol or drugs not prescribed by a physician. The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or steroids at practices and games is governed by the official NSA policy. Drug, alcohol or tobacco use by student-athletes at other times will result in disciplinary action including suspension or possible dismissal from the team.

TRANSPORTATION

Team transportation will be provided for all out-of-town games with the only exception being the Saturday morning Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Christian and Norfolk Collegiate basketball and volleyball leagues. Student-athletes are required to travel to away games as a team. After a game, athletes must return via team transportation unless they leave with their parent or have written permission to return with another parent. All parents will be asked to initial a form provided by the coach upon leaving from the athletic event. The Director of Athletics must approve any deviation from this policy. It is the responsibility of the coaches and athletes to see that a van or bus is cleaned of all trash before returning to school.

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LOCKER ROOM USE

The coach or Office of Athletics will issue gym lockers to all student-athletes. The locker should be used for personal items and valuables and should remain locked when in use. No food is to be brought into the locker rooms. Locker and shower facilities are to be kept neat and clean. Defacing or destroying school property in the locker room is a disciplinary offense and will be subject to demerits or other disciplinary measures. Deliberate mutilation of school property will be charged to the student-athlete.

CARE OF EQUIPMENT

One of the values of athletics is to teach responsibility. This should apply to the care of athletic equipment as well as other school property. All athletes will take pride in the facilities, equipment and uniforms provided them.

The school attempts to provide the best and safest equipment money can buy. Each year this equipment is thoroughly cleaned and repaired or reconditioned to ensure maximum protection to our athletes. We expect students to take excellent care of this equipment. Students will be held financially responsible for any lost or misplaced equipment. Deliberate mutilation of school property will be charged to the athlete.

Any athlete who withholds property from one sport will not be issued equipment or uniforms for the next season until the equipment is returned. All equipment and clean uniforms are due one week after the season ends.

PRACTICE WEAR

Practice wear should be clean and in good repair. T-shirts and sweatshirts may not be worn that advertise drugs, alcohol or other unacceptable or inappropriate slogans. Boys are reminded that shirts must be worn at all times and young ladies are reminded that clothes with bare backs or bare midriffs are not acceptable practice wear. Shoes must be worn at all times.

EXAM PRACTICE POLICY

Varsity and JV teams may practice for one hour and 15 minutes on exam days. Practices are voluntary.

SUNDAY/EARLY MORNING PRACTICES ON SCHOOL DAYS

We do not normally practice on Sunday or have early-morning practices on school days. For special or extenuating circumstances, the Director of Athletics will grant permission to practice during these times with prior notice.

AWARDS

Student-athletes have the opportunity to earn a Nansemond-Suffolk Academy letter in a Varsity sport. The coach will establish the criteria for earning a letter with the approval of the Director of Athletics. It is the coach’s responsibility to communicate this criteria to his/her team. The number of practices attended (or missed), number of games participated in and a player’s attitude toward

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hard work and team play may all be factors in determining if a letter is earned. Participation certificates will be given to each team member on the JJV, JV and Varsity teams.

The first time a student letters in any Varsity sport he/she is given a monogrammed letter and a pin for that sport. Each subsequent year the student is awarded a bar. Varsity team captains receive stars in addition to any letter or pin for their season. Coaches are allowed to choose their awards for athletic plaques. The plaques will be presented at their banquet.

INCLEMENT AND HAZARDOUS WEATHER PROCEDURES

Decisions on the postponement or cancellation of practices or games will not be made until the last possible moment, usually after 1:30 p.m., and placed on the website and Athletic Hotline at 539-8789 ext. 4004. When school is closed for inclement weather, or any other unscheduled reason, no teams will practice. All athletic contests and team practices are canceled under such circumstances.

Whenever there are extreme weather conditions in the area that could be hazardous to players or spectators (e.g. lightning, tornados, hail), consideration should be given to suspending or canceling games and practices. At a game, the head referee/official is responsible for stopping or suspending play. At all other times, the head coach is responsible. At away contests, the ultimate responsibility for the safety and well being of the team rests with the head coach. At home, the Athletic Trainer and/or the Director of Athletics are responsible for suspending games or practices.

In case of thunder and/or lightning, NSA supports the following Lightning Policy adopted by the TCIS in April 2002.

LIGHTNING POLICY

1. At the first sign of lightning or sound of thunder, all individuals will leave the athletic fields and seek safe shelter.

2. Play will not resume until all lightning and thunder activity has stopped in the area for at least 30 minutes. The sun may come out during the waiting period; however, the 30-minute waiting period should not be compromised.

3. If any activity has been stopped due to weather conditions, the total waiting period will not exceed one (1) hour. If the 30-minute waiting period for lightning or thunder carries the total waiting period past one (1) hour, the game should be canceled and rescheduled if possible.

4. Safe shelter is defined as:a. Any sturdy building normally occupied or frequently used by people. A shack,

metal shed or gazebo is not considered a safe shelter.b. In the absence of a sturdy building, any hard metal roof car with the windows rolled

up can provide safety.c. Do not take shelter under trees or other tall, lone objects.

5. If any activity (game or practice) has been stopped due to lightning, the Athletic Trainer/coach/Director of Athletics should provide immediate instructions to the players,

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spectators and any other personnel present as to where to seek safe shelter and when it is safe to resume the activity.

6. Any individual who feels he or she is in danger of any lightning activity has the right to leave the field or event site to seek safe shelter.

7. NSA coaches have the right to pull their teams from the field of play at any time, regardless of the feeling of the other team or game official if the coaches feel their team is in danger. If this results in a forfeit, the Director of Athletics will handle this at a later date. The safety of the students is our greatest concern.

DIVISIONS I AND II INITIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS NCAA

Core Courses

NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses. NCAA Division II currently requires 14

core courses. Division II will require 16 core courses for students enrolling on or after August 1, 2013. See the charts below.

NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh

semester (seven of the 10 must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements below). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement.

Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be possible for a Division I college-bound student-athlete to still receive athletics aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 course requirement, but would not be able to compete.

Test Scores

Division I uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core grade-point averages (GPA).Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68. The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writingsection of the SAT is not used. The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.

When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of

9999 to ensure all SAT and ACT scores are reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility

Center from the testing agency. Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used.

Grade-Point Average

Be sure to look at your high school’s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website (www.eligibilitycenter.org). Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core GPA. Use the list as a guide.

Division I students enrolling full time before August 1, 2016, should use Sliding Scale A to determine eligibility to receive athletics aid, practice and competition during the first year.

Division I GPA required to receive athletics aid and practice on or after August 1, 2016,

is 2.000 (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B)Division I GPA required to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2016, is

2.300 (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B)The Division II core GPA requirement is a minimum of 2.000. Remember, the NCAA

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GPA is calculated using NCAA core courses only.4 years of English3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science2 years of social science4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy)3 years of English2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)2 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science2 years of social science3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy)3 years of English2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school)3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science2 years of social science4 years of additional courses

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