APP - Athletic Placement Process

Playing Up Policy – Athletic Placement Process (APP) The Kingston City School District recognizes that certain student-athletes in Grades 7 and 8 may demonstrate exceptional skill and maturity in a sport that warrants participation at the high school level. While it is generally in the best interest of athletes to compete with their age group—fostering team development, peer connection, and progressive skill-building—the district also acknowledges that playing at a higher level may be appropriate for select individuals. 

When such cases arise, the Athletic Placement Process (APP) is initiated to determine a student-athlete’s eligibility to “play up.” This process is outlined below: 

 

Eligibility & Recommendation Only a coach of the sport or a physical education teacher familiar with the athlete may submit a recommendation to the Athletic Director. 

Recommendations must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the start of the sport season. 

Parents/guardians will be contacted after the recommendation is received. 

 

Committee Review & Initial Evaluation The Athletic Director will form a review committee of coaches, teachers, and school nurses to evaluate the candidate. 

The student-athlete will be interviewed by the committee to assess readiness beyond athletic ability (including social and emotional maturity). 

 Medical Clearance Following committee approval, the student-athlete must be examined by a pediatrician. 

The pediatrician must either approve the student to continue in the APP or decline with no further steps taken that season. 

  Fitness & Skill AssessmentUpon medical clearance, the athlete must complete a standardized physical fitness test administered by the school. 

The athlete must pass all but one component of this test to proceed. 

A skills evaluation specific to the sport will also be conducted to ensure the athlete is capable of competing safely and effectively at the high school level. 

 

High School Tryout & Final Placement The student will participate in three to five days of tryouts with the high school team. 

To be placed on a high school roster, the coach must determine that the athlete would be a starter or one of the first players off the bench. 

If not selected, the student may return to the modified team, provided this occurs prior to the fifth practice. 

Once the fifth high school practice is attended, the athlete is committed to remain at the high school or modified level for the season. 

An athlete may be reconsidered for APP the following year if they are still in Grade 8.