For students to be eligible to participate in the Howard County Interscholastic Sports Program they must have on file at their high school proof of   meeting the following requirements. These requirements are to be met prior to the first practice for any sport.

A. A medical insurance policy number covering the sport in which they wish to participate.

B. A physical examination by a physician after June 1 each school year.

C. Parental permission as provided below.

D. Verification (usually a copy of birth certificate) that the student has not reached 19 years of age prior to August 31st. Additionally, any student who has been awarded a high school diploma is not eligible to compete. (MPSSAA Handbook).

E. Previous to season's Report Card: for 10, 11, 12th grade.

Forms

Must be signed and returned prior to participating in any sport-related activity.

• Athletic Participation (Permission) Form Word or PDF
• Physical Evaluation Form Word or PDF

Additional Requirements and Policies

These requirements must be verified as having been met prior to the first competition for any sport.

A. Academic Eligibility

A student must comply with the Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities Policy (Board of Education Policy #10124-R). Students must have earned a 2.0 GPA with no Eís during the previous marking period. This provision does not apply to incoming 9 th grade students for fall eligibility. A copy of the policy is in the Student Handbook.

B. Residency Requirement

A student who voluntarily transfers from one high school to another (unless the transfer is due to a change of residence) is not eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for a period of one year from the transfer date. This provision also applies to tuition paying students from out-of-county or country. (Board of Education Policy #3211.1)

C. Drug and Alcohol Policy

All students must comply with the Drug and Alcohol Policy (Board of Education Policy #3451). The use, possession, intent to distribute, and/or distribution of drugs/alcohol/non-controlled substances is in violation of this policy and will result in a 70-day suspension from extracurricular activities. A copy of the policy is in the Student Handbook.

D. Educational and Personal Rights Policy

#3445 and the Howard County Public School Systemís Code of Conduct Acts of humiliation or harassment of any individual by another are totally unacceptable. Parents violating this policy may be banned from all athletic events and/or practices for the remainder of the school year. For students, The Educational and Personal Rights Policy #3455 and the Howard County Public School Systemís Code of Conduct will be administered in connection with any violation. Participation in any intentional or reckless act directed against another individual for the purpose of intimidation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club, or athletic team association with any Howard County Public School System team is a violation of the Educational and Personal Rights Policy #3445 and the Howard County Public School Systemís Code of Conduct. An ìIntentional or reckless actî means any action taken or situation created that involves mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, humiliation, harassment, or ridicule. ìParticipationî includes situations in which a person is involved, even though he or she doesnít directly create the harm to another individual. If parents or athletes become aware of any incidents involving these inappropriate behaviors, please contact a coach, the athletic director, or an administrator. Both the policy and the Code of Conduct are in the Student Handbook.

E. Student Assault and/or Battery on School Staff Policy

All students must comply with the Student Assault and/or Battery on School Staff Policy (Board of Education Policy #3414). Assault and/or battery on school staff will result in suspension for a minimum period of 45 days or the remainder of the semester, whichever is greater. In addition, the student will be ineligible for participation in extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the current semester and the next consecutive semester. A copy of the policy is in the Student Handbook.

F. Years of Participation

Students may participate in interscholastic athletic contests for a maximum of three seasons in any one sport in grades 10, 11, and 12. Students who participate on an interscholastic team in grade 9 will have maximum athletic eligibility of four seasons in that one sport. (MPSSAA Handbook)

G. Amateur Status

Students must maintain amateur status. (MPSSAA Handbook)

Coach/Parents/Participants

A. Coaches have the authority over who becomes a member of the team, when he/she plays, or is removed from the team. Coaching strategy is determined by the coaching staff. Acceptance of a position on a team includes acceptance of this policy. Thus, these issues are not open to parent/coach discussion.

B. Coach, athlete, parent meetings are encouraged to resolve any other issues creating concern or dissatisfaction. Such meetings must be arranged at a mutually acceptable time and place.

C. Any discussion between a coach and a parent should be conducted in a calm, non-threatening manner, or the discussion should be immediately terminated to be continued only by appointment with the Athletic Director.

D. Coaches will fulfill all the duties and responsibilities mandated by their contract and listed in the Handbook for Interscholastic Sports Policies and Procedures.