"We promote and encourage athletes to play at their grade level. Students may be considered for placement on a junior, varsity, or varsity team only if the requested sport is not offered at the modified level."

The APP is a program that may be implemented at the discretion of local school districts. It is not mandated. The APP is to be used only when an individual athlete’s athletic skills warrant moving to the commencement or intermediate sport competition level, and therefore, ideally, it should be initiated by the district’s physical education director and/or athletic director and physical education staff, who recognize the student’s skill. (NYSED Athletic Placement Process p.4)

Students do not mature at the same rate, and there can be tremendous developmental differences between students of the same age. 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 students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness. (NYSED Athletic Placement Process p.2)

ATHLETIC PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR INTERSCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAMS