As an athletic chairperson of a public L.I. school I can assure you (and I have been around longer than I should be) that it is very rare that an 8th grade athlete gets pulled up to varsity. Just an fyi, there are many steps taken before a student is selected, i.e. varsity coach observation and a NYS physical test that some of the strongest football players can't pass. There is no way around the test, it must be administered and observed and signed document is sent to Albany. It's no joke.
I repeat, it depends on the district. I've also heard of that test being given and re-given until an athlete passes if that's how the powers that be want it to happen. I also believe, if you read the small print on the NYS doc, that the AD can sign off on an athelete moving up despite not passing the test. Is this squirrely? You betcha.
It depends on each district if they allow a child to move up. It is a state governed mandatory physical test that each athlete has to pass to move up. The standards of that test are different for different sports (contact/non-contact etc.) It is not in "small print", there is actually an addtional application called Special Approval Request Application that can be sent to NYS for approval (if the athlete can not meet a certain standard) Is that "squirrely"? I dont think so..It is a process for a student/athlete to be good enough for a JV or Varsity coach to take notice of him/her & it is a VERY dificult test to pass. Do you not think that the coaches, AD, parents & the students know the pros and cons of making a decision like this? Why is anyone angry or questioning the process? Some kids (even without hormone injections) are just bigger, stronger, faster, more atheletic, focused, etc. @ an earlier age. Good for them (& the school districts they live in)
Reply
Quote
