BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Public Schools are considering a draft proposal that could have a big impact on eligibility requirements for student-athletes across the district.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Athletics Michael House, the district is proposing an eligibility requirement tied to student performance in the classroom.
While several district across the region, Niagara Falls for example, New York State does not require academics for athletic eligibility.
The rules set forth by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) state that a student "must be taking at least four subjects including Physical Education" to be eligible to participate in athletics.
Buffalo Public Schools, according to Asst. Superintendent House, wants to set the bar higher.
"In order to have a standard of excellence, we want to make sure that we provide a platform and metrics for those students to obtain goals, every marking period,' House said.
The draft proposal, found here, states that high school students must maintain a 65 average or higher in five course to maintain eligibility. Students must also accumulate credits towards graduation each year. The proposal states the student must be achieving those grades by the 20-week mark to be eligible for the next season.
Incoming freshman are automatically academically eligible, according to the draft proposal. 10th graders must begin their year with 5 credits, and 11th graders must have 11. Seniors must have 17 credits to be eligible, according to the proposal.
Eligibility will be evaluated twice per year, according to the draft, in August and February.
While the meeting was only attended by less than a dozen coaches and parents, one of the items that received the most pushback was the 20 week mandate, and the lack of regular eligibility check-ins.
School Board President Sharon Belton-Cottman says she doesn't want the policy to be punitive.
"We want to make sure that whatever we put in place is not a detriment, but as an asset for our students, and that they feel feel safe," Belton-Cottman said. "One that is fair for the parents as well as the children."
The district plans to have another listening session regarding the draft plan in early 2024.