The faculty, staff, administrators, and the Board of Education of the Hilton Central School District believe that extracurricular involvement is an integral part of a student’s total educational program, as it forms a connection between the student and the school community and nurtures each student’s special interests and abilities.  However, the commitment required for participation in many activities could, in some cases, prove detrimental to the academic goals and achievements of some students.  Therefore, an academic eligibility policy has been developed to ensure students’ academic success in order to participate in extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular Participation is defined as involvement in any non-credit bearing, school sponsored organization or activity that occurs over a period.  This policy does not include one-time activities such as dances, proms, balls, and banquets. These activities will be addressed in the student handbook.  A student may try-out for an activity at any-time however, he/she must follow the policy as it applies after the try-out period.

Any student who has failed one or more classes at the latest interim or marking period (progress report or report card), whichever occurred immediately prior to the activity is on probation or ineligible to participate. For the purposes of determining eligibility for fall, the final grades from the previous year will be used. Any passing grades obtained in summer school will supersede final grades from June. Student athletes who have been declared academically ineligible shall have the right to appeal for extenuating circumstances to the Director of Athletics. An appeal will be heard as quickly as possible upon the written request being initiated from the student. Students will be allowed only one (1) appeal during their school career, grades 7-12.

1. If a student has failed one class during any five-week grading period he/she will be placed on Probation.

• A student placed on Probation may continue to participate in all activities and will be monitored by the coach over the next five-week period.

• The student must follow the remediation plan to be eligible to participate in practices, meetings, performances or games.

1. A student will maintain eligibility if the five-week update indicates that he/she is no longer failing one class. 

2. If the student is still failing one class at the end of Probation, (five-week period) he/she will become ineligible  The following will apply:

• A student declared Ineligible may still practice or attend meetings, but is not permitted to participate in games or performances.  The student must follow the remediation plan to participate in the practices or meetings.

• Students will remain Ineligible until the next marking period or interim progress report period.

1. If a student has failed two classes during any five-week grading period he/she will become Ineligible.

• A student declared Ineligible may still practice and attend meetings with his/her team but is not permitted to participate in games or performances during the next three weeks of the eligibility calendar.

• The student must follow the remediation plan to be eligible to participate in practices, meetings, performances or games.

1. A student will regain his/her eligibility when their run around sheet indicates that he/she is no longer failing more than one class. 

2. If the student is still failing one class at the end of his/her ineligibility (three week period), he/she will be placed on Probation, (following the guidelines above) for the remaining two weeks.

1. If a student has failed three classes during any five-week grading period he/she will become Ineligible.

• A student declared Ineligible with three failures may not practice and/or attend meetings with his/her team and is not permitted to participate in games or performances during the next three weeks of the eligibility calendar.

• The student must follow the remediation plan to be help regain his/her eligibility.

1. A student will regain his/her eligibility when their run around sheet indicates that he/she is no longer failing more than one class. 

2. If the student is still failing one class at the end of his/her ineligibility (three week period), he/she will be placed on Probation, (following the guidelines above) for the remaining two weeks.

    

Eligibility Calendar - Each year a calendar will be created to establish the eligibility time frame.

Appeal Process

1. A student who believes his/her academic eligibility is incorrect may file an appeal, this could be a result of extreme circumstances (ex. death in the immediate family, extended hospitalization of the student, etc.).

2. The appeal should be given to the athletic director and the appeal can either be in written form or the person filing the appeal may meet with the committee in person.

3. Students will be requested to release documentation (report card, attendance records, etc.) pertaining to their appeal in order for an appeal to be heard and/or properly reviewed.

4. The process must be done within 48 hours of receipt of the appeal.  If the appeal is approved, the student will then become eligible to participate as soon as notification is made.