Selection Classification

The Selection Classification program is a process for screening student/athletes to determine their readiness to compete in interscholastic athletic competition by evaluating their physical maturity, socio-emotional maturity, physical fitness level and skill level. The intent of this program is to provide an opportunity for student/athletes in grades 8 through 12 to safely participate at an appropriate level of competition based upon readiness rather than age and grade. This program has been designed to assess a student/athlete so they may be placed at a level of competition, which should result in a favorable experience for that individual.

The head coach of each sport, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, recommends individuals to be selectively classified. An emphasis shall be placed on assessing the socio-emotional maturity stage of each student/athlete, especially in situations where student/athletes are attempting to participate on an advanced level.

Guidelines and Policies

The Selection/Classification Program was designed for mature and exceptionally skilled students to advance to a higher level of competition. The program is not to be used to fill positions on teams. It is aimed at the few select students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness. Only the exceptional athlete is permitted for classification to a higher level of competition.

Normally, a student is eligible for senior high school athletic competition, in a particular sport, during each of four consecutive seasons commencing with the youngster’s entry into the 9th grade. However, by satisfying the requirements of the Selection/Classification Program, a student may receive extended eligibility to compete at the high school level while in the eighth grade, therefore affording the individual 5 seasons of eligibility.

  1. Students in the seventh grade may not classify up to a high school team at any time. If both modified A and modified B programs are offered in a given sport, a 7th grader (in conjunction with the coach) may choose to participate on either team. If only one modified program is offered, a 7th grader may participate on that team.
  2. As a general rule, students in the eighth grade may not classify up to the varsity level. They may only classify up one level in a particular sport depending on what levels are offered in that program. For example: If there is a freshman team, an 8th grader is eligible to classify up for that freshman team. If the next highest level for a particular program is a JV team, then an 8th grader is eligible to classify up to the JV team.

    Exception: Eighth graders may be eligible to participate in the Selection/Classification Program for the following sports for the following reasons: Bowling, cross country, golf, swimming, track (running only) and wrestling - due to the nature of the sport and the lowest level of competition offered is varsity.

  3. Requests for Selection/Classification may be generated from one or more of the following people: Director of Athletics, Physical Education teacher, coach or member of family in question. If a student has played on a modified team in the 7th grade, he/she is eligible for the Selection/Classification Program as an 8th grader, following the guidelines stated above in #2.

    Exception: If an 8th grader did not play at the modified level as a 7th grader, they may request to the Athletic Director to be tested for Selection/Classification Program. That decision will be made jointly with the student’s coach and the Athletic Director.

  4. In sports where only a varsity team is offered, students may request to be tested for the Selection/Classification Program, following the guidelines stated above in #1, #2 and #3. Those sports include: bowling, cross-country, golf, swimming, track (running only) and wrestling.
  5. Students who satisfy the requirements of the Selection/Classification Program in a particular sport may have to satisfy additional physical skills testing if they elect to participate in the Selection/Classification Program for another sport. Physical skills’ testing is sport specific. Selection/Classification results are valid for the duration of a student’s enrollment in the 8th grade for that particular sport.

Procedures

  1. Coach identifies student for Selection/Classification program to the Director of Athletics. Coaches are reminded that only exceptional candidates should be identified.
  2. The Director of Athletics will consult the Hommock’s Physical Education staff and assess the student’s potential to compete at a higher level. The Physical Education staff will provide feedback about the student’s socio-emotional capacity as well as physiological abilities.
  3. The Director of Athletics, in conjunction with the head varsity coach and Physical Education staff (and school counselor, if necessary) will determine if the Selection/Classification process should continue.
  4. Parents: The screening process may not be started until parental (or guardian) permission has been received by the Director of Athletics. Attachment A
  5. Health and Developmental Rating by a Physician: May be performed by the school doctor or the student’s private physician. Care should be taken to familiarize the physician with the Selection/Classification program and its purpose. The process to determine the Developmental Rating of each candidate should as discrete as possible. Attachments D or E
  6. Athletic Performance Testing: The six item Athletic Performance Test must be administered by the Assistant Athletic Director who is not involved with the team for which the student is being evaluated. Attachment F
  7. Sports Skill Evaluation by the Coach: The coach should make an honest evaluation of the student’s skills. They should understand the intent and purpose of the program and the coach must place the student’s welfare above all else. Attachment G
  8. Individual Athletic Profile: Upon successful completion of the Selection/Classification process, the Director of Athletics will submit this form to the Executive Director of Section One and keep a copy on file in the athletic office. Attachment B
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