APP Protocol for Middle School Students / Parents

 

The Athletic Placement Process (APP) is a New York State program that allows middle school students who demonstrate advanced athletic ability, physical maturity, and readiness to try out for a high school team in a specific sport. The purpose of the APP is to ensure that students are placed at the most appropriate level for their development while maintaining safety as the top priority. The process includes academic/behavioral eligibility, medical clearance, and a standardized physical fitness assessment before a student is permitted to try out for a high school team. Please note the following:

 

  • For HS sports that have MS teams (Football, Soccer, Baseball, etc): The standard is high for MS athletes being advanced to HS. Only truly exceptional student-athletes will be approved. Varsity coaches will submit the names of potential athletes to the Director of Athletics.

 

  • For HS Sports WITHOUT MS teams (Tennis, Badminton, Gymnastics, etc): Parents should reach out to the varsity head coach, who will be responsible for collecting the names of prospective athletes and forwarding them to the Director of Athletics. Athletes and parents should reach out to the coach prior to the highlighted deadline for each season.

 

How the HHH APP process works:

 

  1. A Varsity Head Coach recommends middle school athletes to the Director of Athletics for approval
  2. The Athletic Director works with the school building staff to verify the student's eligibility
  3. If approved, the school nurse will call the student down and provide them with the APP paperwork, and parents will be notified

 

Timelines & Deadlines:

Fall Sports:

  • 5/22 - Varsity Coaches provide AD with names of prospective APP students by email
  • 5/28 - Paperwork is given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
  • 6/11 - Paperwork is due back to the nurses' office fully completed
  • 6/15 - 6/26 - Physical Testing for prospective student-athletes
  • 8/17 - Football Begins
  • 8/24 - All Fall Sports Begin

 

Winter Sports: 

  • 10/9 - Varsity Coaches provide AD with names of prospective APP students by email
  • 10/14 - Paperwork is given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
  • 11/6 - Paperwork is due back to the nurses' office fully completed
  • 11/9-11/13 - Physical Testing for prospective student-athletes
  • 11/16 - Winter Sports Begin

 

Spring Sports: 

  • 1/29 - Varsity Coaches provide AD with names of prospective APP students by email
  • 2/2 - Paperwork is given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
  • 2/26 - Paperwork is due back to the nurses' office fully completed
  • 3/1-3/4 - Physical Testing for prospective student-athletes
  • 3/15 - Spring Sports Begin