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. High school team tryouts are by invitation only for middle school students. Middle school students who have not received an official invitation from the Athletic Department are not permitted to attend or participate. Please note the following:
- For HS sports that have MS teams (Football, Soccer, Baseball, etc): The standard for advancing a middle school student-athlete to the high school level is exceptionally high. Only student-athletes who demonstrate truly exceptional ability and readiness will be invited to begin the approval process. Varsity head coaches will submit the names of qualified candidates to the Director of Athletics for consideration.
- For HS Sports WITHOUT MS teams (Tennis, Badminton, Gymnastics, etc): Students and parents interested in the Athletic Placement Process should contact the varsity head coach. The varsity head coach is responsible for identifying prospective student-athletes and determining who is ready to be considered. Many programs hold preseason interest meetings at the middle school level, which are publicized through building announcements. The varsity head coach will forward the names of approved students to the Director of Athletics for consideration. Athletes and parents should reach out to the coach prior to the highlighted deadline for each season.
How the HHH APP process works:
- A Varsity Head Coach recommends middle school athletes to the Director of Athletics for approval
- The Athletic Director works with the school building staff to verify the student's eligibility
- 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 begins to be given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
- 6/11 - Paperwork is due back to the nurse's office fully completed
- 7/24 - 8/14 - Athletes must register for their HS Fall sport on FinalForms
- 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 begins to be given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
- 11/6 - Paperwork is due back to the nurse's office fully completed
- 10/16 - 11/13 - Athletes must register for their HS Winter sport on FinalForms
- 11/16 - Winter Sports Begin
Spring Sports:
- 1/29 - Varsity Coaches provide AD with names of prospective APP students by email
- 2/2 - Paperwork begins to be given out by the nurse to chosen athletes
- 2/26 - Paperwork is due back to the nurse's office fully completed
- 2/15 - 3/5 - Athletes must register for their HS Spring sport on FinalForms
- 3/8 - Spring Sports Begin