Policy 5.61

Eligibility Requirements Including Physical Examination for High School and Middle School Interscholastic Athletics

Purpose

1. This Policy sets forth eligibility and physical examination requirements before a student can participate or engage in middle school or high school interscholastic athletics.

Policy

2. Before a student can begin practice or competition in interscholastic sports at the middle, middle/senior or senior high school level, the student shall undergo, unless exempt by statute, an annual physical evaluation and shall be certified as being physically fit for participation in interscholastic athletic practice or competition before being allowed an opportunity for such participation. As required by Fla. Stat. § 1006.20 (2) (c), this annual physical evaluation must be administered either by a licensed physician, a licensed osteopathic physician, a licensed chiropractic physician, a licensed medical assistant, or a certified advanced registered nurse practitioner and who is in good standing. The evaluation shall be valid for a period not to exceed a calendar year from the date of the practitioner's signature. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Form EL 2 must be completed. This is incorporated herein by reference as part of this policy. Notice of and the conducting of the physical examination must be in compliance with 20 U. S.C. § 1232h.

3. Interscholastic athletic practice shall be considered to include any and all forms of physical conditioning, both aerobic and anaerobic, in which the student is permitted to participate regardless of whether such conditioning occurs in the preseason, off-season, or during the period of permissible organized practice.

4. The District shall comply with the eligibility Bylaws of the Palm Beach County Middle School Activities Association ("PBCMSAA"), including the provisions relating to equitable participation, for middle school students.

5. The District shall comply with the eligibility Bylaws of the Florida High School Athletic Association("FHSAA"), including the provisions relating to equitable participation, for high school students.

6. For interscholastic athletics eligibility, all forms required by the FHSAA or by the District, including but not limited to FHSAA Form EL 5 (the academic performance contract for certain 9^th and 10^th grade students), PBSD Forms 1588HS (for high school), 1588MS (for middle school) and 1589, must be completed and timely submitted to the school. FHSAA Form EL 5 and PBSD Forms 1588HS, 1588MS and 1589 are incorporated herein by reference as part of this policy. FHSAA forms can be located on its web site.  The PBSD forms can be found on the District's  forms web site.

7. Each year, the student will complete and provide the school with the required documents relating to the physical examination to be eligible to practice for or compete in athletic competitions. These documents will be on file in the school for the duration of that participating student's eligibility at that school.

8. This policy shall be considered along with School Board Policy 5.60 and the requirements of the FHSAA or PBCMSAA, as applicable, to determine a student's eligibility to participate.