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Athletic Placement Process (APP) Procedures

The Saratoga Springs Central School District believes that student-athletes should participate in their grade-level classification whenever possible. For the limited number of students who demonstrate exceptional readiness, the Athletic Placement Process (APP) provides an opportunity to participate safely at a higher level of interscholastic competition. 

The APP is a New York State Education Department process used to determine whether a student is prepared to compete at a level outside of their normal grade classification. Student readiness is evaluated based on: 

  • Personal and social responsibility 
  • Sport-specific skill development 
  • Knowledge of the game 
  • Physical fitness 

The purpose of APP is to provide a safe and equitable process that allows highly qualified student-athletes to participate at an appropriate competitive level based on readiness rather than age or grade placement.  

Participation in APP is a privilege, not a right. Approval to participate in the APP does not guarantee placement on a team. 

Advanced Placement Process Deadlines for the 2026-27 school year:

  • All Fall requests due by June 15
  • All Winter requests due by Oct 15
  • All Spring requests due by February 15

Applications received after established deadlines may not be considered. 

APP Process 

Students must successfully complete each step before advancing to the next stage. 

If a student does not meet the requirements at any stage of the process, the family will be notified by email. 

APP Process Steps

Students must pass each stage of the APP before proceeding to the next stage, and pass all stages in order to meet the requirements of the APP. If at any stage in the process it is determined not appropriate a notification letter will be emailed home.

All students must be recommended by a Saratoga Springs Coaching Staff Member to start this process.

Step 1: Director Invitation 

In accordance with NYSED regulations, students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in the APP only by invitation of the District Athletic Director or Physical Education Director. 

Recommendations may be submitted by coaches, teachers, parents, or students; however, recommendations do not constitute an invitation. The decision to issue an APP invitation rests solely with the Athletic Director or Physical Education Director. 

All students must be recommended by a Saratoga Springs Coaching Staff Member to the Director of Health, PE and Athletics to start this process. 

Step 2: Parent/Guardian Consent 

The parent or legal guardian must provide informed consent before the APP evaluation process may begin. 

Consent will be completed through the district’s Arbiter Sports registration platform and associated APP documentation. 

Step 3: Health Examination Requirements  

Students must provide a valid New York State School Health Examination Form indicating approval for athletic participation. 

The health examination must: 

  • Be completed prior to participation in tryouts. 
  • Be valid within the previous 12 months. 
  • Include an updated health history if the examination was completed more than 30 days before the start of the sports season.  

Health forms may be: 

  • Uploaded to Arbiter Sports, or 
  • Submitted to the Maple Avenue School Health Office. 

The District Medical Director may, after consultation with the student’s healthcare provider, restrict participation if a severe medical condition presents a health or safety concern. 

Step 4 ArbiterSports Registration

Students who successfully complete the APP process must complete all required Arbiter Sports registration requirements before participating in team tryouts. 

Completion of the APP permits the student to try out for the approved Freshman, Junior Varsity, or Varsity team. It does not guarantee team selection.  

Step 5: Readiness Evaluation/Tryout Evaluation 

Students participating in APP must demonstrate sufficient readiness in the following areas: 

  • Personal and social responsibility 
  • Sport-specific skill development 
  • Knowledge of the game 
  • Physical fitness 

Evaluations shall be conducted using the same standards and team-selection criteria applied to all students trying out for that team. No separate or modified standards shall be used for APP candidates. 

Team Selection 

The selection of APP candidates shall be based upon the same criteria used for all other students trying out for the team.  The program is intended for extremely talented and gifted athletes. The selection of such athletes affects not only the individual athlete but also other athletes. High School athletes may be cut from a team or have their playing time reduced to make room for Middle School athletes. Therefore, the impact of the Athletic Placement Process each year has long-term consequences. It is important that Athletic Placement Process candidates and their parents understand their responsibility and commitment when considering this privilege. We will only keep a student on a Freshman, JV or Varsity team if it appears that the athlete will get a substantial amount of playing time. If this athlete is displacing one or more high school students who are being cut, this athlete must clearly have superior potential to any athlete they are displacing. 

The district will not use APP to: 

  • Fill roster vacancies 
  • Provide additional playing opportunities 
  • Replace a modified athletic program 
  • Reward student-athletes 

Students must earn a roster position through the team selection process.  

Additional Information 

A student who successfully completes the APP and is selected for a higher-level team may not return to a modified team in that sport during the same season. 

Students not selected for the higher-level team may participate on the modified team, provided they otherwise meet all eligibility requirements. 

Participation in a Freshman, Junior Varsity, or Varsity program subjects the student-athlete to all New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), Section II, Suburban Council, and Saratoga Springs Central School District rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements. 

Families should recognize that participation at a higher level may expose student-athletes to increased competitive, academic, social, and personal responsibilities commonly associated with older students.

Required Forms:

References