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Athletic Placement Process (APP)

Athletic Placement Process (APP)
(Updated July 2026)

The Athletic Placement Process (APP) is a New York State Education Department process designed to evaluate whether a student may safely participate in an interscholastic athletic program outside of their typical grade-level classification.

The purpose of the APP is to ensure that students are placed at an appropriate level of athletic competition based on their individual readiness, rather than age and grade level alone. The process considers factors including personal and social responsibility, sport-specific skill development, knowledge of the game, and physical fitness.

Who May Participate?

In the Roslyn School District, the APP may be used to allow:

  • Students in grades 7 and 8 to be considered for participation on a varsity athletic team.
  • Participation in the APP is intended for a limited number of exceptionally talented athletes whose level of readiness indicates that competing at a different level may be appropriate and beneficial.

Important Information for Parents and Students

The Athletic Placement Process is not intended to:

  • Fill open positions or roster vacancies on a team;
  • Provide additional playing or athletic opportunities;
  • Replace an existing modified athletic program;
  • Provide an opportunity when a modified program is not offered; or
  • Reward a student for athletic ability or prior participation.

For students in grades 7 and 8, participation in the APP begins with a formal invitation from the school or district athletic or physical education director to try out for a high school team. A parent, coach, teacher, or student may request that a student be considered; however, such a request does not replace the required formal invitation.

An invitation to participate in the APP does not guarantee placement on a team. Students who participate through the APP must meet the same team-selection criteria as all other students trying out for that team.

Students must also meet all required health and athletic participation requirements, including submission of a valid health examination and any required updated health history before participation.

The Athletic Placement Process is designed to support student safety, appropriate athletic placement, and fair team selection while providing an opportunity for those few students whose demonstrated readiness supports participation at a different level of competition.

Consideration for Student Readiness
Even when middle school athletes have the necessary physical skills, they may not yet be socially or emotionally ready for the high school environment, which includes older peers and more complex social dynamics. Remaining in the middle school program often allows athletes to develop confidence, skills, and peer connections in a supportive, age-appropriate setting, laying the foundation for long-term athletic and personal growth.