Athletics GPA Information

January 7, 2010

Dear Student-Athletes and Parents,

With renewed emphasis placed on the athletic eligibility rules this year, I hope it is evident that we take all rules seriously and fully expect that only athletes who meet the minimum requirements be allowed to participate at our schools. As we near the end of the first semester, I wanted to make sure you are aware of the new GPA requirement and also understand existing practices related to athletic eligibility.

In August of 2009, the Guilford County Board of Education approved a new policy addressing participation in interscholastic athletics. Part of this policy establishes a minimum GPA in addition to existing requirements of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). Eligibility is determined by performance during the previous semester. For example, eligibility for second semester is based on first semester performance. In order to be eligible for athletic participation during the second semester, athletes must have earned the minimum GPA from courses taken during the first semester. For the spring 2010 semester, the minimum requirement will be a weighted GPA of 1.5 for all courses taken during the first semester.

Although this information is important for all athletes, it is especially important for winter sports athletes since these sports carryover from first to second semester. Winter sport athletes have their eligibility reviewed at the beginning of the season and again at the beginning of the second semester to ensure they are eligible to continue their participation on the team. As soon as the first semester ends, winter sport coaches and athletic directors will verify the eligibility of their athletes. Winter sport athletes who do not meet the minimum academic and attendance requirements will not be eligible for participation during the second semester and will not be able to continue their participation on the winter sports team.

With the end of the semester approaching quickly, if you are concerned that you may not meet the minimum requirements, please discuss these concerns with your coach or specific teachers as appropriate. Students with grades below a "C" are most likely to be in jeopardy of not meeting the new GPA requirement and should use the last few weeks of the semester to improve grades in those courses.

Sincerely,

Leigh G Hebbard
Director of Activities, Athletics, and Drivers Education