FHSAA Cancels All Spring Sports Events for the Remainder of the School Year

By  //  April 20, 2020

SEE FHSAA CLARIFICATION OF STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY BELOW

Following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement mandating schools continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, the Florida High School Athletic Association has canceled all FHSAA-affiliated events, inclusive of the state series and all championship events, for spring sports..

FHSAA: We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement mandating schools continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, the Florida High School Athletic Association has canceled all FHSAA-affiliated events, inclusive of the state series and all championship events, for spring sports.

“The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans is our top priority,” said FHSAA officials in a release.

“With the evolving threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we must ensure that we do not contribute to the spread of this illness. We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly.”

Under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education regarding grade-level retention, and upon review of the Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws, no additional eligibility will be granted for spring sport athletes.

FHSAA CLARIFICATION OF STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY:

Coronavirus: Impact on Eligibility

In response to Governor DeSantis’ closure of Florida schools for the balance of the school year, and following the explanation provided by the Florida Department of Education regarding grade-level retention, the FHSAA wishes to provide clarification on student eligibility.

Under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education, and upon review of the Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws no additional eligibility will be granted.

Bylaw 9.4.7 – Student Must be an Undergraduate:

• In accordance with FHSAA Bylaw 9.4.7, a student must be an undergraduate:

9.4.7 Student Must be an Undergraduate. A student must not have completed the terminal grade of high school in the secondary education system of the U.S. or any other country. The terminal grade of the student is based on the graduation requirements of the country the student last attended school, including the completion of the GED or its equivalent.

• Florida Statute 1003.4282(6) outlines the requirements necessary for a student to be considered a graduate of high school. Once a student has met these requirements, he/she is no longer eligible to participate.

Bylaw 9.5.1 – Limit of Eligibility:

• In accordance with FHSAA Bylaw 9.5.1, a high school student (grades 9-12) is limited to eight (8) consecutive semesters of eligibility:

9.5.1 High School Student Has Eight Semesters of Eligibility. A student is limited to eight consecutive semesters of eligibility beginning with semester he/she begins ninth grade for the first time. This does not imply that the student has eight semesters of participation. After eight consecutive semesters, the student is permanently ineligible.

• If a student enters a 9th semester of high school, he/she is no longer eligible to participate.

Bylaw 9.5.2 – Limit of Eligibility (grades 6th, 7th and 8th):
• In accordance with FHSAA Bylaw 9.5.2, a middle school student (grades 6-8) is limited to one (1) year of eligibility in each grade level:

9.5.2 A 6th, 7th or 8th Grade Student Has 1-Year Limit of Eligibility in Each Grade. A 6th, 7th or 8th-grade student may participate during their first year in each grade level. A 6th, 7th or 8th-grade student who repeats a grade will not be eligible during the grade being repeated.

FHSAA Bylaw 10.4.1 provides the opportunity for a member school to appeal an ineligible ruling or determination on behalf of a student. Please contact your school’s Athletic Director to discuss the criteria for an undue hardship waiver.

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