In addition to the athletic eligibility rules set by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), Yorktown athletes are expected to maintain appropriate performance in the classroom at all times. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right, and students should remember that their academic performance is vital to their future success. In order to assist the student in meeting his/her academic obligations, teachers and coaches are encouraged to engage in a free sharing of information. The ultimate responsibility, however, rests with the student, who must meet the academic standards discussed below:

• All students who meet the VHSL eligibility rules will be initially eligible under the Yorktown eligibility rules. Students will be given a clean start at the beginning of each athletic season with the presumption that they will uphold their academic responsibilities throughout the season.

• Coaches will be given a list at the beginning of the season of those student-athletes who have had previous academic difficulties in order to allow them to assist.

• Several weeks into the season, when interim grades or quarter grades are distributed, the Activities Office staff will check the grades of all student-athletes. At this time, student-athletes must be passing at least five courses with a grade of ‘C’ or higher to remain eligible. If an individual does not have at least five ‘C’s, he/she will be ineligible for the following game/event. The athlete may continue to practice with the team, but is encouraged to attend after-school help sessions to improve academic performance.

• Any student who is found to be academically ineligible will be placed on progress reports immediately. It is the student’s responsibility to have the progress report filled out weekly by all teachers and present the progress report to the Director or Assistant Director of Student Activities. Satisfactory progress in a student’s coursework will result in the reinstatement of his/her athletic eligibility. If a student fails to turn in a progress report each week until the end of the season, he/she will continue to be ineligible for competitions.