W. Va. Code R. § 126-26-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-26-4 - Eligibility

4.1. In order to participate in the extracurricular activities to which this policy applies, a student must meet the following:

4.1.a. adhere to all state and local attendance policies.

4.1.b. maintain a 2.0 average.

4.1.b.1. A 2.0 average is defined as a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better on a scale where an A is given the value of 4 points, a B is given the value of 3 points, a C is given the value of 2 points, a D is given the value of 1 point, and an F is given the value of 0 points.

4.1.b.2. For purposes of achieving the clearest and most uniform application of the policy for those schools which use a numerical grading system, all numerical grades shall be converted to the corresponding letter grade. Each letter grade shall be assigned the appropriate value as set forth above, and the average thereof computed to determine whether the student is eligible. No enhanced value should be given for a plus or minus designation, such as B+ or C-; all grades with the same letter designation have the same numerical value in the 4.0 scale.

4.1.b.3. In computing a student's GPA for purposes of this policy, all subjects undertaken by the student and for which a final grade is recorded are to be considered. Athletic practice may not be counted as a subject. The total number of classes taken is divided into the total number of grade points earned to determine the GPA. Classes for which a pass/failure is awarded will be included in computing the GPA only if the student failed the class.

4.1.b.4. A student's eligibility will be determined for each semester by the student's GPA from the previous semester (or, in schools which do not use the traditional semester approach, during the previous 18-week period).

4.1.b.5. If a student does not maintain a 2.0 average for the semester, the student will be ineligible for participation for the following semester. Students not meeting eligibility requirements shall be reviewed at the mid-point of the second semester (the nine-week point) to determine whether the student has achieved a 2.0 average.

4.1.b.6. If a student does not earn a 2.0 average by the end of the second semester, the student may attend summer school to raise the GPA to become eligible for participation at the beginning of the next school year. For purposes of computing the GPA after summer school, all of the student's grades from the second semester plus the student's grade from the summer school will be used to determine the GPA.

4.1.b.7. A student who has not achieved a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester may have eligibility reinstated at midsemester if the student has attained at least a 2.0 GPA. In schools and/or counties where the traditional semester approach is not used, the nine-week point shall be utilized in place of the midsemester.

4.1.b.8. In the case of students with exceptionalities as set forth in W. Va. 126CSR16, Policy 2419, Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities, if grades are given, all grades received from placements in regular classrooms and special education classrooms should be included when computing the GPA. Exceptional students placed in ungraded programs will be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities if their records indicate that they are making satisfactory progress in meeting the objectives of their individualized education program (IEP).

4.1.b.9. Students who have had a break in public school attendance for any reason may be required to establish eligibility after re-enrollment in the public school. The credits/grades earned and transferred from the non-public setting shall be used in determining academic eligibility. Eligibility shall be gained at midsemester (nine-week point) if the student has attained at least a 2.0 GPA. In schools and/or counties where the traditional semester approach is not used, the nine-week point shall be utilized in place of the midsemester.

4.1.b.10. Students who are entering public schools or other West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) member schools for the first time will be eligible for participation as follows:

4.1.b.10.A. Students who have not earned grades that the receiving school will accept for credit upon transfer will be eligible upon enrollment and must have a 2.0 GPA at the end of the semester in which they enroll to remain eligible.

4.1.b.10.B. Students who have earned grades that the receiving school will accept for credit upon transfer must have earned a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester to be eligible upon enrollment. If not eligible upon enrollment, the student shall become eligible at the midsemester (nine- week point) if the student has attained at least a 2.0 GPA.

4.1.b.11. Homeschooled students, Hope Scholarship students, or students receiving instruction in a microschool or learning pod, participating in interscholastic athletics pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18-2-25(d) will be eligible for participation, provided that the student:

4.1.b.11.A. complies with the rules promulgated by the WVSSAC; and

4.1.b.11.B. has demonstrated satisfactory evidence of academic progress for the immediately preceding year and that the student's average test results for the immediately preceding year are within or above the fourth stanine in all subject areas.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-26-4