The Iowa Board of Education has approved new rules allowing eighth-grade students to play on varsity-level teams. Starting August 1, local school boards will permit eighth-graders to participate in varsity sports.
New ‘No Pass, No Play’ Rule
A new ‘No Pass, No Play’ rule will apply to high school students, requiring them to pass all enrolled classes to remain eligible for extracurricular activities. This rule will take effect on August 23 of the ninth-grade year. Students who are eligible to participate in athletics as eighth-graders will remain eligible entering ninth grade.
Thomas Mayes, general counsel of the Iowa Department of Education, expressed concerns about 13-year-olds competing against athletes up to 19 years old, citing potential risk factors. Mayes emphasized the need for medical professionals to provide guidance on annual physicals for younger athletes.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
