• "Florida, Ahead of the Game"

    There have been several updates to the policies and procedures relating to high school athletics that we want to bring to your attention. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) updated their initial eligibility requirements for student athletes beginning August 1, 2016. In addition, two statutory changes specific to high school athletics in Florida occurred this legislative session. Information regarding each of the three updates is included below. Updates from the NCAA regarding eligibility for Division I and Division II student athletes include the following:

    New initial eligibility standards for NCAA Division I and Division II college bound athletes. College bound student athletes first entering a Division I college or university on or after August 1, 2016, will need to meet new academic rules in order to receive athletic aid (scholarship), practice, or compete during their first year. This change will impact students entering ninth grade beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

    • Academic rules that will go into effect in 2016 are significantly more rigorous and will require a higher grade point average (GPA) with correlated standardized test scores.
    • The addition of an academic redshirt component.

    The following links are provided by the NCAA and contain more detailed information about the requirements to become a NCAA Division I student athlete:

    • NCAA Eligibility Website
    • Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
    • Eligibility Quick Reference Sheet

    The chart below reflects the NCAA initial eligibility standards beginning August 1, 2016, in comparison to the Florida statutory requirements for high school graduation:

    NCAA Requirements for Full Qualifiers (beginning August 1, 2016) - Florida's High School Graduation Requirements

    • Complete 16 core courses
    • Ten of the 16 core courses must be completed before senior year.
    • Seven of the ten core courses must be English, Math, or Science.
    • Have a minimum core course GPA of 2.300
    • Grades earned in the ten required courses are “locked in” for purposes of GPA calculation.
    • Meet the competition sliding scale requirement of GPA and ACT/SAT score (this is a new scale with increased GPA/test score requirements).
    • Graduate from high school.
    • Successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits to include the following:
    • Four credits in English.
    • Four credits in Mathematics (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
    • Three credits in Science (including Biology)
    • Three credits in Social Studies (including United States History, World History, Economics & United States Government)
    • One credit in Physical Education to include the integration of health
    • One credit in fine or performing arts
    • Eight electives