High School League Rules Question.

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Can somebody tell me if a 7th or 8th grade girl could play varsity or reserve ball if no JHS program is available? ?I have several girls who could easily beat out some of the varisity players in addition to the entire reserve team. ?Some of the girls are left out while the rest of their select teams play high school ball and will be growing board and lazy. ?Our athletic director informed me that it was not permitted in Ohio, only in Kentucky. ?If there is a loop hole or ammendment that I could use to get these girls on the High School diamond I would love to hear it.

 

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Your AD is correct.

 

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Here are the references from the OHSAA Bylaws:

[1-1-2 Students enrolled below the seventh grade are ineligible for participation in interscholastic athletics. Students enrolled in grades 7 or 8 are ineligible for interscholastic competition on the same squad with students in grade 9 or higher. Exception ?A student who attains the age of 15 prior to August 1 is eligible for interscholastic athletics only at the high school level not to exceed eight semesters./quote]

4-2-3 A student shall become eligible for high school athletics when the student attains the fifteenth birthday before August 1, or when the student attains ninth grade standing. The student is eligible at the school where the student is expected to enroll at the ninth grade level.

So, the only way for them to play HS ball is for them to attain the age of 15 prior to August 1st. Then they are restricted to 8 semesters (4 years) of HS eligibility.

 

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Can somebody tell me if a 7th or 8th grade girl could play varsity or reserve ball if no JHS program is available? I have several girls who could easily beat out some of the varisity players in addition to the entire reserve team. Some of the girls are left out while the rest of their select teams play high school ball and will be growing board and lazy. Our athletic director informed me that it was not permitted in Ohio, only in Kentucky. If there is a loop hole or ammendment that I could use to get these girls on the High School diamond I would love to hear it.

No loop hole, but if you have enough from the same school to form a team many times you can get them games against the JH/MS teams in the area. Not sure what the opportunities are around Wilmington though - may have to travel a little.