504.06 - Student Activity Program
504.06 - Student Activity ProgramParticipation in school activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and ability in the students during their school years and for their lifetime.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered or the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons. If the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity, students of the opposite sex will have a comparable opportunity for participation. Comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other's teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities, which are the promotion of additional interests and abilities in the students.
The North Tama County Community School District supports the option of eighth grade students participating in varsity level athletic contests only. Varsity level competition is defined as a starter on the varsity team or an individual that will play more than 50% of all contests. In addition, varsity level competition competes in sanctioned, post season events for any given activity.
Students in eighth grade will have the option of participating in varsity level athletic contests with the approval of the school district eligibility committee. The first step in the process is for the Varsity Head Coach to acquire written parent permission and approval to proceed with the consideration of their eighth grade student participating at the Varsity level. The process will continue with a recommendation made to the Activities Director from the Head Varsity Coach of the sport in question. At this point, a few guiding questions will be documented to determine the next steps. Following this recommendation and as needed, a committee of five individuals will be formed, including the athlete's parent. Any eighth-grade student will be eligible to participate in varsity level athletic contests with the approval of the committee. An eighth-grade student who is allowed to participate at the high school level can no longer participate on an eighth-grade team in the same sport during the same season. Students may not compete in both programs during the same sport season. Any eighth-grade student participating in high school athletics must meet the annual athletic physical examination requirements and academic requirements applicable to all high school level student athletes. The superintendent, in collaboration with the high school principal and athletic director, will develop administrative regulations and procedures necessary to administer this policy.
Student activity events must be approved by the superintendent unless they involve unusual travel expenses, in which case the board will take action. The events must not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.
A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for each school activity. These regulations will include, but not be limited to, when physical examinations will be required, how and when parents will be informed about the risk of the activity, academic requirements, and proof of insurance on the student participating in certain activities. Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.6., 36.8.
I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code § 216.9 Unfair/Discriminatory Practices
Iowa Code § 280 Uniform School Requirements
I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code Description
281 I.A.C. 12.3 Administration
281 I.A.C. 12.6 General Accreditation Standards - Activity Program
281 I.A.C. 36.8 Eligibility Requirements
U.S.C. - United States Code Description
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 Education - Sex
20 U.S.C. §§ 1685 Education - Authority
C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations Description
34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41 Education - Athletics
Cross References Description
507.09 Wellness
507.09-R(1) Wellness - Regulation
Approved: 7/18/2016, 9/20/2021, 2/25/2026, 8/19/2026
Reviewed: 7/22/2026
Revised: 7/22/202
504.06-R(1) - Student Activity Program - Regulation
504.06-R(1) - Student Activity Program - RegulationThe North Tama County Community School District, guided by HF 2591, will support eighth-grade participation for varsity level athletic competition to support program needs and long-term sustainability, as well as consider the individual abilities of a student-athlete. In years when participation numbers affect a team's ability to field a competitive roster or sustain the program, an eighth-grade student may be considered for varsity participation. These decisions will be made carefully and only when they support the continued success and viability of the athletic program while maintaining meaningful opportunities for student development at both the junior high and high school levels.
To ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency, North Tama will follow the protocol outlined below before any eighth-grade student is approved for varsity level competition.
- The head varsity coach determines that a program need exists and recommends the eighth-grade student for varsity consideration.
- The first question to be asked before moving forward in this process is: Will this student-athlete be a starter on the team 50% or more of the time? If the answer is No, then the student remains at the JH Level; If the answer is Yes, the student athlete being considered will move on in the process.
- An Eligibility Committee meeting will be scheduled and involve the head coach, the junior high coach of the activity, the Activities Director, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and an administrator.
- The Eligibility Committee will review the student's athletic ability, physical readiness, academic standing, emotional maturity, safety considerations, and the anticipated impact on both the junior high and varsity programs.
- The Eligibility Committee will make the final determination regarding varsity participation. The student athlete must receive at a minimum of 3 of the 5 votes. The decision of this committee will be final and not subject to appeal.
North Tama believes junior high athletics are an essential part of developing fundamental skills, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Whenever possible, students should continue to compete at the junior high level, where they receive valuable playing experience and opportunities for growth. Varsity participation by an eighth-grade student should occur only when it clearly benefits both the student and the overall sustainability of the athletic program.
By establishing this process, North Tama Community School District seeks to comply with Iowa law while maintaining local control over athletic participation decisions. Our commitment is to provide equitable opportunities for student-athletes while preserving strong junior high and high school programs for years to come.
Approved: 8/19/2026
Reviewed: 7/22/2026
Revised: 7/22/202