🏆 Middle/Junior High School Athletic Eligibility Guidelines

1. Grade-Level Participation

• Middle School (Interscholastic): Only students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may participate.
• Junior High School (Interscholastic): Only students in grades 7, 8, and 9 may participate, provided the 9th grade is housed in the same building as the 7th and 8th grades.
• Football Restriction: Sixth-grade students are ineligible to participate in football.
• Eligibility Start: Eligibility officially begins for all students upon their initial entry into sixth grade. Rising 6th graders' grades and attendance will be checked for participation.

2. Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for public school athletic participation, students must adhere to the rules adopted by the State Board of Education and meet the following specific criteria:

A. Academic & Attendance

• Attendance: Must have been in attendance for at least 85% of the previous semester. (This means no more than 14 absences in a 92-day semester.)
• Academics: Must pass 5 out of 6 classes with a grade of 60 or better from the previous semester to be eligible for the current semester.
• Duration: A student may not participate at the middle school level for longer than six (6) consecutive semesters, starting with entry into the sixth grade.

B. Age Requirements (As of August 31st)

• 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Team: Student must NOT turn 15 years old on or before August 31st of the school year.

C. Residency & Status

• Must be a resident of the school administrative unit, OR have written permission from Pitt County Schools to attend the assigned school.
• Must maintain amateur status.
• Special Needs: Must meet all preceding requirements to be eligible for tryouts.

3. Medical and Clearance Forms

• Medical Examination: A student must receive a medical examination by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant once every 395 days.
• Form Submission: This form must be submitted to the Athletic Director before the student attends any workouts, open gym sessions, or the first day of tryouts.
• Return from Illness/Injury:
  • Students absent from practice for five or more consecutive days due to illness or injury require a medical release from a licensed physician before returning.
  • Students with potential head injuries must receive a medical release from a licensed physician before returning to practices or contests.

Recommended Form: The Sports Pre-participation and Medical Examination Form can be found [HERE].

4. Insurance and Safety

• It is recommended that players are covered by adequate medical and accident insurance.

Basketball Schedule

Wrestling Schedule

DeRonte Daniels, danield@pitt.k12.nc.us

Pactolus School, (252) 752-6941

Student Support Specialist / Athletic Director