South Dakota High School Activities Association approves five key amendments

The Aberdeen School Board made significant strides in refining its policies during the meeting on May 12, 2025, with a focus on amendments from the South Dakota High School Activities Association. The board unanimously approved five key amendments aimed at clarifying participation rules and eligibility for student athletes.

The first amendment addressed language updates for schools operating on a trimester schedule, ensuring that all schools are treated equitably regardless of their academic calendar. The board swiftly moved to approve this amendment, highlighting its importance for inclusivity.

Next, the board discussed an amendment that clarifies participation rules for middle school students moving up to high school sports. This change aims to provide clear guidelines on the time frame these students have to play, ensuring a smoother transition.

Another significant amendment clarified what constitutes a bona fide move for students transferring between districts. This change is crucial for maintaining fair competition and eligibility standards across schools.

The fourth amendment tackled the varying school schedules, establishing a consistent sit-out period for students regardless of whether their school operates on a four-day or five-day week. This amendment also stipulates that students must move into a district before the school year starts to participate in sports, preventing last-minute transfers that could disrupt team dynamics.

Lastly, the board approved an amendment requiring schools to notify receiving institutions of any ongoing suspensions for transferring students. This measure aims to enhance communication and accountability among schools, although it does not mandate enforcement of the suspension in the new school.

In addition to these amendments, the board also addressed upcoming elections for various school board positions, endorsing candidates including Dr. Tina Board for the East River At Large representative and Steve Moore for Division 1.

The meeting concluded with a sense of progress as the board reinforced its commitment to creating a fair and structured environment for student athletes in Aberdeen. The approved amendments are expected to streamline processes and enhance the overall educational experience for students involved in extracurricular activities.