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Board hears presentation on ‘no pass, no play’ rules; members ask for participation data and clarifications
Summary
District staff reviewed the academic eligibility policy used for athletics and other competitive extracurriculars: grades are checked biweekly, a D (60–69) is considered passing for eligibility, and ineligibility allows practice but bars competition; board members requested data on participation and activity lists.
The Dysart Unified School District governing board received an informational presentation on the district’s academic eligibility rules for extracurricular activities and athletics, including how the district implements the State Board of Education policy and Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) requirements.
Mr. Musi, presenting for district staff, said the policy applies primarily to grades 6–12 and that extracurricular activities defined as competitive (for example, varsity athletics and other judged competitions) are covered. He outlined the district’s grading scale (0–59 = F; 60–69 = D; 70–79 = C; 80–89 = B; 90–100 = A) and said a D is treated as a passing grade for eligibility purposes under current district practice.
Mr. Musi described the district’s procedures: grades are checked on a cumulative basis every two weeks during a sports season; a student with a failing grade is placed on a "pending" list; written notice is sent to parents and coaches; if the student remains failing at the next two-week check the student is placed on an ineligibility list and is not allowed to participate in contests until teachers report a passing grade. "If a student has a failing grade in any class, they'll be placed on that pending list," Mr. Musi said. He added that "failure to raise or failing grade twice in the same class during the same season will result in removal."
Board members asked how the system is administered. Staff said local campuses run the biweekly reports (athletic directors run reports with guidance from district staff), the status is reported on or before a Friday and any change in status becomes effective the following Monday, and ineligible students are allowed to practice but not compete.
Members pressed for additional data and clarification. Member Distich asked for the district to provide statistics on the percentage of students in extracurriculars by grade level and to identify which activities are included. Mr. Musi said the district does not currently track participation broken down by grade in the way requested but staff would compile the data for the board. Member Distich also noted that under ARS 15-705 the board may establish academic standards for extracurricular eligibility and suggested forming an advisory committee or holding a public hearing under that statute.
Board members also asked operational questions: whether attendance factors into eligibility (staff said attendance is not part of the eligibility rules), how rounding is handled for grade cutoffs (staff said they believe rounding occurs at .5 but will confirm the handbook language), and what support services are provided to students on pending or ineligibility lists. Staff described typical support services: campus tutoring, coach-run study halls, after-school focus sessions and teacher assistance; staff emphasized the goal is to return students to passing grades, not simply to the minimum D.
The presentation was an information item only; no board action was taken. Staff said they will follow up with requested data and a list of activities subject to the eligibility checks.
