Board approves first reading of athletic‑eligibility policy; failing two or more classes triggers immediate ineligibility

The RSU 14 board on Jan. 7 approved the first reading of IGDJ, the district's athletic and co‑curricular eligibility policy, after a policy‑committee review intended to remove ambiguity and align procedures.

Policy committee staff walked the board through substantive edits. The most notable change adds immediate ineligibility for students failing two or more classes: "students failing 2 or more classes are immediately ineligible for the remainder of the grading period and cannot practice, compete, or participate in any capacity," the presenter said. The committee also clarified attendance expectations (minimum three hours on the day with no unexcused portions), converted multi‑day sanctions to "in‑season calendar days" to ensure penalties are served during active programs, and added an appeals process and a self‑reporting reduction that can, in some cases, cut sanctions in half.

Policy language also addresses insurance and travel procedures by referencing existing transportation policies instead of repeating directives, and it replaces a prior exhibit listing covered activities with a simpler definition at the policy's start (activities that are MPA‑sanctioned or require tryouts). Committee members said the changes are intended to reduce ambiguity while ensuring consistent application across schools.

Board members acknowledged the policy can be contentious for families and students; one board member described the committee's work as a substantial cleanup of ambiguous language. The first reading passed and the policy will return for a second read with minor clerical edits noted by staff.