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Board considers allowing sixth-graders limited participation in volleyball and basketball
Summary
The Tularosa board discussed a proposal to let sixth-graders participate in select sports (volleyball, basketball, possibly track), emphasizing intramurals, grade-accountability and the need for a written policy given gym and coaching constraints.
The Tularosa Municipal Schools board discussed a proposal to allow sixth-graders to participate in some middle-school sports, focusing on volleyball and basketball rather than football. A board member said the change could expand opportunities and help retain students in school sports, while cautioning that it should not lead to older students being cut from teams.
"I'm totally against cutting kids at middle school because I'm afraid they're afraid they'll come out again," a speaker said, arguing for providing more opportunities and starting conservatively with intramurals or small local games. Board members and staff suggested discussing the plan with coaches and parents, exploring mixed-grade or grade-specific teams, and ensuring participation is tied to academic accountability.
Speakers raised practical constraints: the current gym is small, practice scheduling is already tight with multiple teams, and more space or a new gym would ease expansion. Staff recommended drafting a policy to define eligibility, coach responsibilities, practice logistics and how substitutes or funding for coaches would be handled before any change is implemented.
No formal policy change or vote on the proposal was recorded at the meeting; the board directed staff to gather input and return with recommended language and logistical plans.
