New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA)

A. Eligibility rules shall comply with the intent and purpose of: 1. Federal laws , superseding state and local laws . 2 . New Mexico State Law including the Children’s Code and Open Enrollment Statutes . 3. District and member school policies. 4 . The policies and mission of the NMAA. B. Eligibility rules and standards apply to students who participate in interscholastic activities. C. The NMAA does not discriminate or preclude students from participating based upon disabilities defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ( s ee 6.1 1 .2 ) D. Member schools may establish and administer eligibility rules which exceed standards defined in the NMAA policies and procedures Handboo k . E. If a student, the student’s Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) provides false information to the school or the New Mexico Activities Association, the student shall be declared ineligible for participation for a period of 365 calendar days in all sports at all levels from the date of discovery that information was false.

A representative of a school’s athletic interests refers to any independent person, business or organization that participates in, assists with and/or promotes that school’s interscholastic athletic program, this includes, but is not limited to: A. A student - athlete or other student participant in the athletic program at that school B. A school alumnus C. The parents, guardians or other family members of a student - athlete or other student participant in the athletic program at that school D. Immediate relatives of a coach or other member of the athletic department staff at that school E. A volunteer with that school’s athletic program F. Club coaches/programs affiliated with a coach G. A board member of that school H. A member of an athletic booster organization of that school I. A person, business or organization that makes financial or in - kind contributions to the athletic department or that is otherwise involved in promoting the school’s interscholastic athletic program

Eligibility rules exist to preserve the educational integrity of interscholastic athletics. These rules ensure that participation is limited to bona fide students, thereby reinforcing the principle that academics take precedence over athletic involvement. Additionally, eligibility standards promote equity and fair competition among schools, safeguard the health and welfare of student - athletes, and deter practices such as recruitment and professionalism. Collectively, these regulations uphold the values of s portsmanship, academic accountability, and character development within the framework of secondary education. Participation is a privilege, not a right . Students earn the privilege to participate by adhering to high standards of personal conduct , academic performance , and compliance with the Association’s eligibility guidelines . Note : “ Participant ” is defined as a s tudent who represents his/her school for any period of time. A participant is any student who has an official role with an NMAA sanctioned program , including, but not limited to, managers, statisticians, team video graphers , etc. P articipating s tudents are required to compete in the gender listed on their original or amended birth certificate. Students participating in interscholastic act ivities represent the school , depict its character, and se rve as role models to other student s. Accordingly, participants are subject to a standard of academic performance and to high standards of conduct both in and out of the school setting . Continued participation in interscholastic activities is conditioned upon observing and maintaining such standards , and complying with NMAA bylaws, rules, and policies. It is the responsibility of the Local School District to ensure that academic standards and codes of conduct are enforced. Note : The s tudent and his or her Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) are responsible for becoming familiar with the rules and regulations of the New Mexico Activities Association and the s tud ent’s respective school .

A. Students who participate in interscholastic activities serve as representatives of the Association, their respective schools / districts, and their communities. B . P articipants serve as role models and leaders among their peers. C. The NMAA’s Sportsmanship Mission is: “To develop champions for the future by utilizing athletics and activities to learn and practice the character traits necessary to live a positive, productive and caring lifestyle.” D . The NMAA defines Sportsmanship as: “The act of treating others in a respectful manner, taking personal responsibility for your actions , and responding with integrity while engaged in competition.” Section VI - Page 2 E . The NMAA defines it s “Compete with Class” sportsmanship initiative as “Competing in a manner where your attitudes, actions and reactions are synonymous with the ideals of good sportsmanship.” F . Member schools must provide students with clear guidance reg arding NMAA and school expectations and the consequences that can result from any violat ions of NMAA or school specified rules and regulations .

A. A student (domestic or foreign) at any grade level shall not be recruited to a member school of the NMAA to participate in athletics. Recruiting is defined as an act, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, a school, including impermissible contact, which att empts to influence a student to transfer to a member school to participate in athletics, including the offer of improper benefits not available to all members of the student body. B. It shall also be defined as recruiting to provide impermissible benefits not available to all members of the student body to an already enrolled student to influence that student to remain at a member school including recruitment under the guise of academi cs. C. A school employee, athletic department staff member, or representative of the school’s athletic interests (including parents and boosters) shall not influence a student even if the student, his or her parents or any intermediary from another school, makes the initial contact. In this situation, a coach or staff member (paid or unpaid) should immediately refer the person(s) to the school athletic director and/or principal. D. Influencing a student shall include the promise or instilling the expectation of an athletic advantage, playing time, employment of the student or the student’s parents or relatives, housing for the student or the student’s parents, scholarships or financi al aid for which other Section VI - Page 3 members of the student body are not generally eligible, providing other improper benefits, making improper contacts or any other material or athletic reward for which other members of the student body are not generally eligible. E. A school employee, athletic department staff member, or representative of the school’s athletic interests utilizing an intermediary including a peer, another school employee, a student, a parent or a citizen, to recruit a student - athlete shall be in noncom pliance.

Impermissible contact is contact, either directly or indirectly, whether in person or through written or electronic communication, by a school employee, athletic department staff member, representative of the school’s athletic interests or third parties, s uch as an independent person, business or organization, with a student or any member of the student’s family, in an effort to pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a different school for the purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics. Casual contact by an employee, athletic department staff member or representative of the athletic interests of a school with a student who attends another school in normal community settings is not a violation. At NO time during such contact may the conver sation pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a school for the purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics. A. Specific Prohibitions Specifically prohibited contact by school employees, athletic department staff members, representatives of the school’s athletic interests or third parties with a student includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Contact or communication concerning potential enrollment or athletic participation at the school, other than the initial referral to the school athletic director and/or principal if approached by a feeder school student or his/her parents/family. 2. Contact with any student not enrolled in a feeder school concerning potential enrollment at the school. Section VI - Page 4 3. Contacting any prospective student - athlete not enrolled in a feeder school or his/her parents/family by phone, email, text, social media, fax, in person, by letter or by other means. 4. Requesting students, parents, boosters, alumni or other representatives of a school’s athletic interests to discuss the merits of a school’s athletic program with a prospective student - athlete not enrolled in a feeder school or member of his/her family. 5. Making a presentation or distributing any form of advertisement, commercial or material to students not enrolled in a feeder school, that promotes primarily or exclusively a school’s athletic program or implies a school’s athletic program is better than th e athletic program of any other school or suggests that the student’s athletic career would be better served by attending a different school. 6. Attending an elementary school, a junior high school, a middle school or a non - school athletic contest to identify prospective student - athletes not enrolled in a feeder school who might be recruited to attend a school. 7. Coordinating for a student or any member of his/her family to visit a school, to take an entrance examination for a school, to participate in an athletic tryout at a school, or to meet with a school employee, athletic department staff member, other represe ntative of the school’s athletic interests or third parties, as part of an effort to pressure, urge or facilitate the student’s attendance at a different school to participate in interscholastic athletics. 8. Making or arranging any other contact with the student or any member of his/her family in an attempt to pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a school to participate in interscholastic athletics. NOTE : Any student, family or individual that contacts a coach about the student attending a school where he or she coaches must be informed that they need to contact the athletic director and/or principal if they have an interest in transferring. Any meeting w ith coaches regarding prospective athletes or their families should be at the request of the family to the individual(s) responsible for school and/or athletic administration and must take place at the school. 6.2.4 Undue Influence of a Student – Prohibited An “impermissible benefit” is any arrangement, assistance or benefit that is not offered or generally made available to all students and/or their families who apply to or attend a school, or that otherwise is prohibited by NMAA rules. Providing an impermissible benefit to a prospective student - athlete and/or family member by school employees, athletic department staff members or representatives of a school’s athletic interests, to secure or encourage the attendance of that student for athletic purposes constitutes undue influence, resulting in ineligibility for all high school athletic participation for 365 calendar days. If a coach is directly associated with undue influence, the member school will be fined $2,500/$5,000 . ( s ee also 7.4.6) Specifically prohibited arrangements, assistance or benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: ( s ee also 1.8.1 , 7.4.4) A. School - based financial assistance of any kind that exceeds the amount for which a student has been approved by an independent financial needs assessment or otherwise is in excess of any supplemental assistance provided by a school to each and every student who qualifies for financial assistance. Section VI - Page 5 B. Cash or like items, such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, gift certificates, coupons or vouchers. C. Gift of clothing, equipment, merchandise, or other tangible items. D. Payment for any work or service that is not performed or that is in excess of the amount normally paid for such work or service. E. Free or reduced - cost transportation. F. Living on a full - or part - time basis, regardless of whether rent is paid, with any school employee, athletic department staff member, representative of the school’s athletic interests, unless legal guardianship appointed by a court of competent jurisdictio n has been obtained . ( s ee 6. 7 . 1 for Foreign Exchange exceptions) G. Free or reduced - cost rent for housing, vehicles, or other items. H. Full or partial payment of moving expenses or assistance of any kind with an actual physical move. I. Employment or assistance in securing employment or contractual arrangement of any kind for which compensation may be paid. J. Free or reduced costs to attend a sport or skills camp. K. Any other form of arrangement, assistance, discount, or benefit that is not generally available to other students in the school or their families or that is based in any way on athletic ability. Q1: If a student not presently enrolled in a school and/or members of the student’s family meet with a coach in any type of setting or capacity (home, restaurant, etc.) and the student then transfers to that school, would that coach/student/family be deeme d to have been in violation of the Undue Influence of a student bylaw? A1: Yes. If a student is interested in transferring to another school, all communication should take place with the guidance counselor, and/or school administration, inclusive of the director of athletics, if requested. Q2: If a parent initiates contact with a coach with the intent of discussing the possibility of his/her son or daughter transferring schools to play in the coach’s program, what would be an appropriate response from the coach? A2: The coach should immediately inform the parent that discussing the issue with him/her would be in violation of NMAA bylaws and should the parent choose to discuss the transfer of his/her son or daughter, he/she should do so with the school guidance counselor and or members of the school’s administrative team. The coach should also inform the parent that he/she would be glad to discuss program specifics with them if and when the student has completed the enrollment process. Section VI - Page 6 6.2.5 Student Transferring to Follow a Coach ( s ee also 7.4.5) The transfer/residency requirement is implemented as a means to discourage recruitment and reduce the opportunity for undue influence . After making an open enrollment choice in either 8 th or 9 th grade , if a student participates on /with any team (i.e. interscholastic, AAU, American Legion, club settings, summer program, etc.) that is affiliated with or coached by a coach associated with that same sport at a school other than the one the s tudent attends or has attended, and then transfers to that school, regardless of change in bona fide residence, it will be assumed that the s tudent has been recruited to attend that school or transferred to that school for athletic reasons , and the s tudent will be ineligible for all high school athletic participation for 365 calendar days. If the s tudent transfers to a school that his/her coach has relocated to, regardless of change in the s tudent ’s bona fide residence, it will be assumed that the s tudent transferred to that school for athletic reasons and he/she will be ineligible there for all high school athletic participation for 365 calendar days . Q3: Is it permissible for a coach to contact a student or his /her parents prior to the student’s enrollment in the school? A3: No, a coach may not contact a student or his/her parents prior to the student’s enrollment in the school at which he/she coaches. This shall apply to all students whether they have previously been involved in athletics or not. Q4: If a student pre - enrolls in a school prior to officially withdrawing from his/her present school, can a coach begin the process of communicating with that student and/or allowing him/her to attend out of season work outs, etc.? A4: No. Members of a coaching staff are to have NO contact with a student athlete presently in attendance at another school. The communication process may only begin once the student has finalized the withdrawal process from his/her present school. Q 5: Is it permissible for a coach to discuss their program or invite players to their school/facilities prior to the student’s enrollment in school and disenrollment from their former school ? A 5 : No. This conduct would be considered undue influence/recruiting. Coaches must not have contact with students until they are official disenrolled from the former school and enrolled in the new school. Q1: If a student athlete plays on a summer league team, participates in summer practices etc. at a high school outside of his/her attendance zone, and then transfers to that school, is he/she in violation of the Student Transferring to Follow a Coach bylaw? A1: Yes. If a student has not officially withdrawn from his/her present school and enrolled in the new school that he/she plans to attend, he/she will be deemed ineligible should he/she choose to transfer to that school after participating on a summer league team, and/or in summer practice, open gym, etc. Section VI - Page 7 6. 3 SCHOLARSHIP 6. 3 .1 Extracurricular Activities – Student Participation A. Academic Eligibility 1. A s tudent shall have a 2.0 grade point average with no F’s, based on a 4.0 grading scale, or its equivalent, for the semester grading period immediately preceding participation. For students not eligible at the semester, the next six or nine week grading period ca n be used to regain eligibility. Grades earned during a summer session must be placed on a student’s transcript by the school registrar prior to the first day of the Fall semester in order for the course to be utilized for eligibility purposes. a. All class work counted for eligibility must be credit earning and acceptable for graduation. b. The GPA is based on a 4.0 scale with an allowance for consideration of honors points. c. Cumulative provision 1. A student who is ineligible at the end of a semester may utilize the cumulative provision. 2. Only semester grades can be used, and all semester grades starting with the 9 th grade year must be utilized. ( The cumulative provision cannot be used for 9 th grade or middle school/junior high s tudent s.) 3. The cumulative provision may NOT be applied if a s tudent has more than one “F” in the semester grading period immediately preceding participation. 4. A student must have passed a minimum of 51% of coursework taken by a full - time student in the semester grading period immediately preceding participation to take advantage of the cumulative provision option. d. Stricter guidelines may be imposed by the school/district. 2. A s tudent must be enrolled in at least 51% of the member school’s regular class schedule in courses that will be counted towards his/her graduation and in regular attendance during the current as well as the previous semester. Q1: Can a course listed on the transcript as earning “no credit” be utilized for eligibility purposes as one of the courses that a student is taking? A1: No, to be included in a student’s class load for eligibility, the course must be a credit - earning course, which counts towards the student’s graduation (letter grade or pass/fail mark earned). Q2: Do off - campus courses (ex., dual enrollment) count towards a student’s eligibility? A2: Yes, all courses listed on a student’s transcript must be factored into a student’s grade point average for eligibility purposes. Section VI - Page 8 Q3: If not taking a full schedule of classes, how many classes must a student take in order to participate? A3: The student must take at least 51% of the regular or A/B block schedule in order to be considered eligible to participate. Examples: In a school with an eight period school day, a student must be enrolled in five courses. In a school with a six or seven period school day, a student must be enrolled in four courses. Q4: A student, not on block schedule, is enrolled in a dual - credit, off - campus course that awards a full credit for the semester. How is this course treated in regards to the 51% enrollment rule? A4: Dual - enrollment college courses, which earn a full high school credit in one semester, are treated as the equivalent of two half - credit classes. Q5: A student receives an “Incomplete,” at the time the AD checks for eligibility, how is this calculated in the GPA? A5: Incompletes (I), failing withdrawals (WF) and no grades (N or NG) are treated as an “F” for GPA purposes. Q6: Do online courses count towards a student’s eligibility? A6: Yes, all courses listed on a student’s transcript must be factored into a student’s grade point average for eligibility purposes. Q7: If a student, not on block schedule, fails a dual - credit, off - campus course that awards a full credit for the semester, can that student still use the cumulative provision? A7: Yes, if the course is the only one failed that semester and the student passed more than 50% of a full class load. Q8: A student is deemed scholastically ineligible at the end of a semester and does not gain eligibility through the cumulative provision or through summer school. When can that student regain his/her eligibility? A8: Ineligible students may regain their eligibility at the next regular grading period of the following semester. If utilizing a 6 - week grading period, students that regain their eligibility after the first 6 - weeks of the semester (1st or 4th 6 - weeks), must also have their eligibility checked at the next 6 - week grading period of that semester (2nd or 5th 6 - weeks). Section VI - Page 9 B. Academically Ineligible Player 1. Practice - The student may practice with the team if it is determined by the school’s administration that he/she is demonstrating academic progress towards eligibility. 2. Participation - The s tudent CANNOT participate in any interscholastic event at any level of competition during the period of ineligibility. The s tudent may participate in team functions at the school only. 3. Travel - The Student CANNOT travel to any interscholastic event or activity with the team during the period of ineligibility. 4. Games - The student may take part in game preparation but CANNOT dress out in uniform or sit on the bench in street clothes with the team during games. C. Attendance Requirements (HB 236 – 2019) Pursuant to New Mexico State Statute 22 - 12 - 2.1, the Local School District is required to enforce that students shall not be absent from school for extracurricular activities in excess of fifteen days per semester, and no class shall be missed in exces s of fifteen times per semester for interscholastic extracurricular activities. The Secretary of Education may issue a waiver relating to the number of absences for participation in any state or national competition that is not an interscholastic extracurricular activity. D. Open Enrollment Eligibility A ninth - grade s tudent who has not previously competed in interscholastic sports at the high school level has his/her open enrollment choice. The s tudent may compete without reference to his/her immediate or previous scholastic record in eighth grade (last semester). The end of the 1 st semester grading period in 9 th grade establishes the beginning of the scholarship requirements for this s tudent . 6. 3 .2 Waiver Request for Scholarship Requirement In case the scholastic record for the previous semester grading period is incomplete due to sickness or death in the immediate family or any other legitimate cause, the s tudent may petition the NMAA, through the administrative head of the school of attendance, for a waiver of the previous semester grading period scholarship requirement. 6. 3 .3 Special Education A. Students enrolled in a special education program (classification levels 1/2 or A/B) whose service schedule, as determined by the Individualized Educational Program Committee, is less Q9: How is a student’s grade determined at each grading period if he/she is enrolled in a self - paced online class? A9: To earn grade credit, students must complete the equivalent percent of coursework corresponding to the grading period. The grade earned at those marking periods is the grade calculated for eligibility. Students who fail to complete the equivalent pe rcent of coursework at those grading periods will earn an F. Example: A student enrolled in a semester - long course at a school who uses quarter marking periods must have completed 50% of the course by the first nine weeks and 100% of the course by the end of the semester. The grade earned at those marking periods, is the grade calculated for eligibility. Section VI - Page 10 than 50%, are subject to the same scholastic requirements as stated in 6.2.1 ( NMSA (1978) Section 22 - 12 A - 10. ). B. Scholastic eligibility criteria for s tudent s (classification levels 3/4 or C/D) whose service schedule, as determined by the Individualized Educational Program Committee, is more than 50%, may be determined by the Individualized Educational Program Committee. The s tudent ’s current IEP must indicate that a specific educational plan is in place should the student not meet NMAA academic eligibility requirements for athletic participation. 6. 3 .4 Make - Up Class in Summer School A s tudent may make up classes during summer school by earning a passing grade in at least the general level of the same course from an accredited program. The new grade may be substituted for the original grade in that class providing the local school policy permits. Summer school is defined as an extension of the spring semester for that year only. If the course is to be utilized for determining a student’s eligibility, it must be placed on the transcript prior to the first day of the school year. Q1: If a level 2 special education student has not met academic eligibility criteria during a semester grading period and the IEP committee convenes and adjusts the student’s level to 3, can the committee grant the student immediate eligibility? A1: No, since the student did not meet eligibility criteria during the previous semester grading period, he/she must serve that grading period of ineligibility. For purposes of academic eligibility, Level 1 and 2 students fall under the same set of guideli nes as regular ed. students. Q2: What requirements must be met for academically ineligible 3 and 4 level students to gain academic eligibility for participation? A2: In order to gain academic eligibility for participation, the student’s IEP must define academic goals, specific to athletic eligibility, that the student must meet or make progress toward prior to he/she being declared eligible to participate. Q1: A student completes an online correspondence course prior to the first day of school. The grade for the course is not submitted to the school’s registrar for inclusion in the student’s transcript until the second week of school. Can the course be used to determine the student’s eligibility for the initial grading period? A1: No, all coursework to be utilized for the initial eligibility period of a school year mus t be included on the student’s transcript prior to the first day of the school year. Q2: A student fails his/her English class during the normal school year and takes a typing class in the summer. Does the grade received replace the failing grade received in the English class? A2: No. To replace a grade, the same course must be taken. Otherwise, all grades, including the failing grade and the summer school grade, must be considered in calculating the GPA for eligibility purposes. Section VI - Page 11 6. 3 .5 Scholarship Requirements Established by Member Schools Member schools may establish and administer scholarship requirements, which exceed the minimum requirements, stated herein. Students transferring to a school must meet the scholarship requirements established by that school . Q3: Can a summer school or off campus course (online, etc.) be factored into a student’s spring semester GPA if the course does not replace an existing grade? A3: Yes, even though the course will not replace an existing grade, it can be factored into a student ’s GPA for the preceding semester as long as the course appears on the student’s transcript within the required timeframe. Q4: A student fails a spring semester course that is not offered at the local high school during the summer. Can the student replace the grade with an online or dual enrollment course from an accredited institution during the summer? A4: Yes. As long as the course is at least the general level of the same failed course. Q5: A student fails more than one course during the spring semester. The student opts to take summer school , but not all the failed courses are offered during the summer. How many courses must the student repeat in order to utilize the cumulative provision? A5: In order to utilize the cumulative provision, the student must repeat enough course work so that he or she is left with only one failing mark for the spring semester and must have passed a minimum of 51% of a regular spring semester class load. Q6: A student repeats a failed course during summer school and passes but is still ineligible and would like to use the cumulative provision to gain eligibility. Does the school have to include the failed course when utilizing the cumulative provision? A6: Local school policy can determine whether to include both grades or just the passing grade when utilizing the cumulative provision for scholastic eligibility. Q7: Can a student replace a failed spring semester course with only a “passing” (P) mark in the same course in summer school? A7: No . In order for a fa iled course to be replaced during summer school, the student must receive a letter grade. Q1: A student, whose previous semester grading period and cumulative GPA are between 2.0 and 2.4 (with no F’s), transfers to a school that has established a minimum 2.5 GPA as a requirement for athletic participation. Does that student meet NMAA academic criteria to participate? A1: No. A student must meet the minimum academic standards of the school that he/she is attending in order to be deemed eligible for participation at that school. Section VI - Page 12 6. 3 .6 Grace Period The school is allowed up to seven (7) school days from the last day of the regular grading period or semester, whichever is applicable, for grades to be gathered and recorded and the eligibility/ineligibility of student athletes to be determined for the ne xt grading period or semester. Students who are declared eligible at the end of a semester retain their eligibility throughout the duration of the following semester. Athletes who are declared ineligible at the end of a semester may regain their eligibility at the next six - or nine - week grading period. Note : Schools must declare fall semester eligibility prior to first day of the fall semester. Q1: If eligibility is determined by semester grades, must schools continue to declare eligibility for ALL students at each regular marking period? A1: No. Only those students who were declared ineligible at the end of the previous semester need be reviewed at the next regular marking period. Schools have seven (7) school days from the end of the regular marking period in which to declare eligibility for these students. Q2: Although grades have not been officially posted, the grading period has ended, and a Student, upon report from his teachers, has now become academically eligible to participate. Can these “reported” grades be used for eligibility? A2: No. The Athletic Administrator at each member school must set a date at the end of each grading period (regular or semester) to declare student eligibility. The same date must be used for all students whose eligibility is under consideration. A stude nt cannot be declared eligible prior to or after that date. The eligibility for all students is considered at the end of each semester. Only ineligible students are considered at regular marking periods. Q3: A Student with an “Incomplete” grade made up the work two weeks after the grading period ended. Can this amended grade now be used for eligibility? A3: No. There is a seven (7) school day grace period from the last day of the grading period for grades to be gathered and recorded for eligibility determination. The Incomplete grade must have been remedied by the end of the day that the AD declares the academic eligibility status of all students. Q4: A student with an “Incomplete” grade at the end of the spring semester was unable to make up the incomplete course work during the summer. Can the school apply the seven (7) school day grace period to the following school year to allow the student to make up the incomplete course work before declaring fall semester eligibility? A4: No. Spring semester grades for all students must be recorded and fall semester eligibility declared prior to the first day of the fall semester. The first day of the fall semester begins a new school year. Section VI - Page 13 6. 4 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS Prior to participating in any interscholastic activity including but not limited to practice sessions, in - season or off - season practic e/ work out sessions, summer practice/ workout sessions, or school district approved athletic elective credit classes, the following conditions apply: 6. 4 .1 Student Enrollment The s tudent must be officially admitted to the public high school in his or her designated attendance zone, obtain a school district approved transfer to a school outside his or her designated attendance zone, or be enrolled in a private, charter, alternative , or home school. 6. 4 .2 Full - Time Student The student participant must be a Full - Time student of the member school for which he/she participates or represents. A Full - Time student is defined as a student who is enrolled in a minimum of 51% of the member school’s regular class schedule and is in regular attendance at the NMAA member school. The student must be enrolled in courses that are credit earning, are applicable to high school graduation requirements and are to be included i n the student ’s high school transcript. Note: See 6. 4 .5 for regulati ons governing Charter, Home, Alternativ e, and Non - Member Private School students. 6. 4 .3 Use of Student’s Own Legal Name The student participant must be enrolled under his/her own legal name. 6. 4 . 4 Attendance Zone Determination A. The designated school A ttendance Z one is based on the bona fide residence of the student ’s Parent(s) or Legal Guardian . Private Schools and Charter Schools do not have a designated attendance zone. 1 . R esidence of Student, Parent(s), Spouse a . The residence of a single, divorced, or widowed student is presumed to be that of the p arents of the student . b . The residence of a married student is presumed to be that of his or her spouse. 2. Legal Guardian If a student’s Parents are alive but a Legal Guardian of his or her person is appointed by an appropriate district court judicial authority, the residence of the student is presumed to be that of the Legal Guardian. Legal guardianship must be established at least one calendar year before a transfer in order to be considered for eligibility purposes. Q1: Will a custody document signed by a Notary Public or a Municipal Court Judge suffice in determining legal guardianship for NMAA eligibility? A1: No, all custodial documents used to determine legal guardianship for NMAA eligibility must be signed by a District Court Judge. Section VI - Page 14 6. 4 . 5 Participating at Schools other than those Attend ing Students attending Charter Schools, Alternative Schools, Home Schools , or Non - Member Private Schools may participate at schools other than those that they attend, providing they meet eligibility criteria. (Please see specific rules and regulations gov erning Charter, Alternative, Home, and Non - Member Private Schooled students outlined in Section 10 of this Handbook .) NMAA member pr ivate school and/or NMAA member public school students are ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned activities/athletics outside of the school in which they attend. 6. 4 . 6 Enrollment Timeline for Participation A. A student entering school for the first time in a school year must have enrolled by the tenth (10) school day of that semester to be considered for immediate athletic eligibility. B. If not enrolled by the tenth (10) day, the student is ineligible for participation until his/her eleventh (11) day of attendance. C. The 10 - day rule applies if the student is absent from school for ten ( 10 ) or more school days and is officially dropped from the school registry, unless he/she is out of school due to documented illness or injury. A student is required to practice the appropriate number of days in advance of participation in a contest/game/match . ( s ee individual sport bylaws in Section VII ) 6. 4 .7 Non - Athletic Residential Requirements Bowling is the only non - athletic activity sanctioned by the NMAA whose participants must meet the same residential regulations requ ired of athletic participants. 6. 5 OPEN ENROLLMEN T Member schools may establish and administer o pen enrollment policies and procedures which may exceed the standards listed in this section. 6. 5 .1 Open Enrollment Choice Open Enrollment Choice refers to a one - time decision to attend /participate for a school of the student’s choosing as an incoming ninth grade student, or eighth - grade student, pursuant to state statute s and the policies of each school district . A. An incoming ninth - grade student, or an eighth - grade student who participates at the high school level , will have made h is/her Open Enrollment Choice subject to the following rules: 1. An incoming ninth - grade student, upon his/her initial enrollment in ninth grade, will have an Open Enrollmen t Choice to enroll in a member public, private, tribal, independent, parochial, charter , alternative , or home school. 2. An eighth - grade student who participates in high school athletics, at any level of competition, will make his/her Open Enrollment Choice at the eighth - grade level . 8th grade students are eligible to participate in high school athletics at the high school in which their middle school or junior high feeds . 8 th grade students who are not enrolled in a middle school or junior high school which feed s an NMAA member high school are eligible to participate at their attendance zone public high school . Note: Athletic Directors (at all levels) must submit the online “8 th Grade Participation Form” to the NMAA signed by the Parent and Athletic Director prior to 8 th Graders Section VI - Page 15 participating at the high school level. 8 th grade students are ineligible to participate at any level until the NMAA has confirmed receipt of the “8 th Grade Participation Form.” 3. Open enrollment choice is not an option for foreign student s residing without their parents and/or legal guardians . (see 6. 7 . 2 .) B. The Open Enrollment Choice will allow s tudent s to be eligible immediately at all levels of competition , providing all other requirements are met . ( s ee 6. 2 for situations which would make a n eighth grade /freshman student ineligible for Open Enrollment Choice .) C. If a student utilizes his/her Open Enrollment Choice to enroll in a school outside the attendance zone of his/her primary residence, the Student will NOT be classified as a transfer student . The student must follow the Open Enrollment process as established by his/her local school district. D. If a student changes schools after the Open Enrollment Choice, he/she is classified as a transfer student . All transfer rules then apply ( s ee 6. 6 ) . E. Failure to follow the approved local school district Open Enrollment process or providing false information to the school ’s administration for enrollment purposes will result in the student’s immediate suspension from participation for 365 calendar days from the date the student receives an app roved Open Enrollment to the school of his/her choice. Q 1 : If a student is not enrolled in a middle/junior high school which feeds an NMAA member high school, where are they eligible to participate? A 1 : Students not enrolled in a middle/junior high school which feeds an NMAA member high school are eligible to participate at their attendance zone public high school ( typically applies to home, charter, alternative, online schools, etc.) Q 2 : Has an 8th grade student who participates on a high school team at the sub - varsity level made his open enrollment choice? A 2 : Yes, an open enrollment choice has been made for all sports, when a student participates at any level of high school competition. Q1: A Student makes his/her Open Enrollment choice at a private school or a school that is located outside of his/her attendance area. If the student leaves his/her school in good standing , then enrolls in his/her home attendance area school is the student eligible for varsity athletic participation? A1: A student who transfers schools after making their open enrollment choice is considered a transfer student. Transfer students are afforded immediate varsity eligibility upon their initial transfer into an NMAA member school. Students who transfer a second or subsequent time into an NMAA member school are ineligible for 365 calendar days at the varsity level. (see 6.6) Q2: If a student transfers with their family from out of state to a community in our state, is that student afforded an Open Enrollment Choice at the school of his/her choice ? A2: The student would not be eligible for an open enrollment choice , however; if the student is making their first transfer into an NMAA member school, they are afforded immediate eligibility at the school of their choice using the first - time transfer provision . (see 6.6) Section VI - Page 16 6. 6 TRANSFER S All student transfers must comply with local school district policies and procedures, which may exceed the standards listed in this section. 6. 6 .1 Transfer Defined A. A student who changes their school of enrollment/participation at any time after having made an open enrollment choice. 6. 6 . 2 First Transfer A . Students making their initial transfer to an NMAA member school are permitted one free transfer after their open enrollment choice provided that transfer occurs on or before the Start of Practice date of the sports season in which the transfer occurs. 1 . Students who transfer after the Start of Practice date shall be ineligible for varsity part icipation for the remainder of that sport ’s season . (see also 6.12.1.D.) 2. Inter zone/district transfers must be approved by the local school district. Note : The First Transfer provision is also subject but not limited to the following bylaws ; 6.2.4 (Undue Influence), 6.2.5 (Following a Coach), 6.4.5 (Non - Enrolled Students) , 6.7.1.B. (Foreign Students) , and 6.6.8.B. (Specialized Sport Training) . 6. 6 .3 Second and Subsequent Transfers Students who transfer a second or subsequent time are ineligible for varsity participation in all sports for 365 calendar days from the date of enrollment at the new school unless they meet one of the following exceptions : A. Bona Fide Residence 1. If a student moves residences and enrolls in the school located within the attendance zone of the student’s new bona fide residence and resides with his or her Parent or Legal Guardian, the student is a bona fide resident of that attendance zone and eligible for varsity participation . ( see also Eligibility Retention exception 6.6.8.A. ) 2 . Bona Fide Residence Criteria Documentation for the establishment of a bona fide residence shall be provided to the NMAA as follows: a. Doe s the student’s Parent, Legal Guardian, or other person whose residence determines the student’s residence own a house or condominium or rent a house or apartment in the school district and attendance zone? Parents must provide documentation to verify the p urchase, lease, or rental of a home or living quarters located in the new attendance zone. A lease or rental agreement must be for at least one year in duration. b. Does the student and Parent or Legal Guardian have their furniture and personal effects in the new district and attendance zone? There shall not be any personal effects or furniture belonging to the family at the previous residence. Section VI - Page 17 c. Does the student and the Parent or Legal Guardian receive their mail (other than business or office mail) in the new district and attendance zone? The family shall submit a change of mailing address to the Post Office. d. Do the siblings of the student attend schools within that attendance zone? e. Do the Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) regularly live in the new district and attendance zone? 1 . The new residence shall accommodate the entire family. 2. The former residence shall be on the market at a reasonable market price, or sold, or the lease or rental agreement shall be terminated, or the home abandoned. 3. All utilities and telephone services shall be disconnected or no longer in the family’s name. f . Items used for personal identification purposes should reflect the current/new address. B. Deceased Parents If a student’s Parents are deceased and guardianship of his or her person has not been appointed, the residence of the student is presumed to be that of the grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult brother or sister, or other person with whom the student is living and by whom the student is supported. C. Custodial (2017 - SB213) 1. The childcare boarding facility to which a student has been assigned by an appropriate governmental authority is presumed to be the residence of the student. 2. If a student is moved to a foster home in another school attendance zone or school district, the foster home is considered the residence of the student. 3. The mental health treatment facility to which a student has been assigned pursuant to the Children’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act is presumed to be the residence of the student. D. Parent - to - Parent Transfer s 1. A student shall be able to make one parent to parent or legal guardian to legal guardian move and be eligible provided all of the following conditions are met: a . Parents /Legal Guardians are divorced or legally separated b . The move is not within the same or adjoining district c . The student establishes a bona fide residence with his/her parent or legal guardian and attends the high school in his or her designa ted attendance zone E. Independent Self - Supporting Student 1. A self - supporting student (married or independent) may be eligible for athletic competition in the attendance zone in which he/she resides provided all other eligibility requirements are met. The criteria for achieving independent self - supporting status fo r purposes of eligibility are as follows: a . Must be residing on his/her own, paying for lodging, food, clothing, household maintenance, transportation, etc. from funds/revenues generated through current Section VI - Page 18 earnings. Students achieving eligibility under this rule cannot have subsidized trust, savings, or other means by which their existence would be endowed, both past and present. b . Must show evidence to the satisfaction of the Director that he/she is not receiving support from anyone other than him/herself. c . Must show evidence that the student has lodging, phone, insurance, transportation, etc. clearly under his/her name and is responsible for the payment thereof. d. Reaching the age of 18 is not a factor in determining independent status in terms of determining eligibility for interscholastic activities. Note : NMAA Administration will make determination as to eligibility status, based on documentation received. F. Boarding School s 1. Students who are residing on campus and attending NMAA member institutions which have the capacity to board or provide residence to individuals who are bona fide students at the member institution, are eligible providing all of the following conditions are met: a . The student must provide an affidavit, signed by both the student and Parents, attesting to the fact that he/she has not in any way been influenced or recruited to enroll in the institution for athletic or activity purposes. b . The student left the previous school in good standing. c . The intent of the move is to stay with this institution and not attend another high school for the remainder of his/her secondary educational career. d . The student has not attended the same or another boarding school, in or out of state, and applied this exception to another institution. e. The student will remain under the jurisdiction of this institution and be subject to all of the same rules as any other student who attends the petitioning school during the course of his/her tenure at the school. G. Parents Living Outside the United States A student of American Parents working or stationed outside of the United States may be eligible if petitioned through the Director. H . Did Not Participate Students who did not participate in an NMAA sanctioned competition (or equivalent), at any level, in a particular sport at his/her former school during the previous school year may petition the Executive Director for immediate eligibility at the varsity level in t hat sport. The student must have been in good standing and academically eligible during his/her period of non - participation at the former school. This exception can only be used once . I. Discontinued Programs Students transferring out of a school which discontinues a sport the student was a participant of the year prior shall be afforded immediate varsity eligibility only in that sport at the school of their choice . Section VI - Page 19 6. 6 .5 Senior Transfers Senior transfer students may not compete at the sub - varsity level. 6. 6 . 6 Good Standing If the student does not leave his/her school in good standing, the student is ineligible in all sports at all levels of competition for 365 calendar days or until all disciplinary measures/debts from the sending school have been satisfied. 6. 6 . 7 Falsification Failure to achieve an approved school district transfer or providing false information will result in immediate suspension from participation for 365 calendar days in all sports at all levels . (see 6.1. 2 .E.) 6. 6 . 8 Exceptional Circumstances A. Eligibility Retention A student participant enrolled for 365 calendar days retains eligibility for subsequent years as long as the student remains enrolled at the school and meets all other NMAA eligibility requirements. B. Specialized Sport Training Transfer S tudents who enroll in an NMAA - member school after attending a specialized sport training academy or school, shall be ineligible for varsity participation in that sport(s) for 365 calendar days from the date of their enrollment. Specialization sport traini ng programs include, without limitation, non - school sponsored sports training academies or facilities that recruit participants for specialized training. Specialization sport training programs also include non - NFHS member prep school, non - scholastic team/p rogram, or municipal sports teams. Q1: If a student’s parents move outside of the district but the student chooses to remain at the school that he/she is presently attending, does that student retain eligibility? A1: Yes, once a student has gained eligibility retention at a school, that student will retain eligibility, even if his/her parents move out of the district, for as long as he/she continues to consecutively attend there or until his/her eligibility has been exhausted. Q2: If a Student utiliz es eligibility retention at the former school , can the Student utilize the bona fide residence provision to gain immediate varsity eligibility at the new home district school? A2: No. Once retention eligibility is used, the Student cannot claim a new bona fide residence at the new home district school. Q3: How long must a student be in attendance at a school before he/she is eligible to use the eligibility retention regulation? A3: A student is eligible to utilize the eligibility retention regulation one year from his/her initial day of attendance at a school. Section VI - Page 20 6. 7 FOREIGN STUDENTS 6. 7 . 1 International Student Exchange Participant Eligible immediately if the student is participating in a formal program sanctioned through the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is not directly placed by the CSIET program. Directly placed foreign exchange students wi ll be eligible at the sub - varsity level only. Students who receive a foreign exchange waiver are eligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned athletic events for a period of one calendar school year. If they return for a second year to the host school or a ny other member school, they are ineligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned athletic events; this includes students who change their visa status. Foreign exchange students who receive a foreign exchange waiver may reside with school employees who are not athletic department staff members. 6.7.2 Foreign Students (non - U.S. citizens) Foreign student s who enter this country without their parents/legal guardians and enroll in a NMAA member high school without a formal sanctioned CSIET program , or who return to a member school after completing a formal sanctioned CSIET program, are ineligible for 365 calendar days at the varsity level. A Foreign student who enrolls during his/her senior year may not participate in NMAA sanctioned events. It is not permissible for foreign students to live with coaches, administrators, or school officials without U.S. court ordered legal guardianship ( s ee Undue Influence, 6. 2 . 4 ). F oreign student s residing at boarding schools are exempt from this rule. Note : Foreign students who enter NMAA member schools without their parents and/or Legal Guardians are not afforded an Open Enrollment Choice or First Transfer Exception . 6. 8 ELIGIBILITY REVIEW When determining the eligibility status of student s, it is the school’s responsibility to read and follow all NMAA policies and procedures . The policies and procedures apply to all levels of competition unless sp ecifically state d otherwise. It is the responsibility of administrators to ensure that Association standards are satisfied within each school’s athletics and activities programs. If deviations are discovered, it is the administrator’s responsibility to communicate them to the Association. 6. 8 .1 Local S chools A. Local schools shall administer the eligibility review procedure and make eligibility decisions based on the following NMAA eligibility rules: 1. Scholarship, including cumulative provision ( 6. 3 ) 2. Enrollment /Open Enrollment Choice ( 6 . 5 ) 3. If a student - athlete resided with and continues to reside with the same individual or family other th a n a Parent or Legal Guardian prior to 7 th grade 4. Eligibility Retention ( 6. 6. 8. A ) 5. Eligibility for participation at the sub - varsity level only ( 6. 8 .3.C.2 ) – all paperwork , including Form C, must be reviewed by the Athletic Director and remain in the student’s file until graduation 6. GED/High School Diploma ( 6.1 0 ) 7. Semesters of Attendance ( 6. 1 1 ) – unless an exception is being petitioned 8. Participation Limits ( 6. 1 2 ) – unless an exception is being petitioned 9. Dual Participation ( 6. 1 2 .2 ) 10. Parental Consent ( 6.1 3 ) 11. Physical Fitness ( 6.1 4 ) 12. Participant Insurance (6.1 5 ) 13. Age ( 6.1 6 ) – unless an exception is being petitioned Section VI - Page 21 14. Charter , Alternative, Home, and Non - Member Private School (10.1 – 10.7 ) B. Documents signed by school administration which are pertinent to the above rulings must be maintained in the student ’s file both at the school and the NMAA office until that student ’s graduation. C. The local school assumes all responsibility for errors or misinterpretation of rules. 6. 8 .2 NMAA Office A . The NMAA Office shall administer the eligibility review process and make eligibility decisions based on the following NMAA eligibility rules: 1. Undue Influence of a student Athlete ( 6.2.4 ) 2. Student Transferring to Follow a Coach ( 6. 2.5 ) 3. I ncomplete Scholastic Record due to sickness or death of immediate family member ( 6. 3 .2 ) 4. Special Education ( 6. 3 .3 ) 5. 8 th Grade Participation ( 6. 5 .1.A.2 & Note ) 6. Transfer s (6. 6 ) 7. Foreign Exchange student s ( 6. 7 . 1 ) 8. Foreign student s ( 6. 7 .2 ) 9. Semesters of Attendance ( 6.1 1 ) – exceptions only 10. Participation Limits ( 6. 1 2 ) – exceptions only 11. Age ( 6.1 6 ) – exceptions only 12. Amateur Status ( 6.1 7 ) 13. Eligibility issues pursuant to court or legal orders 6. 8 .3 Eligibility Review Process – Petition for Eligibility A. M ember school s shall petition the NMAA for a determination of a transfer student’s eligibility to participate in NMAA sanctioned interscholastic activities at the varsity level. The member school petitione r shall submit the required NMAA Petition Forms A, C , a transcript of the student’s grades , and all supporting documentation. The student’s parent or guardian must sign the Form C certifying that all information and documents supporting the petition have been provided. The NMAA reserves the right to request any other form of information t hat will assist in determining the student ’s eligibility . B. The member school petitioner shall submit to the NMAA office : 1. Correspondence and/or Form A stating: a. Name of student b. Reason for petition/exception c. Eligibility rule being petitioned or a narrative explaining specifics of the transfer. 2. School record /Transcripts ( must include grades from most recent grading period). 3. Record from previous school/good standing (Form C) 4. All documentation necessary for a ruling on a petition for eligibility (e.g., residential lease or home purchase documentation, other bona fide residence documentation, medical records, written statements of health care provider(s), divorce decrees, court documents, other records including video recordings, audio recordings, emails etc.) must be provided at the time of the initial petition. Athletic Directors should notify the parents or guardians of the student whose eligibility is being determined of the need to provide all supporting records, and the deadline to do so . The affected student’s parent or guardian must sign the Petition for Eligibility certifying that all information and documents have been provided. Section VI - Page 22 C. Each member school petitioner shall complete the required forms and submit the documentation to the NMAA office . 1. A student may practice but is not permitted to participate in games/contests at the varsity level until a decision has been received from the NMAA via email, official phone call or U.S. Mail . (This criteria does not pertain to sub - varsity competition, a lthough documentation verifying that the student left his/her previous high school in good standing is required prior to sub - varsity participation.) 2 . Transfer students who will participate at the sub - varsity level on ly , do not need to be petitioned to the NMAA, although a Form C must be requested by the petitioner at the receiving school to ensure that the student left the sending school in good standing. If a Form C indicates that the student did not leave in good standin g (ex. f ines owed, d isciplinary measures not satisfied) the form C document must be submi tted to NMAA administration for review and ruling prior to eligibility declaration. D . The Executive Director or designee shall make the determination of eligibility based on the information and records submitted with the Petition for Eligibility and in accordance with NMAA b ylaws . The member school may appeal this decision pursuant to Section XIII of these Bylaws. 6. 8 .4 Effect of Eligibility Determination A decision of eligibility by the Director, Appeals Review Committee , or Board of Directors is a determination that a student is eligible under the NMAA b ylaws, rules, and policies to participate in an NMAA sanctioned activity at a specific member school. A determination of eligibility by the NMAA is not a guarantee that the s tudent will be allowed to play a certain amount of time or participate to any particular degree. Member school s , administrators and coaches retain discretion over such decisions. 6. 9 USE OF INELIGIBLE STUDENT PARTICIPANT 6. 9 .1 Penalty for U se of Ineligible Student Participant A member school o r coach allowing an ineligible student to pa rticipate in an interscholastic activity will be subject to sanctions as determined by the Executive Director which may include forfeiture of games . ( s ee 2. 2 .2 ) 6. 10 GED/HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA 6. 10 . 1 GED/High School Diploma A student ’s eligibility for pa rticipation is ended once that student earns or is eligible for his/her GED or high school diploma or its equivalent. A . A student who leaves high school and completes a full - time early release post - secondar y education/training program (GED or its equivalent) is no longer eligible for interscholast ic competition even though the student later returns to high school . B . A senior student who is eligible in the spring semester continues to be eligible for all spring interscholastic activities even though graduation exercises may precede the completion of interscholastic activities for that specific semester. Section VI - Page 23 6. 1 1 SEMESTERS OF ATTENDANCE 6. 1 1 .1 Senior High Interscholastic Competition A student is eligible for senior high school interscholastic competition for ten (10) consecutive semesters starting with the 8 th grade year if the student participates in any sport at the senior high level during his/her 8 th grade year. A student is eligible for senior high interscholastic competition for eight (8) consecutive semesters starting with the 9 th grade year if the student is beginning senior high competition for the first time and has not previously participated at the senior high level prior to entering the 9 th grade. A. Age limitations apply in all cases. ( 6.1 6 ) B . A student uses a semester of eligibility if he or she attend s one or more class periods in a semester. C. The 8 th grade semesters must be consecutive and within the same academic year. Q1: A Student withdraws from high school to attend a semester long firefighting program offered by the city as a requirement for employment. The Student plans t o return to the high school to graduate. Is the Student eligible to participate during his/her semester of absence? A1: No, a student must be enrolled in at least 51% of the school’s full schedule of classes in order to be eligible to participate. Q2: A Student is taking GED courses during the evenings in addition to being enrolled at the local high school in excess of 51% of the school day. The student is afforded the opportunity to take the GED exam and earn his/her GED diploma during this timeframe. Once the Student has been awarded his/her GED Diploma, is he/she eligible to remain and participate in high school athletics? A2: No, once a student has earned a high school equivalency degree (GED) he/she is no longer eligible to participate in NMAA sanctioned events. Q1: A Student was held back in the 8th grade for academic reasons. He did not participate in athletics at the senior high level (C - Team, sub - varsity or varsity). The Student will turn 19 prior to September 1st of his/her senior year. How many semesters of eligibility does this student have to play? A1: If the student does not participate at the high school level in his/her second 8th grade year, he/she will have 8 consecutive semesters of eligibility beginning with the 9th grade year. However, as the Student will turn 19 prior to September 1st of hi s/her senior year, the Student will have exhausted his/her athletic eligibility based upon age limitations and will be ineligible for athletic participation his/her senior year. (See 6.1 6 ) Section VI - Page 24 6. 1 1 .2 SBE Regulation No 95 - 11 Section IV C - Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) A student forced to withdraw from school attendance may not be required to count the semester as one of possible eligibility, provided each of the following criteria is met and supported by evidence acceptable to the Director. The burden of proof rests with the Pa rent or school requesting the exception. The student must: A. Have been forced to withdraw due to illness, injury, or disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act). The withdrawal must be necessary because of the student ’s disability or medical condition, not merely a preference. B . Have been forced to withdraw on or before the 15th school day of that semester. C . Not have participated in any interscholastic athletic event(s) that semester. D . Have been eligible scholastically that semester at the time of withdrawal unless the student ’s scholastic ineligibility is a result of a disabil ity which is the basis for the student ’s withdrawal. E . Continue to be unable to attend school for at least the remainder of that semester. F. Meet all other eligibility standards. 6. 1 2 PARTICIPATION LIMITS 6. 1 2 .1 Season /Championship Limit A. A Senior High student is eligible for no more than four (4) seasons in any sport unless that student participated at the senior high level during his/her 8th grade year in which he/she is eligible for no more than five (5) seasons. A Junior High/Middle School student shall not participate for more than three (3) seasons in a given sport, regardless of circumstances (7th, 8th, and 9th for junior high and/or 6th, 7th and 8th for middle schools). B. A student is limited to one (1) s eason per school year in a specific sport. This applies to student s transferring from another state where the season may have already occurred in that sport. C. It shall be considered a season of participation when a student participates in an NMAA sanctioned competition (or equivalent), at any level, in that sport. ( s ee Appendices for definitions of participant, participation, and practice.) Q2: If a student repeats the 8th grade and participates at the high school level during his/her second 8th grade year only, how many semesters of eligibility does the student have remaining beginning with his/her second 8th grade year? A2: As long as the student does not exceed the age requirement, the student will have 10 consecutive semesters of eligibility remaining beginning with the first semester of his/her second 8th grade year, providing that he/she did not play at the high school level during his/her initial 8th grade year . Q1: If a student plays softball in a state where it is a fall sport and then transfers to New Mexico and wants to play here where it is offered in the spring, may she do so? A1: No, a student is limited to playing a sport for one season only during a scholastic year. Section VI - Page 25 D. Students who transfer after the official practice start date will be ineligible for varsity participation at the new school for the remainder of that sport ’s season. 1 . Transfer students who practice after the official practice start date at their new school while awaiting a varsity eligibility ruling are exempt from this provision and eligible to return to their former school if eligibility is denied and if the student has not participated in an official sanctioned competition in that sport . 6. 1 2 .2 Dual Participation A. Participating on a non - school team in the same sport during t he school season is discouraged . If a student is allowed b y the school , through the permission of his/her coach or administrator, to p articipate in this manner, the student ’s sport event limit may not be exceeded cumulatively. B . Game limitations in interscholastic sports are not to be exceeded . 1. Pre - season scrimmage do es not count toward game limits. 2 . All competition and/or games played (school and/or non - school, individual and/or team) from the first day of permissible legal practice to the final day of the ir school schedule in that sport count toward th e allowable limit. Ex ception: Golf, Tennis, and Spirit. N ote : Because spirit and swimming/diving are classified as “year round” sport s , meet limitations in those sports are in effect from the start of the NMAA competitive season (Monday of week #19) through the completion of the sc hool’s schedule . 3 . NMAA p ost - season events such as district and state tournaments do not count toward that limit. C. The Director m ay impose penalties appropriate to the violation . 6. 1 2 .3 Post - Secondary School Participation A student who , while representing a member school, competes against any collegiate individual or team , shall be subject to NMAA sanctions. Q1: If a student plays on his high school basketball team and also on a church league basketball team during the NMAA regulation basketball season, do the church league games count towards the student ’ s maximum allowable games? A1: Yes, all games played (church league, AAU, city league, etc.) with the exception of one pre - season scrimmage and NMAA sanctioned post - season events (district and state tournaments) count toward the maximum number of allowable games. Q2: If, during the NMAA sports season, a student athlete is invited to a s howcase staged by university programs with the intent of evaluating post - secondary playing potential and the showcase includes scrimmages, do those scrimmages count toward that student athlete’s maximum number of allowable games during a sports season? A2: Yes, participating in any type of organized game competition counts towards a student athlete’s maximum number of allowable games during a sports season. Section VI - Page 26 6.1 3 PARENTAL CONSENT 6.1 3 .1 General Consent A statement must be on file in the school office, signed by the student ’s Parents or Legal Guardian, indicating that there are no objections to the student participating in athletic contests or to the school releasing to the Association information on the student when ne eded to determine eligibility. 6.1 3 .2 Consent to Treat Prior to participation, writt en parental consent, allowing qualified medical providers (QMP) to provide sports medicine services, must be on file with the school and provided on the NMAA’s Consent to Treat form. A QMP is defined as a medical/osteopathic physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or athletic trainer licensed by the state of New Mexico (or the state in which the student - a thlete is located at time of injury or illness). 6.1 4 PHYSICAL FITNESS The student must be physically fit. This fitness must be based on a physical exam ination of the student occurring on or after April 1 of the previous school year and must be verified in writing by a licensed medical/osteopathic physician/physician's assistant or nurse practitioner to the extent authorized by their practice act and licensing authority. The physical is considered valid through the following school y ear. A student must have a current physical on file for any participation outside of the school day (pre - season, in - season, off - season, summer). The certificate of examination must be on file in the member school office. By Public Education Department regulations , SBE Regulation No. 95 - 11, Section IV. A. , a student ’s fitness may be verified in writing by a “licensed chiropractic physician to the extent authorized by their practice act and licensing authority.” Member schools shall utilize the physical examination forms provided by the NMAA. There shall be five parts: Part One – Emergency Information Form – To be completed and signed by the parent or guardian of the student athlete. Schools may use their own form/format . Part Two – Pre - Participation History Form – To be completed and signed by the parent or guardian of the student athlete. Part Three – Pre - Participation Physical Examination Form – To be completed and signed by the examining medical provider. Part Four – Pre - Participation Medical Eligibility Form – To be completed and signed by the examining medical provider. Part F ive – Consent to Treat Form – To be completed and signed by the parent or guardian of the student athlete. Q1: Must a student have a current physical to be eligible to participate in school sponsored summer or out of season (ex. one hour after school) programs? A1: Yes, for liability purposes, a student must have a current physical to be eligible to participate in school sponsored programs. Q2: If a student takes a physical examination in March of the current school year, is that physical examination valid during the fall sports season of the following school year? A2: No, any physical examination taken prior to April 1st, is valid for the present school year only. Section VI - Page 27 6.1 5 PARTICIPANT INSURANCE Participants must be covered by accident/injury insurance prior to participation . They may carry school - offered insurance or provide the school with documentation that they are covered by a private insurance carrier. A document signed by the student and parent verifying insurance coverage must remain on file in the athletic administrative office . 6.1 6 AGE An age limitation requirement provides commonality between student - athletes and schools in interscholastic competition; inhibits “redshirting”; allows for the participation of younger and less experienced players, enhances the opportunity for more students to participate; promotes equality of competition; avoids over - emphasis on athletics, and helps to diminish the inherent risk of injury associated with par ticipation in interscholastic athletics. To ensure equality of competition and opportunity, a standard must be established to determine the cut - off date for age eligibility. Use of a specific cut - off date gives notice to all parties involved in interscholastic athletics and maintains equality of participant eligibility among schools. A student who turns 19 years of age after August 31 of the current school year is eligible for the entire school year. A student who is 19 years of age or older prior to SEPTEMBER 1 (12:01 A.M. MIDNIGHT ) is ineligible. For Junior High/Middle School, a student is eligible to play with the grade indicated if the student is of age at the date outlined herein. If not, t he student must move up to play with the age which is correct for him/her . Sixth Grade: A student must be less than 13 years of age on August 31 st of the current school year. Seventh Grade: A student must be less than 14 years of age on August 31 st of the current school year. Eighth Grade: A student must be less than 15 years of age on August 31 st of the current school year. Ninth Grade: A student must be less than 16 years of age on August 31 st of the current school year. Note: Age appropriateness does not supersede allowable semesters of competition. ( s ee 6.1 1 .1 ) Q3: If a student took a physical examination after April 1st of the previous school year but prior to the present school year, is the physical examination valid throughout the present school year? A3 : Yes, a physical examination taken after April 1st is valid for the entire following school year, including the summer. Q1: Must a student be covered by accident / injury insurance to be eligible to participate in a summer, or out of season (ex. one - hour per day) school sponsored program? A1: Yes, for liability purposes, students participating in these programs must be insured. Q2: Do students need to provide proof of insurance if the school already has a blanket insurance policy that covers their sport programs and participants? A2: No. The blanket policy satisfies the requirement, and it would be up to each individual school to require additional individual coverage if they so choose. Section VI - Page 28 6. 1 7 ATHLETIC AMATEUR STATUS 6.1 7 .1 Amateur Status In order to represent their school in any Association - sanctioned c ontest, student s must be amateurs in that sport. 6.1 7 . 2 Participate Under Own Legal Name An amateur athlete shall participate and shall always have participated under his/her own name. 6.1 7 . 3 Loss of Amateur Status A. An amateur athlete may forfeit amateur status in a sport by: 1. Competing for money or other monetary compensation. 2. Receiving any award or prize of monetary value. 3. Capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value in affiliation or connection with activities involving the student’s school team or school. a. This provision is not intended to restrict the right of any student to use their name, image, or likeness to participate in a commercial endorsement provided there is no school, school team , or NMAA affiliation. b. The student is prohibited from appearing in the uniform of the student’s school and may not utilize the name, marks, logos, etc. of the school, or NMAA as part of any endorsement. *NOTE: This provision is also applicable to participants in the activity of Esports. Q1: The owner of a local shoe store invites a player from the local high school volleyball team to come by the store and pick out a pair of free shoes. Does this affect that player’s amateur status? A1: Yes, financial benefit gained because of athletic participation does jeopardize a student’s amateur status. Q2: After a great ballgame, the owner of the local restaurant invites the team over to the restaurant for a free meal. Could this affect the amateur status of the team members? A2: Yes, financial benefit gained because of athletic participation does jeopardize a student’s amateur status. Q3: During the end of season sports banquet, the booster club gives a new pair of shoes to each member of the team. Is this in violation of NMAA eligibility guidelines? A3: Yes. Awards must be symbolic in nature. Merchandise awards are in violation of NMAA guidelines and will affect the eligibility status of the student athlete. Section VI - Page 29 6.1 7 .4 Contracts An amateur athlete shall not sign any contract for his/her services as an athlete repre senting he/her school except a letter of intent to attend a college or university. 6.1 7 .5 Retention of Amateur Sta tus An amateur athlete who received pay for officiating or teaching in recreation programs retains amateur sta tus for interscholastic competition. 6.1 7 .6 Participation W ith or Against Professional Athletes An amateur athlete may participate with or against professional athlete s, but not while representing a member school or the Association . The athlete’s amateur standing is ultimately under the jurisdiction of the national or international governing body for the specific sport. The Dual Participation Regulation applies. 6.1 7 .7 Non - School Sponsored Events – Awards In non - school sponsored events, the awards a participant may receive and still retain amateur status will be determined by the NCAA guidelines for that specific sport. For golf and tennis, amateur status will be determined by the national governing body. 6.1 7 .8 School Sponsored Events - Awards Individual participants in any interscholastic athletic/activity sponsored and/or approved by the Association shall not accept cash or merchandise awards. Awards must be symbolic in nature with no functional or intrinsic value such as, but not limited to, letters, plaques, trophies, medals, ribbons, certificates , and letter adornments. Q4: If a team wins a state championship, may the school reward the athletes/coaches with championship rings and if so, what entity may purchase the rings? A4: Providing state championship rings is allowed and they may be purchased by any entity (school, booster club, personal contributors, etc.) . What school administrators must understand is if they choose to provide a championship team with rings, they are setting a precedent and must do the same for all other teams within the school who win state championships, even if it means purchasing them with school funds. Q5: A student - athlete is invited to participate and train with a professional sport youth academy. Included in the invitation is a monthly stipend. Is this permissible? A5: Students may participate with or against professional athletes; however, in order to retain their amateur status, they may not receive any financial compensation for their participation. Q6: In return for endorsements, a local business owner offers payment to student - athletes in the community. Could these endorsements affect a student - athlete’s amateur status? A6: Students may receive compensation for commercial endorsements provided there is no school, school team, or NMAA affiliation. This would include the use of school or Association marks/logos, the school uniform, references (including hashtags, or other s ocial media tags) to the school or the Association, etc. Section VI - Page 30 A. "Cash" includes such things as, but not limited to, remuneration in any form such as cash, money orders, gift certificates, scholarships, free or reduced price meals. B. "Merchandise" awards include such things as, but not limited to, jackets, sweaters, blazers, w ind - breakers, blankets, etc. 6 .1 7 . 9 Amateur Status Lost in One Sport A student athlete who has lost amateur status in one sport does not necessarily lose amateur status in other sports. An appeal for reinstatement of amateur status must be submitted to the NMAA. 6. 1 8 ELIGIBILITY COMPLAINTS Any schoo l /individual filing a complaint regarding the eligibility of a student may be required to submit in writing /email , a full statement of the facts t o the Director. The Director shall have the discretion to determine whether an investigation is warranted, the authority to conduct an investigation, the authority to determine what, if any action, should be taken, and to take such action on any complaint. 6. 1 9 PENALTIES 6. 1 9 .1 Violations of Rules and Regulations by Participants, Fans , Students , and School Personnel Violations of any of the rules and regulations of the Association may subject a school or any individual to sanctions, including suspension and fines. In addition, the Director has the authority, after investigation, to suspend a school or indi vidual for violations of the Code of Ethics , Undue Influence , or other serious offenses against the goals and philosophy of the Association. ( s ee also NMAA Bylaw 7.7.4. “Crowd Control and Unsportsmanlike Conduct”) 6 . 1 9 . 2 Injunctions/Temporary Restraining Orders A . If a student is ineligible by rule yet is permitted to participate contrary to those rules, but in accordance with the terms of an injunction or court restraining order against the student ’s school and the Association and the injunction is subsequently vacated or reversed in favor of the Association and school’s position, remedies or action may be taken by the Association. If a finding is entered by the court that the application for injun ctive relief or restraining order is frivolous, any one or more of the following actions against such school in the interest of restitution and fairness to other competing schools may be taken: 1 . Require the individual or team records and performances achieved during pa rticipation by such ineligible student be vacated, stricken , or forfeited; 2 . Require any team victories/contests to be forfeited to opponents; 3 . Require team or individual awards earned to be returned to the Association and/or; 4 . Require funds to be retained or returned to the Association. If a school has received or would receive any funds from the Association tournamen t se ries ( state playoffs ) in which the ineligible individual participated, that school would be required to forfeit its share of the net receipts from such competition; and if said receipts have not been distributed, to authorize the withholding of said receipts by the Association. 5 . Impose an appropriate penalty on the member school or program, such as but not limited to suspension, probation, reprimand, etc. as presently exists within the NMAA Handbook. Section VI - Page 31 B . A school which has been suspended in one or more activities/athletic events sanctioned by the Association may not participate in that activity for a period not to exceed one calendar year. Other terms of the suspension or sanction imposed are established through Administrative and Review Committee procedures.