Athletic Directors:
With the fall sports seasons underway across the state, there have been several questions regarding students not yet in high school participating in high school interscholastic contests. Section 85 of the TAPPS By-Laws applies to both team and individual activities including cross country, fall golf, team tennis and fall swim meets in which students are representing the member school in interscholastic competition. These By-Laws state that students not yet in high school may not compete with or against high school students. This would prohibit participation at the varsity or sub varsity level by any junior high or middle school student for cross country meets, fall golf tournaments, team tennis matches or swim meets in interscholastic competition. This does not apply to any non-TAPPS event such as USGA or USTA hosted tournaments, nor those hosted by USA Swim or similar groups.
Our schools are blessed with many outstanding athletes at all ages, however, unlike the club or juniors world, there is not an option to “play up” grade levels for competitive purposes. Thank you in advance for your understanding and adherence to the TAPPS governance.
If questions arise, please contact the TAPPS office at [email protected] or by phone at 254-947-9268.