Administrative Procedure 0415 - Athletic Programs for Multiple Schools and or Academies Sharing a Campus or Facility

I. Purpose

To provide direction throughout the system regarding high school athletic programs for multiple educational entities (schools, academies, etc.) housed in a common facility or on a single campus.

II. Background

State regulations require students to be officially registered and attending the member MPSSAA school they are authorized to attend under regulations of the local school system. They may represent only the school in which they are registered and at which it is anticipated they will complete their graduation requirements. (COMAR 13A.06.03.02A)

III. Definitions

The following definitions apply to the content of these procedures:

1. School – an educational entity organized to provide instruction for students in a variety of disciplines.
2. Academy – an educational entity organized to provide students an opportunity to participate in structured career focused programs prior to graduation.
3. Principal/Instructional Leader – the administrative head or director of a school or academy.
4. MPSSAA – Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association is the governing body for athletics in the public high schools in the state of Maryland.
5. Athletics Programs – athletic programs for students in high schools, which include Corollary Athletics and Interscholastic Athletics

IV. Procedures

1. Students registered and attending an independent school or academy housed in the same facility or on the same campus shall participate as one athletic program. They shall compete under one school name, with one mascot and one set of school colors.
2. One Principal/Instructional Leader from the school or academy shall be designated to make all final athletic decisions regarding athletics.
   
   However, the Principal/Instructional Leader must meet on a regular basis to discuss athletic concerns. Disagreements shall be handled by conferring with the Instructional Director and the Coordinating Supervisor of Athletics.
   
   
3. The consolidation must meet MPSSAA Regulations and have MPSSAA Approval.
4. Establishing one athletic program will help to:
   • Enhance the culture and climate of the building and/or campus;
   • Provide additional social and educational opportunities for both schools;
   • Foster a collaborative sense of place, ownership, togetherness and sportsmanship;
   • Provide for a more effective use of athletic funding;
   • Provide a more effective use of athletic facilities and athletic equipment;
   • Provide an increase in the number of sports available for the students in both educational entities;
   • Increase options in JV sports;
   • Potentially increase in participation in certain sports (e.g., soccer, baseball, wrestling);
   • Increase competitiveness of all athletic programs; and
   • Increase collaboration between the two school communities.

V. Related Procedures

None.

VI. Maintenance and Update of These Procedures

These procedures originate with the Office of Interscholastic Athletics and will be updated as needed.

VII. Cancellations and Supersedures

None. This is a new Administrative Procedure.

VIII. Effective Date

September 8, 2017

About This Procedure

Revised: September 8, 2017

Documents

Administrative Procedure 0415 - Athletic Programs for Multiple Schools and or Academies Sharing a Campus or Facility.pdf