Athletic Placement Process - APP

The purpose of the statewide Athletic Placement Process (APP) physical fitness testing program is to determine the level of physical fitness students have when compared to older athletes that they will be competing with in high school programs. If your son or daughter is seeking to be part of a junior varsity or varsity high school team, along with a physical examination, will determine whether the appropriate level of physical development has evolved in relation to similar levels of older students.  Students must pass all required parts in order to be eligible for a tryout and to ensure the safety of their participation.

This program is designed for the exceptional athlete. It is not intended to help schools fill out high school rosters.


Parents are cautioned that even though an athlete may be physically ready, it does not mean that he/she may be emotionally or socially ready to handle the normal stress of competition, or have the ability to mix with older athletes. Even though coaches set the stage for assimilation of younger students into the team structure, the younger athletes must be comfortable within this environment. Should this not be a natural adjustment, it is recommended that the athlete remain at the district's modified level or wait until high school.
A parent permission form is required to complete the athletic placement process. Both parents and athletes are asked to take the time to read the rules before signing.

The Process:

• Step 1: Request/Permission form submitted to the Director of Health, PE, and Athletics. The process for Athletic Placement of a student will start when a request from a Varsity/JV coach or physical education teacher working in the school district is submitted to the Athletic Office.

• Step 2: The parents/guardians sign the parental permission form and return to the athletic office.
• Step 3: Administrative Approval - Student’s academic performance at or above grade level, emotional readiness to socialize with high school students.
       PER NYS - The district is responsible to determine if the athletes physical fitness level is appropriate for a higher level of competition.
• Step 4: The athlete must have a current physical on file (within 1 year of the official start date)
• Step 5: Approval: If the athlete is approved, they may TRYOUT for their designated sport.  This does NOT mean they make the team.

** There is no longer a physical fitness component or physical evaluation using the Tanner Scale.

Deadline for recommendations and parent permission:

• Fall: August 1
• Winter: November 1
• Spring: February 15