For high school, a full-time student earns academic eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities by maintaining a 2.0 grade-point average (GPA), calculated using credit or non-credit courses, with no more than one failing grade for the marking period which governs eligibility for that activity. For incoming 9th grade students, all students are eligible for fall athletics.
If a student withdraws from a course, the grades at the time of withdrawal will be used in determining academic eligibility. Weighted grades will be used for academic eligibility for extracurricular activities, including high school athletics.
For all returning students, eligibility is determined by the final marking period grades of the preceding June.
Before students can participate in either a fall or spring sport, the following paperwork is required by the Athletics office:
Student athletic policy agreement form for new student athletes.
Sports Concussion Testing Program and Release of Information
Agreement for families that acknowledge HCPSS may administer pre-concussion baseline testing and post-concussion testing after a sports-related injury.
HCPSS Athletics Concussion Information Sheet
Overview of concussion signs and symptoms that can occur in student athletes.
Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form
Physician forms for future student athletes to fill out prior to sport seasons.
Medication Procedure Information
Protocols for administration of student medication during school hours along with a medication administration history form for physicians.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information
Acknowledgement statement and guidelines for identifying and responding to a cardiac arrest scenario.
The Howard County Public School System charges $4 for adults and $3 for students for admission to the following athletic contests:
*Indoor Track Meets, County Wrestling Tournaments, and Cheer Invitationals are $5
**$5 Admission is charged for all MPSSAA Regional and State Playoff Contests. A valid MPSSAA coaches pass is needed for free admission.
The following people will be admitted to regular season games free of charge. However, free admission to MPSSAA playoff policy may vary.