Dear Families,
There have been some questions and misinformation circulating about fall athletics, particularly regarding the Athletic Placement Process (APP) and Girls JV Soccer. After speaking with the Athletic Director, we wanted to provide some additional clarification.
What steps can a parent/guardian take if a student wants to be considered to play at a higher level?
At the end of July, we shared information about the new NYSED APP guidelines. In that communication, we stated that “parents cannot request that their children test up.” While technically accurate, we recognize that this wording may have caused some confusion.
Parents can contact the Varsity Coach and ask that their child be considered for an invitation to try out at the next level.
The coach and Athletic Director will then review the student’s athletic ability and determine whether an invitation to try out is appropriate. This review may include, but is not limited to:
- Modified-level performance
- Evidence of exceptional athletic ability
- Input from other coaches who know the student-athlete, such as travel or recreation coaches
Asking that a student be considered does not guarantee that the student will be invited to try out or make the team.
What’s the change?
In previous years, a parent could request that their child participate in the APP, which included a physical fitness test. If the student passed the test, they would automatically receive an opportunity to try out at the higher level.
That process has changed.
Under the new guidelines, the physical fitness test is no longer used. A parent request does not automatically result in a tryout. Instead, the student must first be considered for an invitation to try out based on their athletic ability and other available information.
Why is there no Girls JV Soccer team this year?
The primary reason is participation numbers. This year, 44 girls signed up across Modified, JV and Varsity Soccer. A Varsity team needs approximately 16-18 players to operate comfortably. That would leave about 26 players for both JV and Modified.
With 11 players on the field at one time, that number would provide very limited depth and substitutions across the two remaining teams - assuming there are no injuries across any teams throughout the season.
Based on this year's registration numbers, we can not field a JV team. To support both a JV and Varsity program, we would have needed an absolute minimum of 32 high school girls to sign up. This year, only 23 high school girls registered for soccer.
Why can't 7th and 8th graders move up to fill the JV roster?
The NYSED guidelines have always specifically limited how the APP should be used: “APP applies only to the limited number of students who may benefit from competing at another level.” The guidelines also state that districts may not use the APP to:
- Fill roster vacancies
- Provide additional playing opportunities
- Replace a modified athletic program
- Reward a student
As a result, the APP cannot be used solely to move Modified players up to create or fill a JV roster.
Is this only happening in Greenville?
No. Participation numbers are declining across the region.
Within the 11 schools in the Patroon Conference, only two schools currently have JV Girls Soccer teams. If Greenville were to field a JV team, we would have had to fill a schedule with non-conference games.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
We understand that changes to athletic opportunities can be frustrating and that families may have additional questions. We appreciate your patience as we work to follow the new NYSED requirements while providing the best athletic opportunities possible for our students.
Questions regarding athletics or the APP should be directed to Athletic Director Denise Wickham at wickhamd@greenvillecsd.org or 518-966-5070 x404.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Greenville Athletics!
Sierra Pizzola
Communications Specialist
pizzolas@greenvillecsd.org