Schools

BHS Principal: Higher Standards Would Send 'Strong Message'

More information about impact of proposed athletic eligibility standards presented at Monday's board meeting

Fifteen fall athletes — instead of one — would have been ineligible to play sports last fall if the had been in place.

But BHS principal Bob Hardis said he wants to send a “strong message” to students.

“We feel very confident that when we raise the bar, the students will raise the bar themselves,” said Hardis.

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He added that he believes some students meet the minimum academic requirements to play even when they can perform better.

Hardis and athletic director Ryan Peters gave the a presentation about the changes at Monday’s meeting.

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Beachwood City Schools plans to raise the bar above the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s, requiring that students achieve a 2.0 GPA in the preceding quarter and no failing grades.

The proposed standards would allow athletes who raise their grades four weeks after the start of the season to participate.

Members voted in November to postpone voting on the measure to gather more information.

Hardis and Peters evaluated student athlete grades from last school year to present to the board at Monday’s meeting.

They added that resources are available to students to help them raise their grades to meet athletic eligibility requirements, and that, if the board approves the changes, athletes will be told immediately so they have an opportunity to meet the new standards.

If approved, the standards would be effective fall quarter of 2012, so athletes’ spring quarter grades would determine their eligibility for fall sports.

No resolution to approve the changes was put before the board Monday, but it could be placed on the agenda for the Feb. 13 meeting.


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