Policy 2315B - Physical Education Credit Substitution Policy for Sports Participation (Grades 9-12)

Purpose:

This policy provides an alternative pathway for students to earn Physical Education (PE) credit through participation in sports, in line with Idaho state guidelines and the RISE Charter School's objective. It aims to recognize the value of extracurricular activities, promote students' physical well-being, and align with state standards for physical education.

Policy Guidelines:

  1. Eligibility:
    • This policy applies to all students in grades 9-12 currently enrolled at RISE Charter School.
    • Students must participate in a sport recognized by the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), a club sport recognized by the local education agency (LEA), or 18 weeks of a sport recognized by the LEA. This may include school teams, club teams, and outside recreational or competitive sports leagues.
       
  2. Duration of Participation:
    • Students must participate in one (1) season of any sport recognized by the Idaho high school activities association (IHSAA); OR
    • In one (1) season of any club sport recognized by the local education agency (LEA); OR
    • Eighteen (18) weeks of a sport recognized by the LEA. The 18 weeks of participation must be continuous, meaning no breaks longer than two weeks between practices or competitions.

      Approved Sports:
    • Approved sports include, but are not limited to: 
      • Basketball
      • Soccer
      • Volleyball
      • Football
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track and Field
      • Cross Country
      • Gymnastics
      • Wrestling
      • Baseball/Softball
      • Dance (competition or team-based)
      • Cheerleading
      • Any other sport that is approved by the school's administration.
         
  3. Documentation and Verification:
    • Students must submit a completed Sport Participation Verification Form at the end of the sports season, signed by the coach or instructor. This form should include:
      • Dates of participation
      • Number of practices per week
      • Number of games/competitions attended
    • Other relevant details
    • The coach or instructor may be contacted to verify the student’s participation if necessary.
       
  4. Academic Performance and Physical Fitness:
    • Students must maintain a satisfactory academic standing (minimum GPA requirement set by school) to be eligible for the PE credit substitution.
    • Students are expected to demonstrate the physical activity and fitness components required for PE, as outlined by the school’s PE curriculum.
    • If necessary, the school may request an additional fitness assessment to ensure the student meets physical education goals.
       
  5. Credit Awarding Process:
    • Upon successful completion of the participation criteria (one season or18 weeks of participation in an approved sport), the student will earn one full semester of Physical Education credit.
    • The credit will be reflected on the student’s transcript as "Sport-Based PE Credit" or a similar designation.
       
  6. Limitations:
    •  Participation in additional sports will not result in additional PE credit.
    • Students may only use sports participation to substitute PE credit once during their high school career.
       
  7. Appeals and Exemptions:
    • Students who are unable to participate in a sport due to a medical condition or other significant hardship may request an exemption or alternative credit pathway through the school’s administration.
    •  Decisions regarding substitutions will be made by the school’s Principal or designated administrator on a case-by-case basis.
       
  8. Communication and Awareness:
    • This policy will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of each academic year during orientation or through official school communications.
    • Students and families can request more information or clarification from the school’s PE department or administration.

Effective Date:
This policy is effective beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.

Approval and Amendments:
This policy is subject to review and may be amended by the RISE Charter School Board of Directors based on feedback or changes in district or state education guidelines.

This combined policy allows RISE Charter School students to earn PE credit for their participation in approved sports while ensuring they meet the educational standards required for graduation. It also aligns with state legislative guidelines on PE credit substitution through sports.

Policy History:

Adopted on: April 21, 2025

Revised on:

Reviewed on: