High School Athletics - Sports

Families of Faith christian Academy International does not offer middle or high school level sports. Eligibility to play sports with the public school the student is zoned for is regulated by Florida statute 1006.15, specifically section (8).

This page is intended to provide a basic background for sport's eligibility that includes the FOFCAI academic policies and an overview of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Rules and guidelines change over time, so it is the student and family's responsibility to make use of the FHSAA website and the athletic director for the school they participate with to ensure they abide by the appropriate rules to maintain eligibility.

Playing for the Public School Zoned For:

The FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) determines what forms the student and parent must complete, and the deadline for registering for a specific sport. The short version is that the student attends a private school that does not offer sports. The student can play for the public school that they are zoned for, assuming all other qualifications are met.

The required form is the EL-12. (Registration Form for Non-Member Private School Students. Section One is the student information to be completed by the student or parent. Section Two is to be completed by the private school. (Schedule an appointment with Mr. Lawson.) Section Three is the public school section to be completed by the athletic director of the public school.
EL-12 2020-2021 Form

The public school will need an updated report card or transcript for the last semester, so it is important that all attendance, grades and required testing be completed well in advance of the deadline to register for the sport in question.

f.s. 1006.15(8)(a) The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), in cooperation with each district school board, shall facilitate a program in which a middle school or high school student who attends a private school shall be eligible to participate in an interscholastic or intrascholastic sport at a public high school, a public middle school, or a 6-12 public school that is zoned for the physical address at which the student resides if:
   1. The private school in which the student is enrolled is not a member of the FHSAA.
   2. The private school student meets the guidelines for the conduct of the program established by the FHSAA’s board of directors and the district school board. At a minimum, such guidelines shall provide:
     a. A deadline for each sport by which the private school student’s parents must register with the public school in writing their intent for their child to participate at that school in the sport.
     b. Requirements for a private school student to participate, including, but not limited to, meeting the same standards of eligibility, acceptance, behavior, educational progress, and performance which apply to other students participating in interscholastic or interscholastic sports at a public school or FHSAA member private school.

FOFCAI Academic Eligibility Guidelines:

To remain academically eligible for participation in athletics, students must meet the following criteria:
   1. Maintain a minimum cumulative C- average for all course work.
   2. Have (at a minimum) a C- average each semester; no more than two semester grades below C- and no Fs.
   3. Have (at a minimum) a C- average at the end of each school year; no more than two year-end grades below C- and no Fs.

FHSAA Academic and Conduct Standing:

Per FHSAA Bylaw 11.2.1, a student must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken, at the conclusion of each semester to be eligible during the following semester. Athletic activities will not be allowed to compromise the primary goal of continued academic progress. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student and parent to carefully balance the dual commitments of academics and sports activities.

Students who do not meet the above criteria at the conclusion of each semester will be restricted from participating in athletics during the subsequent semester. Students on academic probation may be restricted from participating in athletics or other extra-curricular activities, at the discretion of the athletic department.

Limit of Eligibility:

1. Each student shall have four consecutive years of eligibility beginning when they first enter 9th grade. 2. Four years from the date he/she entered 9th grade, he/she becomes ineligible for all interscholastic sports.
3. Middle School students may participate in interscholastic athletics one year as eighth graders, one year as seventh graders, and one year as sixth graders. MS students repeating any grade may not participate in interscholastic athletics during their second year in grades 6, 7 or 8.
4. A student must be less than 19 years, 9 months of age to participate in high school athletics.

Disciplinary Action for Athletes In-Season:

Behavior resulting in a student-athlete receiving Disciplinary Action either for academic or athletic reasons, is a reflection of poor conduct for an athlete. Disciplinary action for the student will consequently occur for sports activities and will be administered through the administration office. If an athlete receives a second Disciplinary Action the athlete will be suspended for one contest at a minimum. The contest will be the next scheduled contest date from the date the action is taken. Upon receiving a third Disciplinary Action, the athlete will then be suspended for 2-4 contests depending on the sport immediately following the date action taken. This will include post-season play in the FHSAA state series contests. If an athlete receives a fourth Disciplinary Action the athletic penalty is suspension from the sport for the remainder of the season, and possible probation from future sports seasons.

Good Sportsmanship:

Good Sportsmanship is expected from everyone. Players are expected to represent the school with dignity and to be held accountable to that standard. Certain behaviors are considered inappropriate and unacceptable. The school has the right to remove or refuse admission to persons who exhibit the following behaviors:
   A. Berating, humiliating, or taunting of coaches, players, officials, and / or spectators.
   B. Racist, sexist, or profane remarks directed at any coach, player, spectator, or official.