1.00 - Student

1.10 - CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY

1.11 - Students gain eligibility to practice or compete for the school in which they are enrolled after they have been certified by the Head of School, after the eligibility forms have been processed by the GAPPS Office, and after the students have met the standards of:

1. academic requirements
2. age
3. semesters in school
4. transfer rules

Note: Students establishing eligibility as entering 8th or 9th graders are automatically eligible for the first semester unless they are over age.

1.12 - If a student ruled ineligible by GAPPS, competes in interscholastic due to the terms of a court restraining order or injunction against his/her school and/or GAPPS, and then has the court order vacated, stayed, reversed, or ruled unjustified; the President shall take one or more of the following actions against the school involved in the interest of restitution and fairness to the competing school(s):

1. Require that individual and/or team records and performances achieved during participation by the ineligible student be vacated or stricken.
2. Require the team victories be forfeited to the opponent(s).
3. Require that team awards earned by the school or individual awards earned by the ineligible student be returned to GAPPS. 

1.13 - Member schools shall be required to provide the New Student Athletic Participation Form,  transcripts, and/or other supporting documentation when: (Modified June 1, 2026)

1. A student has enrolled into a member school after entering the 9th grade, and whose name appears on an official GAPPS interscholastic roster.
2. The student’s age is greater than the grade enrolled as governed by the Georgia Department of Education.
3. A question concerning potential violation of academic standards has been reported.

1.20 - ENROLLMENT AND TEAM MEMBERSHIP

1.21 – Enrollment occurs when a student’s name appears in the Student Enrollment database, and after being submitted to the GAPPS office.

1. Students whose name does not appear in the member school’s student enrollment database are not eligible for interscholastic participation.
2. Prior to participating in a GAPPS sanctioned competition, the student’s name must first appear on the official roster, specific to the event, as provided and approved by the GAPPS.
   1. Due dates for roster submission can be found on the GAPPS calendar
   2. When it becomes necessary to remove a participant from an official roster, the participant may not be re-submitted for the same sport during the same sport season without appeal. Appeals are to be submitted to the GAPPS President no later than 72 hours prior to the date eligibility is requested.
3. The cutoff dates for newly enrolled students to be eligible for that season’s interscholastic activities are as follows:
   1. Fall Sports: September 15
   2. Winter Sports: January 10
   3. Spring Sports: March 10
4. No new students, including AES, entering the member school after these cutoff dates will be allowed to participate in that season’s activity.

1.22 - Enrollment is defined as follows:

1. Full-Time Student – The school is the keeper of record for the student’s educational history in full.
2. Alternatively Educated Student (AES) – Student is assigned to the school for interscholastic purposes after approval from the association.
3. A student may be enrolled in only one (1) member school at a time and must be under the direction of that school.

1.30 - AGE LIMITS

1.31 - To be eligible to participate in high school interscholastic activities, a student must not have reached his 19th birthday prior to September 1st of the current school year.  

1.32 - To be eligible to participate in middle school interscholastic activities, a student must not have reached his 15th birthday prior to September 1st of the current school year. 

1.33 - Unless otherwise specified, a student participating in an interscholastic program shall be permitted to participate at a grade level not to exceed one grade below the youngest grade assigned to the activity (see Art. III Sect. 6).

1. 1st through 5th grade students shall be permitted to participate in activities designated as Elementary.  Students who have not reached the 1st grade shall not be permitted.
2. 5th through 8th grade students shall be permitted to participate in activities designated as Middle School.  Students who have not yet reached 5th grade shall not be permitted to participate.
3. 8th through 12th grade students shall be permitted to participate in activities designated as Varsity.  Students who have not yet reached 8th grade shall not be permitted.

1.40 - LIMITS OF PARTICIPATION

1.41 - Students must have a certificate of an annual physical examination on file at the school prior to participating in any athletic try-outs, practices, voluntary workouts or games that indicate the students are physically approved for participation.

1. Physical examinations will be good for twelve (12) months from the date of the exam. EXCEPTION: Any physical examination taken on or after April 1 in the preceding year will be accepted for the entire next Association school year.
2. The physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical physician, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.
3. The exam must be signed by an M.D., D.O., or by a Physician’s Assistant, or an Advance Practice Nurse who has been delegated that task by an M.D., or D.O.
4. The Association requires that member schools use the latest edition of the pre-participation physical evaluation form approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, et. al., found on the GAPPS website.

1.42 - A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition. Eligibility in the eighth grade will be for one year only for varsity.

1. A student is not considered to have entered the 9th grade when high school level courses are taken if the student is regularly enrolled in a school in a grade below the ninth grade.
2. Credits earned toward high school graduation which are taken below the ninth grade may be used when considering high school eligibility.
3. The provisions of the eight (8) semester rule can only be waived in the case of an individual student by the Appeal Committee.

1.43 - With the exception of migratory rule, Sub-varsity competitors must meet all eligibility requirements.

1.44 - Students may participate on both the varsity and one (1) sub-varsity team in the same sport with the following limitations:

1. Football: A player may not participate in interscholastic competitions more than six (6) quarters per week, beginning with the varsity game, excluding special teams.
2. Basketball: During any one game day, an individual player may not exceed six (6) quarters of play (overtime excluded). If a player enters the game for the 7th quarter in one day, then the player is considered ineligible and the game he enters will be a forfeit.
3. Soccer: A player may not participate in interscholastic competition more than three (3) halves per calendar day. (NOTE: Tournaments are exempt from this restriction.)
4. All other sports: The combination of games or play days (varsity and sub-varsity) in which the student participates may not be greater than the limit allotted to the varsity in that sport.

NOTE: (Bylaw 1.44) Violations of these participation rules in ANY sport will result in a mandatory fine and an automatic forfeiture of the game in which the student exceeded the limit. Additional penalties may be imposed by the President in extreme circumstances.

1.45 - The number of contests, start and end dates allowed for each sport or activity can be found on the GAPPS website at www.gappsports.com.  (NOTE: The season ends for a team when that team is eliminated from the post-season competition or wins the State Championship in that sport.)

1.46 - A student's biological sex is determined by indicators applied to the original birth certificate issued at birth. 

1.47 - Girls may participate on boys’ teams when there is no girls’ team offered in that sport or activity by the school (exception: Wrestling). Boys may not participate on girls’ teams even when there is no corresponding boys’ sport or activity. Archery, Bass Fishing, Golf, and Clay Target are coed sports.

1.48 - Advisory Notice - Pregnant Students: For pregnant students attending member schools, who continue to participate in Association activities, the following advisory notice is required:

1. During the first 18 weeks of pregnancy, students, with written consent from a physician, may be allowed to participate in athletic activities except those activities in which a fall or other rapid deceleration is likely to occur.
2. Pregnant students are not allowed to participate in any athletic activities after the 18th week of pregnancy.

1.49 - Schools having students participate in athletic activities with artificial limbs must certify that the artificial limb is no more dangerous to participants than a natural limb.

1. A permission form must be filed with the Association Office.
2. The form may be found in the FORM section of the Association website.

1.50 - SCHOLASTIC STANDING

1.51 - To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities, a student must be academically eligible. A student is required to pass classes that carry at least 2.5 Units (per semester) counting toward graduation the semester immediately preceding participation. EXCEPTION: First semester ninth-grade students.

1. Passing in all Association member schools is determined by the school by awarding a credit.
2. Students participating in junior varsity or “B” team competition must meet all scholastic requirements.
3. For schools offering courses with year-long grading, eligibility must be computed for each semester.
1. At the end of the first semester, the school must determine that the student has a passing grade in classes carrying at least 2.5 Units (per semester).
2. The second semester grade will be the grade given for the entire course and shall include the end-of-course test grade.

 1.52 - Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day of the subsequent semester. The first day of the Fall semester shall be interpreted as the first date of practice for the first sport. Exception: Students who successfully complete summer school to maintain eligibility become eligible the last day of summer school.

1. Summer school is an extension of the previous semester and courses may be:
1. remedial in nature where a previously taken course is repeated in its entirety with a new grade being given.
2. enrichment in nature where a new course is taken that results in new credit being earned.
2. A maximum of two (2) unit credits earned in summer school may be counted for eligibility purposes. NOTE: Additional credits may be earned in credit recovery programs or make-up programs after the start of the new semester.
3. Summer school credits earned in non-accredited home study programs or non-accredited private schools may not be used to gain eligibility. Accreditation recognized under the rule shall be from the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) or a regional accreditation agency (such as SAIS - SACS).
4. An independent study course taken in summer school must be regionally accredited and accepted by the school for graduation credit.
1. Courses completed after the beginning of a new semester may not be used to gain eligibility for that semester. Example: night school classes, correspondence courses, etc.
2. Independent study courses taken during the school year must meet the criteria of:
1. Regionally Accredited and accepted by the school for graduation credit
2. Students who successfully complete independent study courses to maintain eligibility become eligible upon the successful completion of the independent study course.

1.53 - Students must accumulate units towards graduation according to the following criteria:

1. First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second semester first-year students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units the previous semester in order to participate.
2. Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total units in the first year, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
3. Third-year students must have accumulated eleven (11) units in the first and second years, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
4. Fourth-year students must have accumulated seventeen (17) units in the first three years, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
5. Students may accumulate the required units for participation during the school year and eligibility will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.

1.54 - A Dual Enrollment Program is defined as a program in which a full-time student at a GAPPS member school takes one or more courses from a state public or private postsecondary institution and receives credit at the high school (toward graduation) and at the postsecondary institution.

1.55 - Students involved in approved Dual Enrollment Programs shall be eligible to participate in GAPPS activities provided that academic eligibility is maintained.

1. Courses taken each semester at the member school and/or postsecondary institution must total at least 2.5 units.
2. Courses passed the previous semester at the member school and/or postsecondary institution must total at least 2.5 units
3. Students will gain or lose eligibility on the first day of each semester at the member school and a college calendar that differs from the member school calendar may cause problems.
4. Students who withdraw or are dropped from a Dual Enrollment program and are returned to the member school only, may encounter eligibility problems.
5. Students involved in Joint Enrollment programs, Early College programs, or Gateway to College programs may not be eligible at their respective member schools.
6. A student who participates on an intercollegiate athletic team may not participate in any GAPPS activity.

1.56 - Failure to Meet Academic Standards:

1. When a school administrator believes that the student has failed to meet the academic eligibility requirements due to conditions that were beyond the control of the school, the student, and/or his or her parents, and such that none of them could have been expected reasonably to comply with the rule, the school administrator may request that the student's case be put on the agenda of the Appeal Committee.
1. Ignorance of the rule(s) on the part of any individual is not sufficient cause to set aside the rule(s).
2. Schools must supply all the materials requested on the Online Appeal Application Form.

1.57 - Regaining Academic Eligibility:

1. Make-up programs occur when a course has not been completed and an “Incomplete” grade has been given. The student is given the opportunity to work on areas of deficiency.
2. The student is ineligible until such time as the work is completed and the required passing grade has been recorded.

1.60 - REGULATION OF ALTERNATIVELY EDUCATED STUDENTS (AES)

1.61 - AES are those students who gain interscholastic eligibility to participate with a GAPPS member school without consideration of full-time enrollment (See By-law 1.22) with the desired school of participation.  Consideration for AES eligibility is based on the following criteria;

1. Home Study Student:  Students who are required to submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Georgia Dept. of Education (Must upload DOI with application).   Any student whose parent/guardian is required by Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690) to maintain the students annual progress report, regardless of resources used to complete curriculum.  Home Study Students (Homeschooled) as defined by O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.
2. Part-Time Student:  Home Study Student as defined above (Bylaw 1.61.1); however, the student is enrolled in no less than three (3) classes at a GAPPS member school. (New June 1, 2026)
3. Crossover Student:  Students enrolled in a GAPPS member school that does not provide the desired interscholastic activity and request consent to participate with another GAPPS member school.  (Must upload the Crossover Participation Form with application)
4. Virtual Student:  Student enrolled in a Public or Private Virtual School that does not provide interscholastic activities (Must upload Proof of Enrollment with application).  Note: If your student is identified as a 'Virtual Student", access the link to assure that the school has been approved prior to applying. GAPPS Approved Virtual Schools

1.62 - Application Process:

1. Prior to applying, the AES family should determine a GAPPS Member School for desired participation. Approval for said participation should be obtained prior to submitting the application.
2. A Parent or Legal Guardian must complete the student’s application via the AES parent portal (AES Eligibility Parent Portal) to participate.  The application must be approved prior to any form of participation.
1. Parents or Legal Guardians must submit the student's Birth Certificate and a copy of the GaDOE Declaration of Intent or other compliance supporting documentation for each AES participant.
2. When approved, AES participation shall be authorized beginning with the date of approval and expiring on May 31 each year, or until such time that eligibility has been terminated by GAPPS.
3. Applications for the current school year accepted June 1 through April 15.

1.63 - Eligibility:

1. Students must declare educational status and/or enrollment no later than September 1st of the current school year.
2. Alternatively Educated Students (AES) will play under the authority of GAPPS and must meet all eligibility requirements as stated in the Certification of Eligibility (Bylaw 1.10).
3. Students who are identified as “Home Study” students by the State of Georgia, and who enroll in a public school (Dexter Moseley Act) for the purpose of interscholastic opportunities, are not eligible to participate with a GAPPS member school.
4. AES participants will be eligible to participate in GAPPS at a grade that is appropriate for his/her age. However, the eligibility will be limited by the actual current grade level (eight semester rule, bylaw 1.42) of this student. Example: If the student is 13 years old but is enrolled in 11th grade; the 13-year-old will be eligible to participate as an 8th grader.
5. If a student's age exceeds the grade level for participation, and proper documentation from the applicant allow for an exception, GAPPS may assign a grade aligned with the age eligibility expiration. Example: The student's participation age is 16. Due to the circumstances beyond the student's control, the student is academically in the 9th grade. The student's age eligibility would expire following the Junior year. GAPPS would enter the student's age as 10th for interscholastic purposes only. This action allows the association and the school to better monitor student eligibility and does not affect the student's academic track.
6. The following chart will determine the age a participant can be in order to participate in each grade level without appeal. This age is determined as of September 1st of the school year.

1.70 - RULES GOVERNING AES PARTICIPATING IN DIVISION I SPORTS

1.71 - Member schools are permitted the use of AES in all sanctioned interscholastic activities. 

1. At no time can a full-time-enrolled student be cut from a team to add an enrolled AES.
2. In order to use an AES, a member school must first determine that they do not have enough full-time enrolled students to make a complete roster for a sports team.  When a school does not have enough enrolled students, they may use AES to fill a roster.
3. Returning AES whose name appears/approved on the previous season's official Division 1 roster shall be granted (should all other qualifications be met) continued participation, and shall receive the same interscholastic opportunity as a full-time enrolled student, in the activity of competition only. (Note: MS B-Team, and JV participation do not meet Division 1 participation standards) (Eff. June 1, 2026)

1.72 - Division 1 - With the exception of 11 Man Football, the number of AES appearing on a roster shall be restricted to 25% of a reasonable number of athletes necessary to field the team, unless otherwise noted in the guides.  If the team’s roster includes AES athletes, the roster maximum shall be the same.  Schools which do not use AES athletes are not restricted to the number of athletes appearing on a roster.

1. Full-time enrolled students who have entered the 11th grade, and who are otherwise eligible to participate on a varsity sport team, may not be assigned to a Sub-Varsity roster when being replaced by an AES.
2. Full-time enrolled students who have not entered the 10th grade, and who are otherwise eligible to participate on a varsity sport team, are not counted towards roster limits. (Modified June 1, 2026)
3. Full-time enrolled students who have entered the 7th grade, and who are otherwise eligible to participate on a middle school sport team, may not be assigned to a B-team roster when being replaced by an AES.  (Modified June 1, 2026)
4. Full-Time enrolled students who have not entered the 7th grade, and who are participating in Middle School sports, are not counted towards roster limits. (Modified June 1, 2026)

1.73 - Alternatively Educated Student Participation Guide.

*Regions established for activities classified as "Non-Team Sports" may combine Division 1 with Division 2. During post-season play, these activities may be separated by Division/Classification or combined with awards earned based on Division/Classification.

**Archery, Swimming, and Clay Target sports are currently only offered as Division II sports. All schools participating in these sports will follow Division II Eligibility guidelines.

1.80 - TRANSFER / MIGRANT STUDENTS / MIGRATORY WAIVER

1.81 - A transfer student who has established eligibility at a GAPPS school in grades 9-12 as full-time enrolled or grades 8-12 as AES enrolled (Eff. 6-1-2026) shall be immediately eligible at the new school if:

1. The student moved simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school. This is known as a “bona fide move.”
1. It must be apparent that the parent(s) or persons residing with the student and the student have relinquished the residence in the former location and have occupied a residence in the new area.
2. The following factors, although not conclusive, may be evidence of relinquishment of the former residence: Selling the residence and vacating it; OR vacating the residence and listing it for sale at a fair market value; OR vacating the residence and leasing it to another (other than a relative) at fair market value. NOTE: When a family claims multiple residences, the residence for which they apply for a homestead exemption will be declared the primary residence provided the family spends the majority of their time at this residence.
3. The bona fide move is validated when the student’s family maintains the new residence for at least one calendar year. A return to the previous location within that year renders the student a migrant student. All hardship appeal processes are available.
4. Family Move: To be eligible, these criteria must be considered. The new family residence must be:
1. nearer to the school to which they are transferring than they were to the school previously attended.
2. The new residence must be nearer to the school to which they are transferring than the old residence was.
3. The new residence must be farther from the old school than the old residence was.
4. Any move that is not bona fide and is made for the purpose of creating eligibility shall be considered illegal and the student shall be ineligible in any Association (Interscholastic) school for a period of one calendar year.
5. The student is involved in a foreign exchange program that is approved and published on the “Advisory List of International Educational Travel and Exchange Programs” published by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). This list is found on the Association web site. Website Link
6. Foreign students that arrive in this country legally and are not living with family and are not under an approved exchange program must appear before the Appeal Committee to be considered eligible. Once approved, as long as they stay at the same high school for consecutive years, they do not go before the Appeal Committee again.
7. Please submit all foreign and exchange students' information in writing to the GAPPS office along with the student’s transcript. This must include the GAPPS International Education Application (Found under AD/Coach Resources on the GAPPS Website).
8. If your school is not approved by CSIET and you develop your own Foreign Exchange Program or you have used a different program, you must file any and all paperwork with the GAPPS by May 1st of the preceding school year for acceptance or rejection.
9. Foreign exchange students registered with a CSIET approved program are eligible without appearing before the Appeal Committee if they arrive before September 15.
10. Foreign exchange students registered with a CSIET approved program that arrive after September 15 must appear before the Appeal Committee to be considered eligible. Once approved, as long as they stay at the same high school for consecutive years, they do not go before the Appeal Committee again.

1.82 - If one of his/her parents or the custodial parent is a teacher or administrator teaching at the receiving school. This opportunity is available one time only at any given school. (NOTE: Rules about joint custody transfers overrule the one-time transfer restriction in this section.)

1.83 - The student has one of the following family related circumstances which shall constitute a waiver of the “bona fide move” rule:

1. There is a Superior Court Final Order changing permanent physical custody of the student from one parent to the other parent and the student moves to the residence of the parent receiving custody and attends the member school.
2. There is a Superior Court Final Order awarding permanent joint physical custody to the parents and the student elects to move from the residence of one parent to the residence of the other parent in a new area and attends the new member school. Provided, however, that such an election can be made only once during a 12-month period beginning the date of the transfer, the Final Order must have specifically awarded the parents “joint physical custody” of the student. An award of “joint legal custody” shall not suffice for purposes of this paragraph.
3. There is a death of the custodial parent with whom the student resided and the student moves to live with the other parent in a new area and attends another member school.
4. There is a military transfer of one or both custodial parents that requires a change of residence of the student to a new area and the student attends another member school.

(NOTE: Eligibility forms for transfer eligibility under paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above must be accompanied by certified copies of applicable Court Orders. Eligibility forms for transfer eligibility under paragraph (4) above must be accompanied by true and correct copies of verifiable deployment orders.)

1.84 - Students who are U.S. citizens and who have been enrolled and attended a high school in a foreign country, upon return to the U.S., shall be eligible to participate at an Association member school and are otherwise eligible under Association age, eight-semester, academic and other eligibility rules.

1.85 - Students entering a school as an “unaccompanied youth” under the conditions of the McKinney-Vento Act must go through the appeal process to become eligible.

1.86 - A “migrant student” is a student who has held eligibility at a GAPPS member school and transfers into another member school, within 12 months, without a bona fide move or without one of the exceptions listed in Section 1.81. The student may practice or compete at the sub-varsity level but may not compete at the varsity level for one calendar year from the date of his entry into the new school.

1.87 - A student ineligible due to rules at the former school, and then transfers to a new school, cannot regain eligibility by the transfer. Ineligible students cannot gain eligibility by being adjudicated to YDC and subsequently returning to their resident school with earned credit.

1.88 - Appeal Applications may be filed online by an administrator at a member school when a student does not meet the standards of eligibility outlined in Section 1.53 (academic issues) and 1.80 (transfer issues).

1. GAPPS Rules & Regulations specify that the hardship issues must be beyond the reasonable control of the persons involved.
2. The process of appealing a decision of the Appeal Committee is outlined in the Association Rules & Regulations.

1.90 - RECRUITING / UNDUE INFLUENCE / FINANCIAL AID / AMATEUR STATUS / AWARDS

1.91 - Unlike public schools, our member schools are not aided by geographically drawn attendance zones to provide a given student enrollment base. Families choose private and parochial schools for a variety of reasons other than geographic location, such as religious affiliation, parental participation, class size, academic programs, faculty and staff.  For our member schools to survive, it is essential to solicit families to choose one of our member schools to educate their child / children.

1. Examples of Acceptable Solicitation
1. Advertising through media to include billboards, mailings, social media, and other forms of media designed to capture community awareness.
2. Campus visits to feeder schools, churches, and other organizations where the opportunity to market the member school is relevant to school growth.
1. Forms of marketing as described in this section are considered acceptable forms of solicitation for AES students specifically interested in interscholastic opportunities.

1.92 - Recruiting and Undue Influence is defined as the use of influence by any person connected directly or indirectly with an Association school to induce a student of any age to transfer from one school to another, or to enter the ninth grade at a member school for interscholastic purposes.

1. The use of Undue Influence to secure OR retain a student for competitive purposes is prohibited and shall lead to penalties being assessed against either school. NOTE: This violation may cause the student to forfeit eligibility for one year from the date of enrollment.
2. Examples of Undue Influence includes, but is not limited to:
   1. personal contact initiated by coaches, boosters, or school personnel in an attempt to persuade transfer
   2. gifts of money, jobs, supplies, clothing, or housing incentives
   3. free transportation
   4. free admission to contests
   5. an invitation to attend practices and/or games
   6. a social event (other than an official school wide Open House program) specifically geared for prospective athletes
   7. free tuition beyond the allowable standards found in Section 1.94
   8. a coach asking a prospective student for contact information
   9. Marketing efforts directed at organizations providing athletic and/or fine art or academic programs

1. Leasing, renting, permitting, or otherwise allowing an outside athletic organization, club team, travel team, AAU team, or non-school athletic entity to use a member school’s facilities (including gyms, fields, weight rooms, or practice spaces) shall be considered an extension of the member school.
1. Participation by a transferring student-athlete in such an organization, whether the connection to the receiving school’s coach(es), administration, or athletic program is direct or indirect, formal or informal, shall constitute evidence of undue influence, regardless of whether the organization is independently owned or operated.
2. Complaints or reports of violations of this rule will be investigated and handled on a case-by-case basis.
3. A school will be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate it could not reasonably be expected to be responsible for the actions of a booster who is found to have violated the recruiting/undue influence rules.

1.93 - A student transferring to a member school shall be ruled ineligible for one year because of “undue influence” if it is proven that:

1. The coach of the receiving school coached an out-of-school team or all-star team on which the athlete played prior to the transfer; OR
2. The coach at the receiving school acted as a private athletic instructor for the transferring athlete, regardless of whether the coach was paid for his services and/or expertise; OR
3. The student participated in a sports camp or clinic run by a member school and/or its coach(es).
4. The player who played for a coach at one school (Association member or non-member) and subsequently followed that coach when he/she moved to an Association school or changed schools within the Association membership. (This is not applicable to dependent children of the coach.)
5. The situations cited in this section are considered to be violations even if a bona fide move has occurred, and the hardship appeal procedures are available for the demonstration that undue influence has not occurred.

1.94 - A booster shall be considered to be an extension of the school and must abide by all rules applied to coaches and other school personnel.

1. The following persons or groups may be considered boosters
1. members of the school’s Booster Club
2. students
3. alumni
4. parents or guardians
5. relatives of a student or former student
6. financial donors
7. donors of time and effort
8. personal trainers or coaches renting facilities
9. Organizations designed to provide sport specific programs encouraging participants to enroll in a specific GAPPS member school

1.95 - FINANCIAL AID

1. Any student who receives financial aid or non-Association approved gifts from any source and in any form (scholarships, tuition remission, cash, gifts, etc.) arising out of or received in connection with their participation in any sport or literary event shall be ruled ineligible. The duration of the ineligibility will last as long as the illegal benefits are being received. This prohibition shall not apply to awards under Section 1.95 or to other items approved by the Association.
1. If tuition is charged, it must be paid by a parent, legal guardian, or other family member with the exception of payments coming from need-based financial aid.
2. It is not legal for donated funds to be designated for a specific student that are given by non-family members, businesses, churches or other organizations, except for programs specified by state law.
3. Schools may not employ students to work off their tuition costs.
4. The Association President will determine whether the financial aid or gift arose out of or in connection with participation in any sport or literary event.
5. If a school allows a student who has received such financial aid or gifts to participate in competition, the President shall assess an appropriate penalty.
2. Financial aid in the form of free or reduced tuition or other aid must be need-based aid as determined by a national student aid service or financial aid based on institutional policies for academic performance (classroom record and/or test scores) that is administered by persons not in the athletic department.
3. Member schools who award financial aid shall issue a statement to the President signed by the Head of School giving the following information:
1. Number of students enrolled in the school
2. Number of students receiving financial aid
3. Names of students (or a listing of student identification numbers) receiving financial aid who are involved in GAPPS activities
4. Certification that the percentage of students who participate in activities and who receive financial aid is the same percentage as the number of students receiving financial aid who do not participate in activities (plus or minus 5%)

1.96 - AMATEUR STATUS / AWARDS

1. A student who represents a school in interscholastic athletic competition shall be an amateur in that activity.
1. An amateur athlete is one who engages in athletic competition solely for the physical, mental, social, and pleasure benefits derived there from.
2. Accepting nominal, standard fees or salary for instructing, supervising, or officiating in an organized youth sports program or recreation, playground or camp activity, shall not jeopardize an athlete's amateur status.
3. Reasonable compensation derived from private lessons in a sport is permissible.
2. An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by:
1. Competing for money or other monetary compensations except for reasonable allowances for travel, meals, and lodging. NOTE: Accepting expense allowances authorized by the United States Olympic Committee for Olympic Development Programs is acceptable for GAPPS students.
2. Receiving any award or prize of monetary value which has not been approved by GAPPS.
3. Capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts with monetary value except college scholarships.
4. Signing a professional playing contract in any sport or hiring an agent to manage his/her athletic career.
3. Only awards approved by GAPPS may be accepted by a high school student-athlete as a result of participation in school or non-school competition in a sport recognized by GAPPS.
4. Symbolic awards (i.e. non-cash) presented for winning or placing in GAPPS competitions are limited to $400 per year, per student in the aggregate, paid by the local school. These are the only GAPPS approved awards for interscholastic competition. Beyond this, a student may receive one (1) school sweater or jacket presented by the school during his high school career.
5. Athletes competing in golf or tennis events are limited to awards as specified in the United States Golf Association Rules of Golf, and the United States Tennis Association Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, which includes (but not limited to) the following:
6. Players attending national camps or all-star events may keep reasonable benefits for housing, meals and transportation. Players may keep only equipment that is commemorative in nature and/or used in the process of the event’s workouts.

2.00 - SCHOOL

2.10 - SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP TO GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

2.11 - GAPPS is a voluntary association available to any independent school in the state.

1. Member schools agree to conform to the Constitution and By-laws of GAPPS.

2.12 - Membership Requirements:

1. The school will apply to GAPPS by submitting an application form found on the GAPPS website.
2. Once the application is received, a GAPPS representative will contact the school and initiate the approval process.

2.13 – Catastrophic Insurance:

1. Member schools are required to obtain Catastrophic Insurance through GAPPS.   Fees associated with Catastrophic Insurance are determined by the number of students from each member school participating in GAPPS sanctioned activities. 

 2.14 – Fees (Appendix A) including Participation, Catastrophic Insurance, and other incidental fees are determined by the association annually.

1. Participation Fees are assigned to each sport team participating in GAPPS sanctioned activities.  These fees are collected per sports season.
2. Catastrophic Insurance Fees – New membership requires an estimated number of students anticipated to participate in sanctioned events for the school year.  GAPPS will invoice the new member based on the school’s projection.  Following completion of the initial year, member schools will be invoiced based on the number of students participating the previous school year.
3. Coaches Association Fees - Coaching sports with a GAPPS member school, rather as a Head or Assistant Coach, requires the completion of the GAPPS Coaches Certification program (See 2.40).  The fees associated with this requirement are based on team participation and are collected per sport season.
4. Event Entry Fees are assigned to each sport (Appendix E).  These fees are set by the association and designed to provide a standard to which each member school shall follow.  These fees may be less than but not greater than the amount listed.

2.15 - If a school initiates litigation against the association and the court rules in favor of the association, the school shall be responsible for paying all court costs and attorneys’ fees. 

2.16 - If the association conducts an investigation of a member school in reference to a possible violation of association rules and the member school is found to be in violation, the school shall be assessed the cost of the investigation in addition to any fines. 

2.17 - Playing an Independent / Non-Region Schedule: A school may choose to play an independent / non-region schedule in any of the programs offered.

1. A school playing an independent / non-region schedule may participate provided that the reason for declaring the season status is not related to meeting eligibility standards.
2. Schools participating in independent / non-region competition are subject to all league requirements for standards of competition to include the certification of coaches, players, game reports and submission of rosters and schedules.

2.20 - ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

2.21 - The administrative head of each school shall have on file in the school office:

1. A certificate of an annual Preparticipation Physical Evaluation given by a licensed medical physician, a doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant indicating the student is approved for participation in athletic activities before that student may try-out, participate in practice, conditioning drills or summer activities, or participate in interscholastic contests (see By-Law 1.41).
2. A written Emergency Action Plan for athletic practices and games. This plan must include responses to natural disasters, serious illnesses/injuries, and terroristic events, and must have the involvement of local law enforcement agencies, rescue agencies, medical doctors and hospital personnel.

2.22 - The administrative head of each school shall operate all interscholastic contests and activities under direct and complete control of the school administration or designated school personnel. 

2.23 - The administrative head of each school shall review for accuracy the eligibility of each student participating in GAPPS sanctioned events.  

2.24 - The administrative head of each school is expected to be a person who believes in fairness and honesty as evidenced by the strict adherence to all rules and regulations regarding eligibility of contestants representing his/her school. 

2.25 - The administrative head of each school is expected to employ those persons who exemplify fairness and honesty.  Any school personnel who knowingly violates rules regarding student eligibility, or illegal practices, or knowingly misleads a member school and/or GAPPS will be reported to the President of GAPPS for a violation of ethics. 

2.26 - The administrative head of each school may submit to the GAPPS Office such recommendations for the improvement of GAPPS as he/she may deem necessary.  These recommendations must be submitted to the GAPPS Office at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the meeting of the Executive Committee. 

2.27 - The member school has a responsibility to educate students, coaches, and other appropriate persons on GAPPS rules and procedures that could affect them.  Further, the member school should monitor its compliance with the GAPPS guidelines. 

2.28 - Member schools that fail to follow stated procedures and deadlines may be assessed a fine for each violation. (Appendix G)

2.29 - Member schools are expected to fulfill their responsibilities for a sports season once they have committed to play that sport.

1. Member schools have the option to apply for participation in sports prior to each sport season.  Dates for applying to participate in a GAPPS sanctioned sport are determined by the association and are posted on the Event Calendar; found at gappsports.com.
2. After applying, if a school withdraws from an interscholastic activity the school will be responsible for 50% of the participation fee.
3. If a school enters the competitive structure that qualifies it to advance in postseason competition, that school is expected to advance if it qualifies. Schools that drop out of competition after qualifying may be penalized with fines or probation.
4. Appeals for emergency circumstances may be filed with the President.

2.30 - STUDENT ELIGIBILITY / STUDENT ENROLLMENT REPORTS FILED BY THE SCHOOL

2.31 - Eligibility reports are submitted by use of the “Student Enrollment Database” (found on GAPPS website) prior to the calendar date set by GAPPS.

1. Students are not allowed to participate in academic, athletic or literary competitions until their eligibility reports have been received and processed by the GAPPS Office.
2. Failure to meet the eligibility deadline may lead the GAPPS President to:
1. Assess a fine to the school that is delinquent.
2. Suspend the membership of a school that does not file eligibility reports
3. Reports not filed properly will be returned to the school for resubmission.

2.32 - Schools playing interscholastic contests before filing an eligibility report on one or more participating students may be subject to one or more of the following penalties imposed by GAPPS President:

1. A fine per game or contest in which one or more participants had no eligibility report filed;
2. Forfeiture of any game in which one or more participants did not have eligibility report filed;
3. Restriction from competition in any sport if the fines assessed are not paid within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification. 

2.33 - Supplementary eligibility reports may be submitted at any time on transfer students, students coming out for the team after the initial report, and/or those students who gain eligibility at the beginning of a semester. 

2.34 - Once a student has been certified eligible by the school and has been processed by GAPPS, eligibility is assumed to be continuing, and no further eligibility report is necessary for that student during the school year unless situations occur that render the student ineligible. 

2.35 - If a student loses eligibility and regains it during the school year, a new eligibility report should be filed for that student. 

2.36 - Changes of Eligibility Records:  When a school discovers that incorrect information has been given on an eligibility report, the school should contact the GAPPS office for procedural instructions. 

2.37 - Requests to investigate a student’s eligibility regarding the transfer rule must be filed with the GAPPS office at least twenty (20) calendar days before the end of the regular season in order for any penalties to be applied before the end of the playoffs.

2.40 - QUALIFICATIONS TO COACH / COACHES CERTIFICATION

2.41 – For the purpose of this manual, the term “Coach” shall be defined as any person who is given direct consent by the school to provide training and/or instruction to an athlete or athletic team. 

2.42 – Each person desiring to coach a sport at a GAPPS member school, during a GAPPS sanctioned event, is required to obtain a GAPPS Coaches Certification.  Applications for GAPPS coach’s certification shall be submitted through the GAPPS website (www.gappsports.com).

1. A Head Coach must be 21 years of age or older, Assistant Coaches must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Member schools are required to subject all prospective coaches to a criminal background check.
3. A Coaches Certification is earned upon completion of the following:
1. Successfully completed the GAPPS By-Laws test.
2. Successfully completed the free online course “Concussions in Sports” prepared by the NFHS and is available at www.nfhslearn.com. This required a minimum of every two years.
3. Successfully completed the free online course “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” prepared by the NFHS and is available at www.nfhslearn.com. This is required yearly.
4. Successfully completed the free online course “Heat Illness Prevention” prepared by the NFHS and is available at www.nfhslearn.com. This is required yearly.
5. GAPPS requires that coaches must possess a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automatic Emergency Defibrillator (CPR/AED) Certification.
4. Coaches’ credentials (which will also serve as the Season Pass) are provided upon completion of the Coaches Certification process. Coaches must possess credentials prior to participating in any GAPPS sanctioned competition or event.
5. Coaches are required to display their coaches’ credentials during all interscholastic competitions or events.

2.43 - Coaches who are not full-time employees at the member school shall be referred to as “Lay Coaches.”

1. It is recommended that Lay Coaches should sign a written agreement to coach.
2. Lay Coaches may coach for only one member school annually, regardless of whether they are paid for their services.
3. Lay coaches may not coach the same sport at more than one school.

2.44 - Member schools must register all coaches on the GAPPS Website for Coaches Certification prior to the beginning of each sport season. Failure to comply with these procedures could result in punitive actions including, but not limited to, fines, forfeitures and other penalties assessed to the member school.

2.45 - A coach on the payroll of one school, but under contract to another school for the following year, may help with spring practice at the new school if arrangements are satisfactory with both schools.

2.46 - A coach who is an active official or an assignor of official’s level may not officiate a GAPPS member school’s game in the same sport.

2.47 - During the school year, coaches may not coach with a non-GAPPS team, consisting of students (current or prospective) who have reached the 8th grade and who participate on the school team.  Exception: Parent or Legal Guardian of the student (Must receive prior approval from association).

1. Coaches, with the consent of the member school; may coach, provide private instruction, group instruction, skills instruction, personal training and similar programs for students (current or prospective) who have not yet reached the 8th grade.

2.50 - INTERSCHOLASTIC CONTESTS AND PRACTICES

2.51 - GAPPS shall provide rules and regulations for competition among member schools for those competitive activities listed in the GAPPS Constitution and By-laws.

1. Member schools may be allowed to schedule and play GHSA/GIAA or non-member schools provided the principal or athletic director of each agrees in writing. Rules governing "Cross Play" specific to GHSA schools:
   1. Cross Country - Any meet in which eight (8) or more schools will be participating to include a GHSA School.
   2. Track and Field - Any meet in which eight (8) or more schools will be participating to include a GHSA School.
   3. Volleyball - Any invitational tournament in which five (5) or more schools will be participating to include a GHSA School, and is single or double elimination format that leads to a champion being declared. The use of pool play does not need approval.
   4. Wrestling - Any invitational tournament in which five (5) or more schools will be participating to include a GHSA School, and is a single or double elimination format that leads to a champion being declared. The use of pool play is acceptable. The maximum number of days for an invitational tournament is two (2) days.
      1. GAPPS schools competing with GHSA schools must comply with all GHSA safety rules.
      2. Participants must be in compliance with all eligibility rules of their respective associations with the exception that only those participants in grades 9-12 shall be allowed to participate.
      3. For Varsity competition in which a member school is competing with a GHSA member school; a "GHSA Cross-Play Contract,” available on the GAPPS web site, must be signed by both schools and submitted to the GHSA office by the GHSA school.
      4. For Varsity invitationals/tournaments in which a GAPPS member school is inviting a GHSA school to participate, the "GHSA/GAPPS Sanctioning Application" must be completed and submitted to the GAPPS office no less than 30 days prior to the event. The individual sport parameters can be found below;
2. A member school shall have no more than one varsity team per sport.
3. A member school desiring to offer Middle School B-Team and/or High School Junior Varsity sports participation must offer game opportunities that reach a reasonable number of games. (Eff. June 1, 2026)
4. In situations not covered by section 2.51 (1), member schools shall compete, practice or scrimmage only against other member schools or against schools who are full members of GAPPS in their respective states.
5. When competing internationally, member schools may compete only against school teams in that nation that are composed of students of similar ages. International exhibition competitions or scrimmages are not allowed.

NOTE: When member schools compete out of state, the host state’s adaptations of NFHS playing rules will be enforced, and all GAPPS Rules & Regulations regarding sportsmanship, eligibility and game times will be enforced.

2.52 - One interscholastic scrimmage (two teams meeting head-to-head) is allowed in the sport of Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

1. This scrimmage may be scheduled anytime between the beginning of practice as set by GAPPS and the first regular season game for each team.
2. This scrimmage is for Varsity teams only and shall be played with normal timing and/or scoring rules except as noted in individual sports sections.
3. Officials registered with GAPPS must be assigned.
4. A school may not scrimmage another school that is counting the scrimmage as a regular-season contest.

NOTE: NO CONTACT will be allowed the day following a Scrimmage.

2.53 - It is required that the school maintains a written contract for all Varsity Football games (the home team initiates the contract). It is strongly recommended that schools maintain a written contract for other team sport contests; baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

1. Contract forms can be found on the GAPPS website.
2. GAPPS member schools are expected to fulfill the conditions of any game contract that has been properly executed.
1. Exceptions to the contract may be made with the agreement and consent of both schools.
2. Member schools that fail to fulfill the requirements of a scheduled event may be required to make restitution to the competing school if that school is unable to secure an opponent (this includes multi-school events). The offended school shall petition the GAPPS President for the desired restitution.
3. Schools failing to fulfill a game contract may be suspended in that sport for one (1) full calendar year or the corresponding date of the next calendar year, whichever is greater.
   EXCEPTION:  The GAPPS President may excuse the failure to fulfill a game contract if, in his opinion, the circumstances causing the failure were outside the control of the school officials.
3. All athletic events hosted by GAPPS member schools (except Archery, Cross Country, Golf, Clay Target Sports, Tennis and Track) shall be officiated at all levels of competition by officials who are members of associations that are approved by GAPPS. (Exception: situation noted in section 2.97).
   1. Officials’ associations and their assigned schools shall include the method of payment in their contract.
   2. It is recommended that the same number of officials be used in regular-season competitions as the number used in playoff competition in that sport. Minimum number of officials required can be found in section 2.94.

2.54 - Forfeiture and Restitution Policy

1. The minimum penalty for allowing an ineligible athlete to participate in an interscholastic contest is forfeiture of the game(s). Fines or other penalties may also be imposed. NOTE: If it is determined by the GAPPS President that the school has exercised every reasonable precaution and has been deceived regarding the student’s data, any or all penalties may be set aside.
2. A team shall forfeit any team standing or points toward team honors when an ineligible student participates in a contest. In sports where individual titles may be won (Archery, Cross Country, Literary, Clay Target Sports, Swimming, Golf, Bowling and Track), eligible individuals will keep their placements and opportunities to advance toward individual honors even if a teammate participated while ineligible.

2.55 - Available Seating: Member schools shall provide a seat for each ticket sold to any contest regulated by GAPPS.

1. An available seat is defined as twenty-four (24) inches in width.
2. Each school is required to make a determination of the available seats prior to the beginning of the contest.
3. At outdoor events, “standing room” tickets may be sold as long as they are identified as such at the time of the purchase, and as long as there are no problems with safety and security with such an arrangement

2.56 - Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity:

1. Schools must follow the statewide policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts (this policy is year-round, including during the summer) in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity that will be signed by each head coach at the beginning of each season and distributed to all players and their parents or guardians. The policy shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:
1. The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels.
2. The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels.
3. The heat/humidity levels that will result in practice being terminated.
2. All member schools shall utilize and be responsible for managing a scientifically approved instrument that measures WBGT at each practice. WBGT readings should be taken every hour beginning 30 minutes before the beginning of practice.  The following WBGT readings determine the corresponding activity, hydration and rest break guidelines apply:
1. Under 82.0 - Normal activities. Provide at least three separate breaks each hour of a minimum duration of three minutes each during practice.
2. 82.0-86.9 - Used discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk students carefully. provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour for a minimum of four minutes duration each during practice.
3. 87.0-89.9 - Maximum outdoor practice time is two hours. For football, students are restricted to helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice. All protective equipment must be removed for conditioning activities. For all sports, provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four minutes each during practice.
4. 90.0 - 92.0 - Maximum outdoor practice time is one hour. No protective equipment may be worn during outdoor practice and there may be no outdoor conditioning activities. There must be twenty minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of outdoor practice.
5. Over 92.0 - No outdoor activities or exercise. Delay outdoor practice until a lower WBGT reading occurs.
3. Practices are defined as the period of time that a participant engages in a coach-supervised, school-approved sport or conditioning-related activity. Practices are timed from the time the players report to the practice or workout area until players leave that area. If a practice is interrupted for a weather-related reason, the “clock” on that practice will stop and will begin again when the practice resumes.
4. Conditioning activities include such things as weight training, wind-sprints, timed runs for distance, etc., and may be a part of the practice time or included in “voluntary workouts.”
5. A walk-through is not a part of the practice time regulation and may last no longer than one hour. This activity may not include conditioning activities or contact drills. No protective equipment may be worn during a walk-through, and no full-speed drills may be held.
6. Rest breaks may not be combined with any other type of activity and players must be given unlimited access to hydration. These breaks must be held in a “cool zone” where players are out of direct sunlight. When the WBGT reading is over 86, ice towels and spray bottles filled with ice water should be available at the "cool zone" to aid the cooling process AND cold immersion tubs must be available for the benefit of any player showing early signs of heat illness.

2.57 - GAPPS Concussion Policy and SB 60, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

1. GAPPS Concussion Policy: In accordance with Georgia law and national playing rules published by the NFHS, any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest and shall not return to play until an appropriate health care professional has determined that no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care professional may include: licensed physician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management).
1. No athlete is allowed to return to a game or practice on the same day that a concussion (1) has been diagnosed OR (2) cannot be ruled out.
2. Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be cleared medically by an appropriate health care professional prior to resuming participation in any future practice or contest.
3. The formulation of a gradual return to play protocol shall be a part of the medical clearance.
4. It is mandatory that every coach in each GAPPS sport (including Lay Coaches, Student Teachers, and Interns) participate in a free, online course on concussion management prepared by the NFHS and available at www.nfhslearn.com at least every two years.
5. Each school will be responsible for monitoring the participation of its coaches in the concussion management course and shall keep a record of those who participate.
6. Each school must distribute to every athlete and his/her parent/guardian an information sheet that includes: the dangers of concussion injuries, the signs/symptoms of concussion, and the concussion management protocol outlined in this by-law. This sheet must be signed by the parent/guardian of each athlete and a copy kept on file at the school.
2. SB 60, Jeremy Nelson and Nick Blakely Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act: In accordance with Georgia law:
1. Each school must distribute to every athlete and his/her parent/guardian an information sheet that includes: Early Warning Signs, How to Recognize Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and Learn Hands Only CPR outlined in this by-law. This sheet must be signed by the parent/guardian of each athlete, each athlete and a copy kept on file at the school.
2. Each school must hold an informational meeting twice per year regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest. At such informational meetings, an information sheet on sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs shall be provided to each student’s parent or guardian. In addition to students, parents or guardians, coaches, and other school officials, such informational meetings may include physicians, pediatric cardiologists, and athletic trainers.

2.58 - Severe Weather Policy:

1. Schools are encouraged to develop their own Severe Weather Policy. In the event of the threat of severe weather (observed lightning or thunder in the area, or weather bureau-announced tornado warnings or watch) during the course of an outdoor sporting event, the game administrator, official and/or coaches of the competing teams, by agreement, have the authority to suspend the event until non-threatening conditions return.
2. Schools are required to have weather detection devices that give warning if severe weather is in the area.
3. Each host school must have a plan for weather if you play off-campus and/or have no dressing facilities or shelter, for players and fans to get out of the weather. Also, you should make the visiting team aware of the dressing facilities plan the week before the game, so the team can make arrangements. If your school is close to the off-campus facility, please help accommodate opposing teams by letting them use your campus.
4. Lightning Policy
   1. Lightning detectors are required for all outdoor GAPPS events.
   2. When lightning is detected within a 10-mile range:
      1. Game Manager notifies game officials
      2. Game is suspended
      3. Players, coaches and officials moved indoors
      4. Spectators given instructions to move indoors
5. The game will be restarted if no lightning has been detected for 30 minutes within the 10-mile range.
6. The game must restart within:
   1. Varsity - 2 hours of the first lightning strike.
   2. Sub-Varsity - 1.5 hours of the first lightning strike.

2.59 - Legal practice dates are established for each activity.  The start dates allowed for each sport can be found on the Sport Specific Calendar located on the GAPPS website; gappsports.com

1. Any form of practice or skill development involving coaches/volunteers, other than physical conditioning, occurring after the beginning of the school year, and outside the GAPPS-designated season, shall be considered illegal practice.
2. Schools may have tryouts in preparation for the upcoming Sport Season.  With the exception of football, schools are limited to a maximum of five (5) consecutive school days between the first day of school and the last day of school; prior to the first day of legal practice and following the last day of the sport season.
1. Students participating must be academically eligible and enrolled at that school.
1. Tryouts designed specifically for AES are strictly prohibited.
2. An application to conduct tryouts must be submitted to the GAPPS office no later than ten (10) days prior to the first day of the event.  Applications can be found on the GAPPS website under AD/Coaches Resources (you must log in to find this).
3. During the summer (i.e., between the ending of one school year and the beginning of the next) the only restrictions on practices and competition are that all activities must be strictly voluntary, and the “Dead Week” must be observed, as follows:  Schools are prohibited from participating in voluntary workouts, camps and/or clinics, weight training or competitions during the week (Sunday through Saturday) in which the Fourth of July falls each year.
4. It is illegal for a team to go to a competitive or instructional camp or clinic during the school year other than in-season events designed for that team alone.
1. If the event is held out of season, it would constitute an illegal practice.
2. If the event is held in-season, it would involve illegal coaching.
3. Boys’ and girls’ teams in the same sport are considered the same activity.
4. This prohibition does not apply to the summer months.
5. Neither coaches, former coaches (including Lay coaches), nor any other school personnel shall suggest, require, or otherwise attempt to influence students to participate in or practice for a sport outside the GAPPS-designated season. NOTE: This would prohibit requiring any student to participate in one sport in order to be allowed to try-out and/or play another sport at his school.
6. Open Gym is defined as times provided for enrolled students to participate in non-structured individual skill development.  The influence by any adult designed to enhance skill and/or team building is strictly prohibited. (New June 1, 2026)
   1. During “Open Gyms”, the following is acceptable:
      1. Documenting attendance
      2. Use of School equipment
   2. During Open Gym, the following is not acceptable:
      1. Attendance of non-enrolled students
      2. Limited to team members only
      3. Mandatory attendance
      4. Demonstrating techniques
      5. Charting students’ achievement
      6. Grouping of students by performance level or other criteria
      7. Organizing teams
      8. Organizing contest or drills
7. Schools found guilty of having illegal practices will be subject to penalties that may include a fine, warning, probation, and/or suspension by the GAPPS President.

2.60 - SPORTSMANSHIP

2.61 - GAPPS member schools are required to conduct all relationships with other schools in a spirit of good sportsmanship.

1. It shall be the responsibility of a member school to use every means at its disposal to impress upon faculty, students, team members, coaches, and spectators the values of sportsmanship in preparation for the management of interscholastic contests. Contest officials have the authority to have any and all individuals removed from the confines of the contest whose behavior has become a distraction and/or hindrance to the administration of the event. This may include, but is not limited to, verbal and visual gestures.
2. The President shall have the authority to assess penalties against schools that create a distraction(s) that is considered counter to the mission of the organization.  The President shall have the authority to assess penalties against coaches or other school personnel for conduct unbecoming professional educators at GAPPS’ events. Penalties against schools may include fines, probation or suspensions; and penalties against coaches and other school personnel may include suspension from GAPPS events.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the home or host school to take the following precautions at all interscholastic athletic events:
1. Take proper steps and precautions to ensure crowd and spectator control, including having an administrator (or designee) from the host school to function as “Game Manager” at all GAPPS sanctioned events. See section 2.70
2. Read GAPPS “Good Sportsmanship Statement” before every competition (Appendix F).
3. Take steps to ensure the comfort and security of all players, coaches, and officials.
4. Have in place sufficient security personnel to handle any crowd-control problems that might reasonably be expected.
5. Security escorts must be provided to game officials by the host school at all GAPPS sanctioned contests, before, during and following the contest - including to their vehicles.
6. Provide a safe and secure changing area for contest officials, free from traffic by school staff, students and spectators.
4. Each school must develop a plan to handle fight situations that may occur during an athletic contest.
   1. Attention must be given to keeping substitutes on the bench areas throughout the fight, and to keep spectators away from the competitive area.
   2. Schools whose substitutes leave the bench area to go to the area of a fight will be fined by the GAPPS President.
   3. All players who are involved in a fight and any substitutes who leave the bench area during a fight or potential fight and are ejected from the current contest, will be subject to the sit-out rule.
   4. The GAPPS office may review film to determine participants in a fight situation, or to determine athletes leaving their bench to go to a fight, or to verify the correct number worn by a player in either of these situations. Note: penalties may then be levied, modified or changed based on this film review.
5. Players and coaches are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship before, during and after the contest, even if the game officials do not have jurisdiction. Behaviors such as taunting, fighting, etc. are forbidden.
6. No coach may remove his/her team from competition before the end of the contest unless it is done in accordance with the playing rules of that sport.
7. Each school’s spectator section is expected to treat both teams and the officials/referees with respect while cheering enthusiastically for their team.  Taunting or any other act of intimidation towards the opposing team, individual players or officials is strictly prohibited.  Singling out an opposing player or official by name, number or physical characteristics is strictly prohibited.
8. Any ​fan asked to leave the premises or acting in a manner subjecting an official to an undue threat by physical or verbal assault will be treated as an ejection and said fan will not be allowed to attend the next game played by their team. If there is a second incident, that fan will be removed for the remainder of the season.

2.62 - Any player, coach, or team attendant who is ejected from a GAPPS contest shall be suspended from all levels of competition (i.e., varsity or sub-varsity) in that sport or activity (regular season or playoffs) until the period of suspension has expired. NOTE: Ejection penalties must be served at the next contest regardless of whether or not the school has received notice from the GAPPS office by that time.

1. Ejections are based on judgment calls by an official and are not reviewable or reversible.
2. A coach shall have no role nor be in attendance at pre-contest warm-ups or activities, and shall not be in uniform in attendance at contests until the period of suspension has expired.
3. A player or team attendant may not be in the competitive area nor in the team bench area during any contest until the period of suspension has expired, but is allowed to participate (not in uniform) in Senior Night recognition.
4. The period of suspension resulting from an ejection will expire as follows:
1. Football: after the individual has been withheld from the next-scheduled game at the level at which the ejection occurred (and all contests at any other level).
2. Soccer:
1. One-Game Sit-out:
1. Two yellow cards in the same game
2. Deliberate handball to prevent a goal
3. Red card for a foul on a player moving toward his goal in a scoring situation
2. Two-Game Sit-out with Red Card for any of the following: taunting, violent conduct, serious foul play, spitting on another person, foul or abusive language, leaving the bench area for a fight situation.
3. Track and Field: after the individual has been withheld from the next scheduled contest. NOTE: All allegations of unsporting behavior must be referred to the “Jury of Appeals” for a final resolution on disqualification. A report must be submitted to the GAPPS office in the event of a disqualification.
4. All Other Activities:  after the individual has been withheld from the next scheduled contest at the level at which the ejection occurred.
5. To satisfy the penalty of the sit-out game(s), those games must have been scheduled at the time of the ejection and must be played to completion.
5. Penalties for ejections of a coach or player for unsporting acts shall be:
   1. First Ejection:
      1. Coach: $100.00 fine plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws.
      2. Player: Completion of the “NFHS Sportsmanship Course” online plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws.
      3. Spectator: $100.00 fine plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws.
   2. Second Ejection:
      1. Coach: $250.00 fine plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws; and suspension until completion of the “NFHS Sportsmanship Course” online.
      2. Player: $100.00 fine plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws.
      3. $250.00 fine plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws; and suspension until completion of the “NFHS Sportsmanship Course” online.
         NOTE: When a player, coach, team attendant or spectator has a second ejection in the same activity during a school year, that individual shall be withheld from competition for twice the time period of a normal suspension.
   3. Third Ejection:
      1. Coach: $500.00 fine, a season suspension, plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws; can-not coach in any activity at any GAPPS member school without clearance from the GAPPS Office.
      2. Player: Season suspension plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws.
      3. Spectator: $500.00 fine, a season suspension, plus penalties as per each sport’s By-laws; can-not attend any activity at any GAPPS member school without clearance from the GAPPS Office.
   4. The President shall have the authority to levy additional penalties for repeat offenders.
6. If the ejection occurs in the last game of the season, the penalty carries over to the first regular season game in the next sport in which the student participates.
7. When a player or coach is ejected from a pre-season scrimmage (i.e., a practice game) in any sport, the school shall be fined a minimum of $100.00 and there will be no sit-out penalties imposed.
8. Athletic Directors representing each school involved shall report technical fouls and/or ejections, using the Infraction Report Form. Reports are due within 24 hours of the contest and are to be submitted via the GAPPS electronic reporting form.

2.63 - Any student who intentionally injures or intentionally attempts to injure another student, coach, official, spectator, or other person immediately before, during, or immediately after any GAPPS-sponsored activity, may be declared ineligible to participate in future GAPPS activities by the GAPPS President.  NOTE: The notice, hearing, and appellate procedures set forth in the GAPPS Constitution shall be applicable to such a ruling.

2.64 - Coaches, administrators, contest officials or players are not to make comments in the media that are critical of officials and/or their calls in a game.  Penalties that could be imposed by the GAPPS President include fines and/or suspensions. 

2.65 - The use of fireworks at any GAPPS-approved event shall be in strict compliance with the licensing and application procedures of Georgia law and under permit of the probate court in which the event is held. 

2.66 - Artificial noisemakers are allowed at outdoor events with the exception of air horns, whistles, or other similar devices that simulate the sounds of clock horns or officials’ whistles. At any time that a national playing rule prohibits artificial noisemakers in a sport, that rule will supersede this by-law. The use of artificial noisemakers is prohibited at all indoor competitions. 

2.67 - The officials’ dressing area is “off limits” to school staff, students and spectators one hour prior to game time, during the duration of the contest, and until the contest officials depart the facility.

2.68 - Unsporting acts committed by players or coaches will be handled as follows:

1. If the inappropriate behavior occurs after the expiration of a contest, but while the officials still have jurisdiction as referenced in the NFHS rule book, the official may eject the player or coach and published penalties for ejections will apply.
2. If the inappropriate behavior occurs after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended, but the official(s) witness the behavior, a Game Report shall be filed with the GAPPS office and administrative penalties will be assessed against the school of the guilty parties by the President. 

2.69 - Public Protesting

1. Any school or member of a school that uses a GAPPS event for their own purpose of staging a public protest is out of compliance with the Sportsmanship Section of this manual and subject to discipline by the association which could include immediate ejection from the association.
2. In the case of repeat offenders of unsporting acts, the President will be authorized to levy penalties against the school of the guilty parties regardless of whether or not an ejection has occurred.

2.70 - GAME MANAGERS

2.71 - Home Team - required to assign a game manager for all varsity and sub-varsity contests. That individual must be a coach (other than the game coach), teacher, administrator or some other individual designated by the home school administration. In addition, any team that advances to the state playoffs must ensure an administrator is appointed and present for each game which is held for football, flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball.

1. The game manager should make themselves known to and be available to assist officials prior to, during and after the contest. The responsibilities of the home game manager are as follows:
1. Health and Safety:
1. Be trained in the Emergency Action Plan for the facility. See section 2.21
2. Know the location of the AED at the facility.
3. When lightning is detected within a 10-mile range:
   1. Game Manager notifies game officials
2. Officials:
   1. See that officials are directed to their dressing room.
   2. Meet with the officials prior to game time to cover any issues or areas of concern. (preferably on the playing field or court)
   3. Inform the officials where you will be seated.
   4. Be available at all times to assist the officials if they need to discourage unsportsmanlike conduct of a fan, player, or coach. (such as removal from the gym or stadium)
   5. Check with the officials after the game to see if there is any misconduct that needs to be reported to the Athletic Director immediately.
   6. Provide an escort for the officials to their cars.

2.72 - Visiting Team - recommended to assign a game manager for all varsity and sub-varsity contests (required for Basketball). That individual must be a coach (other than the game coach), teacher, administrator or some other individual designated by the school administration. In addition, any team that advances to the state playoffs must ensure an administrator is appointed and present for each game which is held for football, flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball.

1. The game manager should make themselves known to and be available to assist officials prior to, during and after the contest. The responsibilities of the away game manager are as follows:
1. Officials:
1. Meet with the officials prior to game time to cover any issues or areas of concern. (preferably on the playing field or court)
2. Inform the officials where you will be seated.
3. Be available at all times to assist the officials if they need to discourage unsportsmanlike conduct of a fan, player, or coach. (such as removal from the gym or stadium)

2.80 - MEDIA AND FILMING REGULATIONS

2.81 - The host or home school has the right to determine whether or not its regular-season activities may be broadcast, televised, webcast, live streamed, taped, filmed or photographed for “commercial” purposes.

1. A visiting school desiring to bring broadcasting personnel must obtain permission to do so from the host school prior to the date of the activity or contest.
2. The host school must execute a written contract with the broadcast entity that complies with GAPPS rules and regulations for broadcasting.

2.82 - GAPPS rules and regulations for Regular Season and Region Tournament broadcasting are as follows:

1. The host school shall have the right to approve the amount of space used and the placement of broadcast equipment.
2. The host school (for regular-season or non-hosted GAPPS post-season), shall be entitled to all revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights unless the contract specifies otherwise.
3. Advertising utilized during the broadcast shall not include alcohol or tobacco products.
4. Commercial announcements shall not occur during playing time.
5. Announcers shall not criticize coaches, officials, or schools, and shall be fair and impartial in their descriptions.
6. The copyright privileges for events belong to and shall remain the property of the host school.

2.83 - Fees associated with broadcasting as described in sections 2.81 and 2.82 shall not exceed as listed in the chart below: (New June 1, 2026)

2.84 - GAPPS has the right to determine whether or not its post-season activities may be broadcast, televised, webcast, live streamed, taped, filmed or photographed for “commercial” purposes.

1. A visiting school desiring to bring broadcasting personnel must obtain permission to do so from GAPPS prior to the date of the activity or contest.Person(s) desiring to conduct such business must execute a written contract with the GAPPS no less than 72 hours prior to the day of the event.

2.85 - GAPPS rules and regulations for Post Season broadcasting are as follows:

1. GAPPS shall have the right to approve the amount of space used and the placement of broadcast equipment.
2. GAPPS shall be entitled to all revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights unless the contract specifies otherwise.
3. Advertising utilized during the broadcast shall not include alcohol or tobacco products.
4. Commercial announcements shall not occur during playing time.
5. Announcers shall not criticize coaches, officials, or schools, and shall be fair and impartial in their descriptions.
6. The copyright privileges for events belong to and shall remain the property of the GAPPS.

2.86 - Fees associated with broadcasting as described in sections 2.84 and 2.85 shall not exceed as listed in the chart below: (New June 1, 2026)

2.87 - PHOTOGRAPHY:

Flash photography is prohibited at all indoor GAPPS state playoff events unless permission is obtained from the GAPPS office on a case-by-case basis. Flash photography at outdoor GAPPS state playoff events are at the discretion of the onsite game officials.

2.88 - GAPPS reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by GAPPS, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. GAPPS may use the photograph/video in media material including, but not limited to, social media, brochures, websites, etc.

1. A person attending a GAPPS event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution should make their wishes known to the photographer, and/or event organizers, and/or contact GAPPS in writing of his/her intentions and include a photograph of said person(s).  GAPPS will use the photo for identification purposes only and will hold it in confidence.
2. By participating in a GAPPS event, or by failing to notify GAPPS in writing your desire to not have your photograph used by GAPPS, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify GAPPS from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.

2.89 - Parents and/or fans connected with a member school will be allowed to use video or still cameras from the stands to tape or photograph GAPPS state playoff events in which that member school is participating under the following conditions (EXCEPTION: One Act Play and Cheerleading restrictions will remain in place):

1. The cameras must be hand-held and their use cannot interfere with another fan’s view of the event. Site administrators shall have the authority to halt photography if, in their opinion, this rule is being violated.
2. The tapes/photos must be for personal use only and cannot be used for scouting purposes, given to other schools for scouting purposes, used for any commercial/business purpose, or sold for profit. Violation of this rule by a member school will result in penalties from the President including a fine.
3. Anyone else filming or photographing GAPPS state playoff events for any purposes must have approval of the President.
4. Coaches are encouraged to trade films with opponents in a professional manner.

2.90 - REGULATIONS OF COMPETITIONS

2.91 - Sunday Competition:  Sunday competition is prohibited for GAPPS regular season or playoff contests. Sunday practices are regulated by the policy of each member school. 

2.92 - Contest Rules:  All athletic and literary competitions are to be played according to the rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, using officially-dressed officials who are registered with the GAPPS.

1. EXCEPTION: Tennis is played according to the rules of USTA, unless specified by GAPPS rules.
2. EXCEPTION: Golf is played according to the rules of USGA, unless specified by GAPPS rules.
3. EXCEPTION: Clay Target is conducted according to the rules of SCTP, unless specified by GAPPS rules.
4. The National Federation prohibits the use of video tape to review an official’s decision.
5. No protests are allowed in any GAPPS sport or activity unless specified by NFHS rules.
1. Judgment calls by an official and are not reviewable or reversible
2. Should a situation occur that results in the Head Coach’s decision to protest during play
1. Immediately following the incident Head Coach must notify the game official that the game is being played under protest
2. The Head Coach must cite the specific purpose of the protest
3. Immediately following the game, a league official must be informed of the protest by the school’s Athletic Director.

2.93 - Due dates for game schedule submission can be found on the GAPPS calendar.  Game results must be updated on the GAPPS website or MaxPreps Sports within 24 hours of the game ending or the school will be subject to a fine.

2.94 - Number of Officials - the number of officials required for each sport, regular season and postseason, are listed in the chart below. GAPPS will select the officials used in State Championship Games.

1. Auxiliary Personnel such as Football Chain Crew, Volleyball Line Judges, Bookkeepers, Scoreboard operators, etc., who conduct official responsibilities, who are not provided by an Official Association must be 18 years of age or older and are to be provided by the host school.
2. Auxiliary personnel such as ball boys/girls or bat boys/girls must be at least 12 years of age.

2.95 - Interrupted/Postponed Games: Any GAPPS competition may be interrupted due to human, mechanical, or natural causes when it is necessary to protect the safety of players and spectators. The President shall have the authority to postpone GAPPS events and to direct the procedure for rescheduling when deemed necessary.

1. GAPPS requires lightning detectors at all outdoor athletic activities. The Lightning Procedures in section 2.58 (4) are to be adhered to in any situation involving lightning.  NOTE: If officials spot lightning before being notified, they may suspend play.
2. The contest may resume in accordance with procedures published in the NFHS Rules Book.
3. Postponed games are games that are terminated before they actually begin because of weather problems, emergency situations, or mechanical failures.
1. The host school should notify the opposing team and officials as early as possible when a contest is postponed.
2. The host school is responsible for determining whether an event is to be postponed until the time that game rules turn that responsibility over to game officials except when there is a written contract for that game. When there is a contract, there must be an agreement between the competing schools about the postponement.
3. School personnel will agree on the rescheduling of the contest.
4.  Suspended and/or Terminated Games - When game officials suspend a game due to weather issues, the following procedures are in place:
1. For all Baseball, Softball, Soccer and Football contests involving teams of different classifications, there will be up to a two-hour delay (cumulative) before the contest will be terminated. (See the Baseball and Softball Sections to see the procedures involved with terminated games.)
   1. If the Soccer or Football contest is terminated before it has reached the halfway point, the contest is declared a “no contest.”
   2. If the Soccer or Football contest is terminated after it has reached the halfway point, the score at the point of termination is final.
2. For Soccer contests involving teams of the same region/classification, all contests will be played to completion. (NOTE: The team that is behind may choose not to resume the contest
   1. There will be no mandatory two-hour delay.
   2. Administrators from the competing schools may agree to postpone the contest and resume competition at the point of interruption at a later time.
   3. The team that is behind may choose not to resume the contest at a later date.
3. All scheduled GAPPS varsity football games that have been either interrupted or postponed must be played to completion. Schools must decide when completion will take place in a timely manner. The team behind in the score of an interrupted game has the option not to complete the game and the score will be recorded as it was at the point of interruption.
   1. There will be no mandatory two-hour delay.
4. Golf and Tennis procedures will be dictated by USGA and USTA rules.
5. Cross Country and Track and Field will not use the two-hour delay rule.
5. Paying Officials in shortened/postponed games:
   1. In the event a scheduled contest cannot be started due to weather-related conditions, officials who have arrived at the contest site will be paid one-half the contest fee in addition to the travel allowance.
   2. If a game is interrupted by weather or darkness before it becomes a completed game, the officials will be paid one-half the regular game fee.
   3. If a game is an official game at the point of interruption, the officials will be paid full fees.  
   4. Beyond these conditions, no official’s group(s) may hold the schools responsible for weather-related postponements.

2.96 - All championship contests that end in a tie will have that tie resolved by means of the procedures that are used to resolve ties in preceding rounds of the playoffs. 

2.97 - Absence of Officials:  In the unlikely event that game officials do not arrive for a contest, both schools should agree on one of the following procedures:

1. Delay the game until a new set of officials can arrive;
2. Agree to play the game on another date except a Sunday;
3. Use registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest;
4. Use coaches or school personnel from both schools;
5. Use formerly registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest.
6. In the event that schools cannot agree to play the contest, the host school will forfeit the game. It is the host school responsibility to ensure officials are present for the game.

Note: The GAPPS President may overturn a forfeit and reschedule the game to be played on another date.

2.98 - All-Star Teams:

1. In accordance with state law, member schools shall not permit their teams or players to participate in “Bowl” or “All Star” games during the GAPPS regular season or during GAPPS playoffs. Players selected to participate in out-of-season all-star games must adhere to GAPPS amateur standing rules, and to NCAA regulations regarding all-star games.
2. GAPPS may offer Junior/Senior games in Volleyball, Football, Basketball (Boys & Girls), Baseball, Softball, and Soccer (Boys & Girls).
3. Participation in Junior/Senior games is limited to players in grades 11-12.
4. Fees associated with the event shall be determined by GAPPS.
5. Player nominations for the Junior/Senior games shall be determined by GAPPS.

2.99 - All participant uniforms rules and restrictions shall be interpreted in accordance with Georgia law. GAPPS shall not enact or enforce any participant uniforms rule which prohibits religious expression of student athletes other than the rules of particular athletic events as adopted by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

3.00 - Region

3.10 - MEDIA AND FILMING REGULATIONS

3.11 - Interscholastic programs requiring region tournaments for the purpose of seeding state playoffs shall be required to establish a region host. The region hosts responsibilities include but not limited to:

1. Certify the winners in all region meets and/or tournaments to the GAPPS Office within the time limits specified in the By-laws for each event.
2. Furnish a copy of complete region results in every region meet and/or tournament to all region schools.

4.00 - State

4.10 - GAPPS ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITES TO MEMBER SCHOOLS

4.11 - The GAPPS Executive Committee shall consider recommendations at its annual meetings from Heads of Schools of member schools that are submitted in writing to the GAPPS Office at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the meeting.  The Athletic Committee will also have the authority to submit recommendations to the Executive Committee. 

4.12 - The GAPPS Office shall maintain an official record for all dues and fees received from any source. 

4.13 - The GAPPS Office shall provide all necessary forms on the GAPPS website. 

4.14 - The GAPPS Office shall provide an annual calendar that notes:

1. The beginning and end of the season for all activities;
2. Due dates for all forms and required documentation
3. Dates for Region, District and/or State Playoff contests and/or tournaments. 

4.15 - Reclassification:

1. Classiciation: Member schools of Association shall be placed in regions and classifications for the purpose of interscholastic competition.
1. In the fall of each even numbered year, GAPPS will reclassify for the following two-year period
2. Classification will be based on high school enrollment. Enrollment figures for Grades 8-11 of the year of reclassification will be used to determine classifications.
2. At the beginning of the reclassification process, the GAPPS Office will publish parameters for that year’s reclassification. Those parameters will include the number of classes into which schools will be divided and the percentages of schools in each classification or the cut-off numbers used to decide the divisions.
3. Schools will submit their numbers to the GAPPS Office on or before the second Monday in November of the year of reclassification. Once the GAPPS Office receives the numbers, there can be no changes.
4. A school may be allowed to play in a higher classification by the approval of the GAPPS Office. However, the school must make a written request signed by the Head of School within five (5) days of the publication of the new classifications. A school that changes classification by this method will remain in that classification until schools are reclassified on a statewide basis.
5. Heads of school that believe another school has an error in their reported numbers can notify the President in writing, and the President will initiate an investigation.
6. Once the GAPPS Office has set the regions and groupings for reclassification, member schools will have 5 business days to request an exception by filing that request with the President.  At the conclusion of the 5-day window to request an exception, the GAPPS office will have 5 business days to consider all requests and publish any changes.
7. Member schools may begin scheduling contests once the final reclassification has been communicated to the membership.

4.16 - The following scheduling policy will be in effect for schools entering GAPPS at the beginning of the second year of the reclassification cycle:

1. In sports where the region has two-year scheduling, the new school may not be able to play a complete region schedule at the varsity level.  In those sports, the school could play a varsity non-region schedule or a JV schedule.
2. In sports having year-to-year scheduling, the new school will have full membership once it has been assigned to the new region by President
3. In sports that have a region tournament to advance to postseason play, the region may allow a new school to accept a low seed in the tournament even though it did not play a complete region schedule. That is a decision made by the region.

4.20 - State Playoffs/Tournaments/Championships

1. General Information
   1. Invitations to the GIT will be based on power rankings as determined by MaxPreps Sports.
   2. GAPPS will determine the number of teams invited to the GIT.
   3. The number of teams qualifying for the state playoffs will be determined by the GAPPS at the beginning of the season based on the total number of regions and teams.
   4. Officials for the State Championships will be assigned by GAPPS. 
   5. Teams qualifying for the state tournament are required to compete.
   6. Member schools may be asked to provide volunteers for the State Playoffs.
   7. Each host school must have a plan for inclement weather whether you play on your campus or utilize facilities off campus.  This plan should include accommodations for players and fans.
   8. Officials in playoff games must be from neutral associations unless both schools agree to use the officials of one of the schools participating.
      1. Teams that would like to participate in a national or additional postseason tournament other than the GAPPS end of season tournament must submit a request via “Post-Season Tournament Request” form to the GAPPS office for approval. Teams are limited to one postseason event. The event must take place immediately following the conclusion of the sports season. 
      2. GAPPS Invitational Tournament (GIT). The GIT is designed to promote opportunities for high performing teams that did not meet requirements to participate in the State Tournament.
2. State Location
1. State Championships will be held at a neutral site when possible.
2. The state playoff games will either be at the higher seed, at a predetermined host member school or a neutral site designated by GAPPS.  The higher seed will be the home team.  If two equally ranked seeds meet, then the bracket will determine who will be the home team.
3. Sites may be subject to change based on agreement from schools participating in the state tournament.
4. The facility or field must meet requirements stated in the guidelines under the gaming rules and regulations section for the respective sport.
3. State Playoffs Revenue and Expense Information Between Schools and GAPPS
1. GAPPS will keep all receipts from the gate when a state tournament, state playoff or state championship is held at a neutral site. If a state championship game/series is held at a member school, the host school will keep concessions and receive a hosting fee. GAPPS will retain the gate receipts and cover event expenses.
2. When a state playoff contest is held at a member school and the contest is not part of the state tournament or state championship game, then the member school will keep all receipts from concessions and gates. In addition, all expenses will be paid for by the host school.
4. Trophies, Awards, and Honors
   1. Team Trophies: The following Team Awards will be presented:
      1. Varsity State Champion and State Runner-up
      2. Varsity Region Champion and Region Runner-up
5. Individual Awards (Team Sports)
   1. All-Region Awards
      1. GAPPS will establish the number of players for each All-Region Team. All-Region selections shall be predetermined based on the number of participating teams in the region. Region Tournament champions will receive 1 additional All-Region plaque.
      2. Sub-Regions shall be awarded the same number of All-Region selections as non-sub-divided regions. However, only the number of predetermined All-Region players representing a region shall be eligible for All-State nomination.  Example: Volleyball, a region that is subdivided into two 4-team sub-regions, would be awarded 22 All-Region Players, however will only be able to submit 15 players for All-State (4 Team Region + 4 Additional Teams).
      
      

      All Region Awards (Predetermined)

      Baseball

      Basketball

      Flag Football

      Football (9)

      Football (11)

      Soccer

      Softball

      Volleyball

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      Awarded

      1st

      6

      1st

      3

      1st

      4

      1st

      6

      1st

      7

      1st

      6

      1st

      6

      1st

      4

      2nd

      4

      2nd

      2

      2nd

      3

      2nd

      5

      2nd

      6

      2nd

      5

      2nd

      4

      2nd

      3

      3rd

      3

      3rd

      2

      3rd

      2

      3rd

      4

      3rd

      5

      3rd

      4

      3rd

      3

      3rd

      2

      4th

      2

      4th

      1

      4th

      2

      4th

      3

      4th

      4

      4th

      3

      4th

      2

      4th

      1

      Regions with more than 4 Teams will receive 1 plaque per school over the base of 4 Teams.

       
   2. All-State Awards (Team Sports) 
      1. In team sports, top performing varsity athletes will be honored with All-State recognition and placed on the All-State Team.
      2. GAPPS will establish the number of players for each All-State Team per sport based on a reasonable number of players needed to fill a competitive roster.
      3. In team sports (football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, etc.), coaches will nominate players from the All-Region Team for All-State selection.
      4. An individual must have been selected by the head coach to be on the All-Region Team in order to be considered for the All-State Team.
      5. A predetermined number of All State players shall be assigned to the State Champion and State Runner-up.  The All-State Team will be voted on by the coaches at the All-State meeting.
      
      

      All-State Awards (Predetermined)

      Baseball

      Basketball

      Flag Football

      Football

      Soccer

      Softball

      Volleyball

      20 Awarded

      14 Awarded

      20 Awarded

      22 Awarded

      20 Awarded

      16 Awarded

      14 Awarded

      1st

      2

      1st

      2

      1st

      3

      1st

      3

      1st

      3

      1st

      2

      1st

      2

      2nd

      1

      2nd

      1

      2nd

      2

      2nd

      2

      2nd

      2

      2nd

      1

      2nd

      1

      Below

      0

      Below

      0

      Below

      0

      Kicker

      1

      Below

      0

      Below

      0

      Below

      0

       
      1. Individual State Awards (Individual Sports)
         1. In individual sports (cross country, tennis, golf, swimming, clay target, track and field, etc.), the number of Individual State Awards issued shall be predetermined by sport and order of an athlete’s finish.
   
   

   Individual State Awards (Non-Team Sports)

   Archery

   Clay Target

   Cross Country

   Golf

   Swim (Per Event)

   Tennis

   Track (Per Event)

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Awarded

   Boys

   Top 6

   Trap

   Top 3

   Boys

   Top 20

   Boys

   Top 6

   Boys

   Top 8

   Boys Single

   Top 8

   Boys

   Top 8

   Girls

   Top 6

   Skeet

   Top 3

   Girls

   Top 20

   Girls

   Top 6

   Girls

   Top 8

   Girls Single

   Top 8

   Girls

   Top 8

   Sport

   Top 3

   Boys Double

   Top 8

   Girls Double

   Top 8

   
   4.23 - SEASON PASSES TO GAPPS EVENTS

   1. The GAPPS Office shall issue to each member school a season pass for the Head of School, Athletic Director, Director of Fine Arts/Academics and certified coaches. Each school is also able to request passes for up to two (2) additional administrators.
   2. The GAPPS Season Pass will admit the person to whom it is issued and one other to any game or contest of GAPPS.
   3. Game officials pass issued by Georgia Athletic Officials Association (GAOA) will admit the official to all GAPPS events.
   4. Officials Passes issued by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) will admit the cardholder and one other person to all GAPPS regular season events. For GAPPS playoff events, schools should only honor GAPPS season passes.
   5. GAPPS Season Passes are non-transferrable and may not be used by persons other than the individual to whom it was issued.
   1. Picture Identification is required for the user of the pass at all GAPPS postseason events.
   2. A pass that is used illegally is to be confiscated and the individual to whom the pass was issued forfeits the right to receive a pass in the future.
   3. The spouse of a coach, coaching in a State Playoff event shall be admitted to that event upon presentation of their spouse's pass and proper identification.
   6. In the event a pass is destroyed or lost, the school administrator should notify the GAPPS Office in writing, and should include the payment of $25 with a school check to have the pass replaced.
   7. When a school staff member who was issued a GAPPS pass leaves the position that entitles them to that pass, the pass should be voided and returned to the GAPPS Office.
   8. At any GAPPS regular-season event, the host school must honor the GAPPS pass that admits “the bearer and one other person” as well as similar passes from the GHSA or GIAA. For GAPPS state playoff events, the host school shall honor only the GAPPS pass, valid media credentials and the GAOA (bearer only).
   9. Law enforcement personnel in uniform are to be granted free admission to all GAPPS events. Bus drivers are to be granted free admission to all GAPPS events.  The driver should be driving a school van or bus.
      
      

    4.24 - CERTIFICATION OF ATHLETIC OFFICIALS

   1. All Officials / Referees Associations which call GAPPS sporting events must be registered with GAPPS prior to beginning work with any member school. This registration shall be required annually, and registration shall be required for each sport in which the GAPPS is involved.
   2. All officials for GAPPS sporting events will be members of an approved officials’ organization or approved by the GAPPS Office and wear proper officiating apparel.
   3. Each Officials’ Association must have a plan for the certification of athletic officials which includes:
      1. A rules clinic on all new rules for that year. They may attend an Association Rules Clinic.
      2. At least two other (preferably more) rules meetings.
      3. A test over the rules.
      4. A system for evaluating performances of officials.
   1. Published procedures for registration of officials.
   2. Published guidelines for training officials. Must include:
   4. The head of the Officials’ Association must certify that these requirements are satisfied each year.
   5. GAPPS reserves the right to request the Officials Association’s published training guidelines and procedures.

    
   4.25 - Contest officials and Officials’ Associations are independent contractors and not employees of GAPPS or its member schools.

4.30 - SPECIAL GAPPS POLICIES

4.31 - Steroids/Performance Enhancing Drugs: GAPPS strongly opposes the use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances by high school student-athletes. GAPPS believes that such usage violates legal, ethical, and competitive-equity standards and imposes unreasonable long-term health risks on the user. GAPPS encourages member schools to educate students and coaches about the perils of steroid usage. 

4.32 - FINES AND PENALTIES:

1. In accordance with Article IV Section 5 of the GAPPS Constitution, member schools are required to abide by all the rules of the Association.  The President of the Association is empowered to make a determination as to whether a violation of GAPPS rules has occurred, and to assess an appropriate penalty that may include:
1. a fine of not more than $2,500.00 per offense, and/or
2. probation in the sport(s) in which the violation occurred, and/or
3. suspension from the Association for up to a full calendar year, and/or
4. forfeiture of games and/or contests.
2. Pursuant to such authority, the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools, by and through its President, implements and publishes the following ranges of fines for certain designated offenses. Such fines may be in addition to the other penalties as directed in the By-laws.  The amount of such fines (Appendix G) and the imposition of other penalties shall be determined by the President upon consideration of the facts and circumstances of the violation and shall include, but not be limited to, the following factors:
   1. whether the violation was the result of carelessness, willfulness, or ignorance.
   2. The length of time the violation continued.
   3. Whether the offense was self-reported or resulted from a complaint by another school, and the extent of cooperation by school officials in the investigation of the violation.
   4. The number of violations involved.
   5. The result of the violation, i.e.:
      1. injury to a person
      2. financial gain of the offending school or financial loss to another school and the amount thereof
      3. damage to the reputation of the GAPPS
      4. whether the violation substantially contributed to winning or losing a game or contest
   6. Whether the school involved has had similar or other violations within the past three (3) years.
   7. Any other factors deemed by the President to merit a more or less severe fine and/or penalty.
3. The list of violations set forth in this listing is not all-inclusive, and if a violation of rules occurs which is not listed herein, then the President shall have the authority to assess penalties that he deems appropriate.
4. In addition to the listed fines and penalties, the President may issue a severe warning to a member school which places the school on notice that further violations of GAPPS rules will result in increased fines and/or penalties.
   1. A member school has seven days to pay a fine once they have received the official notification from GAPPS.
   2. After seven days, the fine will double.
   3. After 14 days past due, all games played will count as a forfeit until the fine is paid.
   4. All fines are to be paid in full before a team/individual can participate in the region or state tournaments.