BILL NUMBER: S8077
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend part B of chapter 56 of the laws of 2020, amending the
education law relating to establishing the Syracuse Comprehensive Educa-
tion and Workforce Training Center focusing on Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Math to provide instruction to students in the
Onondaga, Cortland and Madison county BOCES and the central New York
region in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math-
ematics, in relation to authorizing certain students attending the Syra-
cuse Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics high school
to be eligible for senior high school athletic competitions
 
PURPOSE:
To allow students enrolled in seventh or eighth grade that are playing a
sport at a high school level to be eligible to continue doing so after
having transferred to the Syracuse Comprehensive Education and Workforce
Training Center.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: amends the education law to ensure that students who are
enrolled in seventh or eighth grade that played on a high school sports
team for a school district other than the Syracuse Comprehensive Educa-
tion and Workforce Training Center, upon transferring to such school,
will be eligible to participate on senior high school sports teams
during each of the four consecutive seasons of such sport commencing
with the pupil's entry into ninth grade and prior to graduation.
Section 2: Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation seeks to ensure that students who transfer to the Syra-
cuse Comprehensive Education and Workforce Training Center after partic-
ipating in a high school sports team while enrolled in seventh or eighth
grade in another school district will not lose eligibility to partic-
ipate in high school athletics. By allowing these students to continue
playing for four consecutive seasons beginning in ninth grade, the bill
aims to provide consistency in athletic participation and prevent unnec-
essary disruptions to student-athletes' development and opportunities.
High school sports provide students with critical opportunities for
skill development, teamwork, and personal growth. For those who have
already demonstrated commitment and talent in a sport during their
middle school years, continuity in participation is essential. This
legislation ensures that transferring students retain their eligibility,
promoting fairness and allowing them to fully participate in the athlet-
ic programs offered by their new school.
Additionally, this bill helps align the policies of the Syracuse Compre-
hensive Education and Workforce Training Center with other districts,
ensuring a more equitable and inclusive approach to student-athlete
eligibility and participation.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.