Athletics

Athletics are an important part of the education experience in Gaston County Schools. We believe that sports help students grow by teaching teamwork, discipline, and leadership—lessons that go beyond the classroom.

Gaston County Schools follows the rules of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) as well as state and local policies. These guidelines help make sure our student-athletes focus on good sportsmanship and academic success.

Academic Requirements
A student must be enrolled in a minimum of three courses during the current semester and be in good academic standing to participate in athletics. The student must pass at least 70 percent of the courses taken in the previous semester to be eligible at any time during the current semester.  A student entering the ninth grade is eligible for first-semester competition on high school athletic teams.

Attendance Requirement
An athlete must have attended school at least 85 percent of the previous semester to be eligible to participate in athletics. 

Medical Requirement
To be eligible for practice and participation in interscholastic athletic contests, a player must receive a medical examination once every 395 days by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. 

Age Requirement
No student may be approved for any athletic contest if his/her 19th birthday comes on or before August 31 of that year. 

Insurance Coverage
Additional insurance coverage is provided for all athletes in a sports policy under the “All Sports” Insurance plan purchased by Gaston County Schools. This sports policy is not meant to pay 100% of the bill but is designed to assist the parent with expenses incurred.