8th Grade Eligibility Information
House File 2591 was signed into law in Iowa in 2026. A major point of this bill is 8th-grade eligibility for high school athletic competitions, both varsity and junior varsity.
The following information outlines the approach the Dallas Center-Grimes Activities department will follow. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have also provided guidance to districts as they navigate this transition. DCG CSD will also update Board Policy 504.06 to include this new legislation.
Our priority is to ensure that any decisions made serve the best interests of our students, our athletic programs, and the overall educational experience within our district.
Our district believes:
- Participation opportunities should be determined with the best interests of both the student-athlete and the overall program in mind.
- Student safety, emotional readiness, and physical maturity are essential considerations when evaluating 8th grade participation at the high school level.
- Participation opportunities may vary by sport due to roster sizes, facility limitations, coaching considerations, competitive balance, and existing middle school offerings.
- Participation opportunities for 8th graders are a privilege and not a guaranteed right.
- The district reserves the right to limit, pause, or discontinue 8th grade participation opportunities in any sport based on participation numbers, program needs, staffing, or other operational considerations.
The new guidance applies to the following sports which are offered at Dallas Center-Grimes CSD: football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track and field, soccer, baseball, softball, golf and tennis.
DCG CSD has a cooperative sharing agreement with Johnston for bowling and swimming. Johnston is the host school for both activities, so their guidance will determine potential 8th-grade participation. Dance and cheer are not applicable at this time due to the tryout process in the spring.
8th Grade Evaluation and Selection Process
Each year, current 8th grade students and families will have the opportunity to express interest in being considered for high school participation during their 8th grade year. This form is available on our DCG Activities website.
Their interest form must be submitted three months prior to the high school season starting (unless otherwise specified).
Families expressing interest should believe they are physically, emotionally, athletically, and competitively prepared for participation at the high school level. Submitting interest does not guarantee evaluation, selection, roster placement, or participation.
Students may only participate in a sport at one level each season. For example, a wrestler can’t compete for the team at Oak View and DCG High School in the 2026-27 season; one team per season.
Evaluation Process
Interested students may participate in evaluation opportunities and touch points with the high school coaching staff. This will be determined by each sport.
Evaluations may include, but are not limited to:
- Skill assessment
- Athletic ability
- Physical readiness
- Competitive readiness
- Emotional maturity
- Practice habits and coachability
- Program fit
- Long-term program development considerations
The evaluation process may vary by sport.
Coaching Recommendation and Administrative Approval
Final decisions regarding 8th grade participation at the high school level will be based on:
- Current roster numbers in grades 9-12
- Overall program participation numbers
- Competitive balance
- Safety considerations
- Team needs
- Long-term program planning
- Individual student-athlete ability and readiness
- Coaching staff recommendation
The head coach, in collaboration with the Activities Director and administration when necessary, will determine whether an 8th grade student is approved for participation at the high school level.
Participation decisions are made at the discretion of the coaching staff and administration and are final.
Here are a few additional points of interest regarding HF2591:
- Sports Only: This law only impacts athletic programs sanctioned by the IGHSAU and IHSAA. It does not apply to any other extra- or co-curricular activities, such as Music, Marching Band, Show Choir, or internal clubs. IHSMA and IHSSA have adopted similar guidelines, but we do not anticipate a change at DCG CSD.
- Academic & Conduct Standards: All student-athletes must adhere to the same academic, good-conduct, and attendance policies outlined in our student and activity handbook.
- Transportation & School Hours: Families are solely responsible for providing all transportation to and from high school practices and local competitions. Furthermore, 8th-grade students cannot miss middle school instructional class time for high school practices. There are special occasions, mainly during state tournaments, where practices are held during the school day.
Please reach out to any of our head coaches or DCG Activities Director Madison Melchert with any additional questions. As always, we appreciate your partnership.
Dr. Scott Blum – DCG CSD Superintendent
Madison Melchert – DCG Activities Director
Additional Resources