7/14/25
Hi Amal. Last week, Fatima expressed to me an interest in completing the Athletic Placement Process (APP) testing to see if she can play up on the EHS JV field hockey team this Fall. I wanted you to be aware that she had this discussion with me. I also wanted to give you some information so that you can decide — as a family — if this is something Fatima should pursue. It is important to emphasize upfront that there is absolutely no pressure for Fatima to pursue the APP testing and play JV FH this Fall. This is a family decision. We will respect whatever you decide as a family.
STEP ONE: Consider the Time Commitment
Before reviewing the APP process below, you should first CLICK HERE to review important preliminary information on the high school FH season. It is especially important to review the calendar I provide showing you the EHS FH schedule from the start of preseason (Mon 8/18) through to our second game of the season (Monday 9/8). We play a full 16-game season with the last game currently scheduled for 10/23. I believe that JV games will be played at 5:00, 5:30 or 6pm. JV will travel on their own bus to and from AWAY games. Carefully consider all of the information provided at the link so that you determine whether this type of rigorous schedule is something that Fatima and your family will be able to handle this Fall.
STEP TWO: Preparing for the APP Testing
As a team, EHS FH will give Fatima plenty of opportunities to practice the fitness exercises required for the APP testing. We have already completed all of the tests one time each (except for the V-Sit & Reach). We will continue to give Fatima opportunities to do practice tests at our Tu/Th morning workouts this summer. Fatima should also be practicing on her own. Below are the results of Fatima’s practice tests so far:
Curl-Ups / Sit-Ups (# in one minute): 33
30-Foot Shuttle Run (out & back 2x): 12:02 seconds
V-Sit & Reach: not yet tested
Mile Run: 11 minutes 32 seconds
Push-Ups: 10
Below is the chart that shows you the target numbers for Fatima at her age:
STEP THREE: Let us know Fatima’s Tanner Score
The Tanner scale is a scale of physical development as pre-pubescent children transition into adolescence, and then adulthood. Fatima’s Tanner Score should appear as part of her latest physical. To play on a high school JV team as an 8th grader, Fatima should have a Tanner Score of 4. NOTE: If Fatima’s Tanner Score is less than 4, yet she still can meet the APP fitness testing requirements, you have the option of having your family doctor complete an “MD Waiver” form that grants approval for Fatima to play up on JV, despite not having a Tanner Score of 4.
STEP FOUR: Coach’s Recommendation
Provided that Fatima is hitting close to the APP testing numbers by the first week in August, I will write a recommendation for her to be considered to play up on JV field hockey this Fall. I will submit this recommendation directly to the Athletic Director. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: If a player is not close to hitting the target #’s for the APP Testing by the first week in August, EHS FH will not recommend her for the official APP Testing (which usually takes place in the 1st or 2nd week of August).
STEP FIVE: Parent Permission Form
The Athletic Department will also need to receive a completed Parent Permission Form from you in order for Fatima to be allowed to pursue the APP Testing.
A Few Other Things To Note
I will have the MD Waiver Form and the Parent Permission Form to give to Fatima when I see her next. I will also have a copy of the APP testing chart that shows the target numbers for her age as well as descriptions of how each exercise should be performed. Again, Fatima should practice these exercises on her own as well as with our team on Tu/Th mornings.
The APP testing typically is scheduled in the first or second week in August. As soon as I know the date, I will let you know.
Again, I want to emphasize that there is absolutely no pressure for Fatima to pursue the APP testing and play JV FH this Fall. This is a family decision. We will respect whatever you decide as a family.
Please know that if Fatima does pursue the APP testing and chooses to play up on JV this Fall that we will be very happy to have her on the team and she will get equal playing time to all other players.
Also keep in mind that, if Fatima qualifies and chooses to play up on JV FH this Fall, she will not be eligible for Modified FH in the Spring (though we will welcome her support in helping us find more EIMS FH players and — if she is available — also helping us at ModFH practices).
