July 1, 2026
Dear Mediapolis Families,
As many of you may be aware, Iowa recently enacted HF2591, which allows 8th grade students to participate in high school athletics.
We understand that this change may generate questions from parents, students, and coaches as everyone works to understand how the new law will be implemented. At this time, Mediapolis is reviewing state legislation and guidelines from the Iowa High School Athletic Association/Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to develop procedures that align with both the law and the best interests of our student-athletes and athletic programs.
While we will not be implementing a blanket policy that automatically places all 8th-grade students at the high school level, we do recognize that there may be situations where consideration is appropriate. Any potential opportunity for an 8th-grade student to participate at the high school level will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The process will begin with a recommendation from the respective head varsity coach, followed by administrative review and consideration of factors such as athlete readiness, program needs, and overall student well-being.
As state associations continue to provide guidance, we encourage families to review HF2591 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents developed by the IGHSAU and IHSAA. This resource helps address many common questions about eligibility, participation, and implementation.
HF2591 Emergency Rules: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/13187/download?inline
FAQ: FAQ
We appreciate your patience as we work through this process and establish clear expectations for Mediapolis students and families. Our goal is to make thoughtful decisions that support student athletes while maintaining the integrity of our athletic programs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Brian Borrison
Activities Director