NE LB742

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, public school boards and private/parochial school governing authorities must adopt policies allowing seventh and eighth grade students to participate in high school athletics

Students must meet four conditions: appropriate skill level approved by coach/athletic director, documented physical by a health care professional, written parental consent, and no prohibition by athletic associations or state/federal law

Contact sports require additional scrutiny regarding skill level and safety during the evaluation process

Students who participate in a high school sport become ineligible to play that same sport at the middle school level, but their future high school eligibility remains unaffected

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage and approval