A controversial athletic policy in Middletown High School is requiring athletes to show up on time for school to compete later that day. 

It’s not a new policy according to Coach Kevin Lynott, who also says that it exists across all public schools in Frederick County, but some students say that it has been enforced more strictly recently. Junior Madelyn Parmenter says that last year the policy was about missing a period, not being late to school.

Parmenter has personally been affected by the policy. “I’ve had to miss two hockey practices”, she says, “because I was late to school and I had to just watch practice.” She added that she almost missed a play-off game but arrived “one second before the bell rang.” She feels that if she missed, she would’ve let her teammates down.

MHS administration considers the policy to be a success. “The rates are up really good”, says Lynott, “and we’re doing a great job here in Middletown High School, doing what we’re supposed to do and getting here on time.”

He also says that there are exceptions to the rule, such as doctor’s notes and college visits, and it isn’t as strict as some students think. “The whole goal”, he says, “is to be a student first, get your education and then go to your activities.”

Parmenter called the policy change stressful, but also said she’s been making more of an active effort to get to school on time. “There are pros but there are also cons to it”, she said, “I would personally like it to go back to how it was, but I do see the reasoning behind this.”