Acorn League

The Acorn league is established to have a developmental sports program in which students learn the fundamentals of the sport, rules and sportsmanship among Manteca Unified elementary schools in accordance with school board policy (6145).

The Acorn athletic league is to promote the physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral wellbeing of the participants. It is MUSD's desire to prepare students through a positive environment of athletics for an enriching and vital life.

Participation is open to all students regardless of individual differences. Through voluntary participation, the athlete gives time, energy, and loyalty to the sports program. He/she also accepts the training, rules, regulations and responsibilities, which are unique to an athletic program.

Eligibility

Eligibility Determined Using Standards-Based Proficiency Scale

Students must maintain academic eligibility as defined by MUSD's Standards-Based Proficiency Scale.

As proficiency scale marks are not meant to be “good” or “bad” grades but rather represent actual student growth and progress, students with the following marks in all subjects are eligible to play: Exceeded (EX), Proficient (PR), Approaching (AP), or Beginning (BE)!

The exception is if a student receives an Insufficient (IN) mark, they will not be able to participate in official games but can participate in scheduled practices. The “IN” mark means that a student has not demonstrated enough evidence to assess their progress toward a standard. If a student has an “IN” mark during the eligibility check periods, the student can have a probationary period to become eligible before being allowed to play.

Students must also meet standards in “Habits of Success” to play. This includes following school rules, routines, and expectations, being prepared, organized, and on task, completing assignments on time, and respecting and collaborating well with others. Students who are suspended twice or for five or more days in a trimester will lose the privilege to participate for 45 school days.

Students who receive Special Education Services will have eligibility standards determined by the principal and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

When 6^th grade students transition to 7^th grade in the 2025-2026 school year, fall grade checks will align with 9^th grade high school sports eligibility rules. For more detailed information, please review the Acorn League Handbook.

Eligibility Check Periods

Basketball: Eligibility checked from August 7 to August 22 and eligibility begins August 27, 2024.
Volleyball: Eligibility checked from November 13 to December 5 and eligibility begins January 14, 2025.
Futsal: Eligibility checked from March 12 to March 28 and eligibility begins April 2, 2025.
Track: Eligibility checked from March 14 to April 2 and eligibility begins April 3, 2025.

Attendance

Students must attend at least two-thirds of the school day on the day of a game to participate.

Students who are new to the district or fall below academic standards may have a probationary period to become eligible before being allowed to play.

We encourage you to review the new eligibility criteria and talk with your child about how they can stay eligible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school office.

Important Resources

Acorn League Handbook

Permission Slip (English)

Permission Slip (Spanish)

GoFan Ticket App

All Acorn League sporting events are now cashless. Tickets can be purchased through the GoFan app. See GoFan application instructions.

Acorn league Commissioner - Christopher Graham

Chris Graham smiling with trees and greenery in the background.

Mr. Graham has been helping students learn over the past decade in Manteca Unified as an employee and coach. He has coached basketball and volleyball at August Knodt and George Komure and previously at Bear Creek High School in Lodi.

"My primary coaching goals have been focused on assisting students build collaboration, sportsmanship, persistence, and leadership skills,” stated Graham. "I value the opportunity to work closely with coaches and administration to further help build an inclusive educational league."

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