Most Beaufort County middle and high school student athletes have maintained their academic eligibility to play their sports despite stricter requirements that took effect this school year.

Ninety-three percent of the student athletes met the minimum 2.0 GPA requirement that was set by the Board of Education in 2011, according to a news release. Only one other S.C. school district has a similar requirement: Richland District 1.

Under the policy, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA -- a "C" average -- in order to continue participating in sports. After-school tutoring is required for students who are struggling to meet that requirement. Students who have a GPA of less than 2.0 at the end of a semester are ineligible to play sports during subsequent semesters until they raise their grades and keep them up for a full semester.

The policy is based on previous semester's grades, not cumulative GPA.

For more details, check back with the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette later today, and follow reporter Tom Barton at twitter.com/IPBG_Tom.

Related content: Student athletes must have 2.0 GPA to play, Oct. 28, 2011 School district approves 2.0 GPA requirement for extracurriculars, July 22, 2011