Athletes who come to school late can expect to sit on the bench, following an addition to the Old Rochester Regional High School’s student handbook.

Formerly, student athletes who arrived to class after 9 a.m. were still eligible to participate in a game on the same day. But Principal Mike Devoll said the new rule will firm up some “gray areas.”

The new rule requires students to be in school by 9 a.m. and to stay in school for the rest of the day.

“We’re looking for prior approval, rather than after the fact,” said Devoll.

Assistant Principal Mike Parker also said the old policy didn’t give coaches a clear idea of who was in or out for a particular day. Now, the athletic director will have a list of every late athlete to inform coaches.

“Being able to participate in afterschool activities is a privilege, not a right,” said Devoll.