A survey of 130 high school principals in 3 southern states revealed alcohol abuse, insubordination, and other misbehavior as the major causes for excluding students from participation in school activities. The study also indicated that students have to meet disproportionately higher standards to participate in athletics, cheerleading, and student government than to participate in such other activities as student journalism, dramatics, music, clubs, and intramural sports. Eligibility standards for different activities are affected in different ways by school size, community type, and whether the school was public or private. The researchers conclude that eligibility requirements are too often unrelated to the associated activities and are merely tools for punishing students for misconduct in academic areas where traditional disciplinary practices are failing. Furthermore, eligibility requirements are described as often arbitrary and capricious, leaving schools open to challenge in the courts. (PGD)