An account cited that the root of No Pass No Play policy can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century when athletics started to become more popular than academics.
[2] In 1984, then-Governor Mark White appointed Dallas businessman Ross Perot to lead a commission to study public education reform in Texas.
[3] As a result of the study, a sweeping package of educational reforms were proposed to the Texas Legislature, including No Pass No Play.
The rule stipulates that Texas public school students who participate in extracurricular activities must achieve a passing grade (70% or higher, 60% or higher for Advanced Placement (AP), Pre-AP or GT) in order to qualify to continue participating in extracurricular activities such as athletics, band, and orchestra.
[6] The animated sitcom King of the Hill, which is set in Texas, deals with the policy in its 2000 episode "Peggy Makes the Big Leagues."