Homeschoolers And Public School Sports: Parents Sit On The Fence

One hot topic concerning homeschooled students these days is whether they should be allowed to play on public school sports teams. Parents are split on this topic because they want the opportunity for their children to play on sports teams but they don’t want to lose any of the teaching freedoms they have worked hard to attain.

Fear of losing homeschool rights include requiring homeschooled children to meet the same academic standards as their public school counterparts. Public schools require students participating in sports to maintain their grades when playing for sports teams. Homeschooled children who have a narrative instead of a typical grading system would be at a disadvantage. It is suggested that the homeschool children take standardized tests in order to come up with a passing grade to meet eligibility for the sports teams. The homeschooled student’s grades, however, do not need to be reported. Parents that believe homeschooled students should not play public school sports have taken steps to defeat any legislation that would give children this right.

Parents who believe that their homeschooled children should have the right to play sports look at the issue from a different angle. They believe that the intrusion is acceptable as long as it is minimal. Not every parent believes that their child is going to grow up to be a sports star but they do support their child’s desire to participate in sanctioned team sports. These parents also believe that they should be getting something in return for the school taxes that they pay. Until the federal government allows them to claim a deduction for their homeschooling expenses they feel they should get a return on their investment in one form or another.

Those who are against homeschooled children playing in public school sports state that these children could easily form their own teams, join organized sports outside of the public school system or simply participate in non-team sports. For areas that have a large population and therefore many homeschooled children this is a viable alternative. Rural children however may be at a disadvantage though because fewer children in these areas are homeschooled.

Legislators are confused as to what the homeschooling population wants. Should they let vocal advocates against the issue speak for everyone or should they listen to the individuals that want the opportunity to play public school sports? It is unfortunate that there isn’t some middle ground on this issue. Those on both sides of the issue feel that their rights are, or will be, taken away.

Homeschooling parents should let their legislators know what their thoughts are on this issue. Constructive opinions on how to resolve this particular issue would also be welcomed by your state representatives. Parents can contact their state legislature by logging on to http://www.ncsl.org and they can view pending legislation for their state by visiting http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncsl/.

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Really it shouldnt be up to the state or school board it should be up to the coaches!

Candice

It shouldn't even be up to the coaches, it should be up to the parents that do homeschool their children. I homeschool my son, and he was on a school baseball team until I started homeschooling, then he got kicked off the team. Why am I still having to pay school taxes? My son should be able to play public school sports, or else I should not be required to pay public school taxes.

Carolyn

In response to Candice, someone that obviously has nothing to do with homeschooled children....The coaches have nothing to do with it!!! The coach is not a dictator of which taxpaying citizen has the right to play an organized school sport. Their sole job is to manage, and do what is in the best intrest of the team, despite where the children get there eductation. I do agree with Carolyn, there should be some sort of tax form that they should be able to be exempt from paying for extra odds and ends for the public schooling sytem in her area. I was homeschooled for 8 years, that was in the 80's, this was a problem then, and something should be done about it.

Leah

I think that homeschooled children should be given the opportunity to try out for any high school sports team. making the team, of course, is going to be based on their ability, but I do feel that they should be given the chance. In our school district I think this is already happening. I could be remembering wrong, but our HS baseball team had a boy that was homeschooled. his parents had to go through some additional paperwork because he wasnt a student and needed special paperwork stating that he lived within the school's boundaries, and then special permission slips to travel with the team. his parents also had to make sure to have him at the school for events that concerned the baseball team, but it all worked.

dianerene

I totaslly agree with you diane! Just as an fyi, we ran in to a family in Boston yesterday that was homeschooling and they were on a history tour of the US. Not sure how anyone could afford that with 4 kids but cool would that be?!? I think I would have remembered alot more if I saw where it happened!

ChristineB

that's awesome! I think that would be one heck of a field trip [:'(] I agree - it brings it home when you can see where it all happened. we always take our kids to the california missions when they hit the 4th grade. once they pick their mission, we run a trip out to it. my son had santa barbara, and my daughter had san juan capistrano. roxie is in the 4th grade this year, so we are just waiting for the project to come up. it's kinda neat to be able to walk the grounds and take pictures, then you can add personal touches to the mission they have to build.

dianerene

Thats sounds like an awesome time! We went down south a few times because my Dads Dad lived there so we got to see the battlefields and cemetaries...very chilling.

ChristineB

I love visiting cemetaries! lol I don't know why, a morbid fascination I guess. there is a little town between home and vegas ... calico, CA ... it's a ghost town from the mining days. I love to go there after hours (after their tours and shows) and explore the town, and visit the cemetary. we had more fun on our own, then we did the day we spent with the activity going on! lol

dianerene

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