| | | | Homeschoolers And Public School Sports: Parents Sit On The Fence |
By Charlotte Gerber
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
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