What about sports?
One of the most frequently asked questions from homeschool families revolve around access to public school sports programs.
Question:
What sport teams are available for homeschooled students?
Answer:
There are many opportunities for homeschool students. From community recreational leagues to independent teams for homeschool families, there are many teams to choose from. Volunteer parents continue to create and provide the resources they seek for their own children. For a list of homeschool sports teams visit this page on our website.
Question:
What is the law regarding a homeschooled student’s access to high school sports programs?
Answer:
Access to public sports programs is not a legal issue. Access to school sports programs is governed by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Indiana homeschooled students are defined as non-public, non-accredited students and must meet the eligibility guidelines as in section 12-5 of the IHSAA By-Laws.
IHSAA By-Laws Code 12-5
If a student is Enrolled in and attends, Full-time, a non-public, non-accredited school the student may have eligibility to participate in the athletic program at the Indiana Public School serving the student’s residence, provided that:
(1.) the student in conjunction with the non-public, non-accredited school and the Public School serving the student’s residence, provides proof to the IHSAA that the spirit of the eligibility rules will not be compromised; and
(2.) the student has been Enrolled in the non-public, non-accredited school for the previous Three (3) years in succession; and
(3.) the student completes any state-wide examinations authorized by the Indiana Department of Education; and
(4.) the non-public, non-accredited school agent provides proof of meeting the provisions of rule 18-1 of the IHSAA by-laws during the time period between the end of the member School’s designated Grading Period and the corresponding certification date; and
(5.) the student must be Enrolled in and attending a minimum of One (1) full credit subject offered within the member School building.
Question:
What does that mean for my family?
Answer:
Simply stated, each school district has the authority to establish their own rules and standards on what a student must do in order to participate in their sports programs. Over the past couple of years the IAHE has seen an increase in the requirements that school districts are putting on homeschooled families. It is up to each family to decide if they are willing to meet the guidelines put in place in order to participate.
We are seeing an increase in the conditions placed on homeschool families. If you have been asked by the school to take the ISTEP, or another standardized test, please contact the IAHE first.