"Tebow Bill"

[Dave Johnson]

I'm sure most of have read or heard about the bill to let home schooled kids play for public school teams (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/tebow-bill-to-let-home-schoolers-play-sports-passes-va-house/2012/02/07/gIQAb5KIzQ_blog.html), but I'm curious what general reaction to this is. I have my opinions, but I'm more interested in hearing from the masses, particularly from parents both of home schooled kids and those who attend public schools.

[Duece]

I was home schooled... now I'm a social pariah!!! :clap2:

[Palmervia]

Home schooling I don't really agree with

[CoachA10]

Why don't we let the private school kids play, too? You are either in the school, or you're not. Can't pick and choose.

[Dave Johnson]

Why don't we let the private school kids play, too? You are either in the school, or you're not. Can't pick and choose.
Coach, that's exactly my argument. There would be no difference between those two scenarios.

[deandrebarnes1124]

Coach, that's exactly my argument. There would be no difference between those two scenarios.

It really is a hard thing to talk about. What I mean is, now you’re going to get kids saying they’re home school, so they can easily go play for a certain program; however, those home school kids should be allowed to play someone as well. So it’s really touchy. Then like Coach says, if you gone let the home school kids do it, then you’re going to have to let the privates do it as well. Home school is a form of private school, if you think about it. This is just a really touchy situation. I think this opens the door up for a lot negatives, but positives as well. I’m interested into hearing the state legislations reasoning behind this. This could have a real impact on the state of sports. I mean, you could get kids coming in from different states, other parts of VA playing for the programs they want to play for. I guess it comes down to does the good outweigh the bad when thinking about this decision.

[CoachA10]

If this happens, it will force the administrators to strictly enforce the zoning rules to keep it from becoming a free-for-all.

I understand the concept behind this; homeschool parents pay taxes, too. But I feel if they opt out of the public school system (for whatever reason...home school or private education), then that should be an all-or-nothing decision. No classes, then no sports, no facilities, no extra-curricular activities.

[jb1edlover]

They do this in Texas in the area I was from you still had to play for the school you were zoned for no matter what. If you were home schooled in Bethels zone you played for Bethel. If you went to private school you played for the zone that you live in. It wasn't really hard. The problem comes with are they getting the proper education and you don't want to open that can of worms.

[Lynn Burke]

From reading the bill, I interpret it that a student would have to be home-schooled for two years before being eligible under this bill.

One of the bill's provisions is:
(ii) has demonstrated evidence of progress for two years in compliance with subsection C of § 22.1-254.1

That subsection C says the home-school teacher has to file specific reports with the school division as to grade progress, etc.

Seemingly, that would eliminate the possibility that an athlete who was in danger of becoming academically ineligible at his/her school could drop out and become home-schooled, and be eligible.

[Dave Johnson]

Also, as I read the bill, all it does is prohibit public schools from being a member of the VHSL if it continues to ban home schooled students from participating in athletics in the public schools.

But it does not require individual school districts to allow home schooled athletes to play. So it appears, and this was confirmed to me by the delegate who sponsored the bill, that it would be up to the localities. In other words, if this passes, Newport News, Hampton, and whoever could still say "We're not allowing anyone to participate in extra curricular activities in our schools who are not enrolled in them."

Coach made the point I've been thinking all along ... wouldn't this open the doors for private schools students as well? Plus, the obvious issue would be academic standards. Home schooled students are not under the same guidelines as public school students.

[Duece]

So if i decide to continue my high school education from home...I can ride the bench at Gloucester? :lol: