Home school sports and competitive athletic teams near you can be part of your homeschooling physical education. Learn about Tim Tebow Law and equal access for homeschoolers, homeschool PE and fitness, can homeschoolers play sports for public schools (by state) and how can you play sports while being homeschooled.
ALL ABOUT HOME SCHOOL SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN HOMESCHOOL
Quick Guide to Homeschool Students in Public Sports and Fitness At Home
You may be wondering about competitive sports, homeschool PE requirements or can homeschool students play sports.
Some people think “I can’t homeschool because my I want my kids to play sports.”
Also, some sites report that homeschooled students cannot enjoy is participating in team sports.
However, these are not necessarily true!
There are only ten states that currently do not allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports.
The remaining states allow some level of homeschooling team sports participation.
These state laws and school district requirements change regularly, so keep an eye on if your kids can play sports if you’re homeschooled for your area.
Let’s start with the homeschool sports question I get the most…
Can homeschooled students participate school sports?
Decisions for homeschoolers participating in school sports are on a are state-by-state basis. There are states that allow athletic participation and homeschoolers to play on public school sports teams.
There are also states which do not allow homeschoolers to be team players for public schools.
The state laws concerning participation of homeschool sports vary by state and school district, so be sure to check your state laws.
The answer to “Can homeschoolers play sports in Texas?” will differ from the answer to “Can homeschoolers play public school sports in North Carolina?” because each state has the ability to make their own decision.
TIP: Search homeschool sports near me to see organizations that offer homeschool PE and sports.
Can private school students play public school sports?
In some states, homeschools are designated as private schools. In these cases, private home school students may be able to play public school sports. Check the state laws and public school regulations for your specific area.
Why can’t homeschoolers play sports?
There are many different reasons homeschoolers can’t play sports for public schools or private schools. School districts determine if homeschool students can participate in sports.Whether or not homeschoolers can play sports for public schools will depend on state laws and then, further, requirements for each specific school district within that state.
In this homeschooling blog post we’ll cover:
- Homeschoolers playing sports
- Homeschool students playing sports for public schools and private schools
- Sports alternatives for homeschoolers
- Physical education for homeschooling
But, first let’s look at a quick overview of the bill that allows homeschoolers play public school sports:
What Is The Tim Tebow Homeschool Law?
Equal Access For Homeschoolers
What is the Tim Tebow Bill?
The Tim Tebow law, officially known as the “Equal Opportunity for Access in Education Act” and sometimes shortened to “Equal Access,” is a bill that allows homeschoolers to play sports at public schools. It is named after NFL football player Tim Tebow, who was the first homeschooled student to play public school sports.
Should homeschoolers be allowed to play public school sports?
There are currently 31 states that support the Tim Tebow law and allow homeschooled students to play public school sports. However, some of those states have rigorous requirements and legislation that must be met in order to for homeschoolers to play sports, which makes playing for those public schools extremely difficult.
Was Tim Tebow homeschooled in high school?
Yes, Tim Tebow was homeschooled all the way through high school. He never attended public school, even though he played public school sports as a homeschooler.
If you have a homeschool athlete and have researched the topic, you may already be familiar with Tim Tebow and his story.
If you aren’t familiar with the Tim Tebow Law, you may be surprised to learn that a homeschooler is not necessarily excluded from participating in public school sports.
(I know, crazy! Right?)
Tim Tebow was a Florida homeschooler who played public school football (very, very well).
He went on to play college football at University of Florida, won the Heisman Trophy, and then on to have a successful career in the National Football League (NFL).
Because of Tim Tebow’s success, by 2014, 28 states had adopted “Equal Access Athletics” bills, also referred to as the “Tim Tebow Law” and others have adopted the law now.
KEEP READING FOR MORE ON THE TIM TEBOW LAW FOR INDIVIDUAL STATES
Each state individually determines if homeschoolers are eligible to participate in public school sports.
State regulations and sometimes school boards determine if a homeschooler can play sports for their public schools.
And, some states are having trouble passing the “Tebow laws” legislation.
So, the answer to Can homeschoolers play sports in Texas? will be different than the answer to Can homeschoolers play public school sports in North Carolina? Or, what about Alabama? — and all the answers may differ between all the other states.
For example, according to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), Arizona statute states:
“Homeschooled students are allowed to participate in the public schools’ interscholastic activities ‘in the same manner’ as pupils who are enrolled in the public schools.”
There are states where homeschoolers cannot play public school sports. Each state school district determines if homeschoolers can play sports for their school district.
There are other states that prohibit homeschoolers from participating in public school sports at all.
California statute specifically states:
“California Interscholastic Federation prohibits homeschoolers from playing on public school teams.”
But, can homeschoolers play sports in Georgia?
Or, can homeschoolers play sports in Texas or Florida or Missouri?
Or, what about other states?
Again, that all depends on state laws.
So, why do some public schools allow homeschoolers the ability to participate in public school sports while others do not?
What the Tebow Bill means for Homeschooling:
Tim Tebow’s success paved the way for a widespread review of athletics in order to allow homeschoolers to play sports in public school districts. The schools gained powerful athletes and also homeschoolers had the ability to utilize their athletic talents at local public schools.
Qualifications for Homeschoolers to Play Sports When They Don’t Have the Tim Tebow Law
In those states that don’t have “Equal Access” bills, the school, school board, or school district has the ability to decide if the homeschooler can play sports at the public school.
According to the HSLDA:
“Although specific requirements vary from state to state, they generally include:
1) being in compliance with the state homeschool law,
2) meeting the same eligibility requirements (residence, age, etc.) as public school students, and
3) submitting verification that the student is passing his or her core subjects.”
Homeschool Sports Access by State: What states allow homeschoolers to play public school sports?
States That Allow Homeschoolers to Play Sports at Public Schools
Because laws vary from state to state, each state has different regulations regarding homeschoolers participating in public school sport activities.
Some states openly show hostility toward homeschooling (looking at you West Virginia) by making a show of denying the bill.
So, be sure to check the information for your state if you’re interested in your homeschooler playing public school sports.
What states have passed the Tim Tebow law?
Currently, these states allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports under “Equal Access” (the Tim Tebow Law):
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wyoming
IMPORTANT: Other states—NOT LISTED HERE—DO ALLOW homeschoolers to play public school sports, but there are other additional (and sometimes rigorous) requirements for those states and homeschoolers may have a difficult time playing sports in those states.
For example, states like Ohio, Missouri, and Nebraska passed legislation for the Tim Tebow Law allowing homeschooled students to play public school sports, but the homeschooler must be partially enrolled in the public school for some classes (hybrid homeschooling — or homeschool and public school at the same time, or what some refer to as homeschooling part time). So, the student might need to enroll part-time in public school to enroll in sports.
You can check the full list of states that allow homeschoolers to play public school sports and the requirements at the HSLDA.
Can homeschoolers get athletic scholarships?
YES! Colleges and institutes regularly admit homeschooled students and offer them scholarships, including athletic scholarships. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) recognize homeschoolers, making them eligible for athletic scholarships.
Homeschooled students interested in athletic scholarships should contact the colleges of interest (as early as possible) and learn more about their specific athletic requirements for the sport of interest and what paperwork is required for eligibility determination.
Additionally, inquire whether the college is a member of either the NCAA or the NAIA, both of which help execute standards for accepting college athletes.
Your Homeschoolers Will Enjoy This! Check out more about homeschooling and sports…
HOMESCHOOL SPORTS : Famous Homeschooled Athletes
Homeschool Physical Education (Homeschool PE)
Homeschool Sports Participation Alternatives
Even if your state does not allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports, don’t give up!
There are plenty of other places to get homeschooled kids involved in sports, physical education, and fitness (and you don’t even need a homeschool PE curriculum!).
Instead, check with your local YMCA, other community sports complexes, or even search online for homeschool sports programs near me or sports leagues.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask a school or organization to add a homeschooling sports class to their offerings.
The swim class my daughter attends is at a high school that has one of the best competitive swim teams in the state.
This public high school offers homeschool swim classes during the day when the school’s pool is not being used by the school or swim team.
So, we receive the same instruction from excellent coaches and instructors, only with smaller classes at more affordable rates.
If you are only looking for a homeschool physical education class to keep your kids active or meet homeschool PE requirements for your state, there are typically plenty of those in any area.
(Just search for them online or on Facebook.)
We were fortunate enough to find a free homeschool physical education class at a local church one time each week with a former physical education teacher and soccer coach.
Do you have to do PE in homeschool?
Whether you have to do PE in homeschool will depend on your state (or country) requirements. Some high school level requirements say that you need one full year of physical education. Other states say that it must incorporated every year. No matter your state requirements, you’ll definitely want to incorporate homeschool PE into your schedule.
According to the guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human services, “children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.”
TIP: Search homeschool PE near me. Some YMCA’s, organizations, and businesses offer physical education classes for homeschoolers.
What are some PE activities?
17 examples of homeschool PE activities:
- Track or running
- Walking
- Yoga / stretching
- Biking
- Dance classes
- Tennis
- Golf
- Obstacle courses
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Rock climbing
- Strength training / weight lifting
- Martial arts
- Hiking
- Rollerskating
- Ice skating
- Skiing
There are many examples of homeschool fitness and they are only limited by your imagination!
Your homeschooled student will likely have access to many extracurricular activities, including sports. You will just have to do the research for your area.
Can you do PE online?
There are homeschool PE curriculum choices that allow you to do some of the basic physical education learning (like nutrition, health, etc.) online. However, the goal is physical education is to get you moving. An effective homeschool PE program will incorporate that. Keep a homeschool PE log to help keep track of your student’s activity.
Can you take PE in summer school?
Whether you traditional school or homeschool, you will probably be able to take PE in summer school. Check your local schools or simply incorporate your PE credits into your homeschool summer school.
What are the benefits of PE?
- Helps lead a healthier life
- Increases mood and happiness
- Improves fine motor skills and gross motor skills
- Helps with self-discipline
- Improves strength and endurance
- Boosts self-esteem
I hope this helps answer some of your questions on whether your homeschool student can play sports!
You CAN find a way to get your homeschool athletes involved in sports, you’ll just need to do some research for your area for homeschooling for student athletes.
MORE HOMESCHOOL HELP: 18 COMMON QUESTIONS ON HOW TO HOME SCHOOL TODAY (AND THE ANSWERS!)
We hope this helped you better understand can homeschoolers participate in public school programs and homeschooling physical education.
How do you handle home school sports at your house?
STARTING HOME SCHOOL? CHECK OUT OUR HOW TO HOMESCHOOL GUIDE
What year was this article written? It is my understanding that the Tim Tebow Law was shot down in Congress in 2019. I am trying to get my children on a team, but have had no success.
Hi there,
This is a really great question. The law varies by state and, even then, some states allow the decision to make on a district-by-district level.Some states have passed it or similar laws (Arkansas, Indiana, to name a few) and some have denied it (California, West Virginia and more — as of this reply). It does change (I just saw it was back up in West VA for review again), so pay attention to your state laws on it.
I live in Arkansas and my 17 year old wants to play sports, but he is also doing Time for Learning homeschooling, and my understanding is that in order to, he would have to be enrolled in high school part time. I will continue to research but if you have any information, then that would be great to send me if possible. Thanks.
Hi Melissa,
It is my understanding that it is up to the individual (local) school districts in each state whether or not they allow homeschoolers to play public school sports. The first place I would start is emailing your local high school and asking if they allow homeschoolers to play on their sports team and what the requirements are for that. Every state and school district is different. Good luck!
So this is only for homeschooled kids!? What about the kids private school? My daughter is in a private school that doesn’t offer her sport. Would she be able to participate in public school sports? She was in public school but the education I’m my town is not great but I’m still paying public school taxes. She plays for the county now but they put her on the boys team because of low signups. What are my options???
Hi Jordan. That’s a really great question. I would start with by asking your local school district (maybe the superintendents office) because many states leave those decisions to the local schools.