From Tennessee Representative Ron Travis in The Chattanoogan:

Home School Students – The House of Representatives passed legislation this year authorizing home school students to participate in interscholastic athletics at the public school in which they are zoned. House Bill 222 gives home-schooled students an opportunity to try out for local school sports teams if they meet the same health, academic, and conduct standards required of other participants. The bill was fueled by the success of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow who was a home schooled student. The legislation is not in conflict with Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) standards as the organization has opted to leave the decision about participation of home schooled students to local boards of education.

SB 240/HB 222 passed on April 29.  There’s more information here.

The regulating organization for Indiana’s public school extra-curricular activities passed a Resolution allowing homeschoolers to play high school sports.  Approved academic criteria, plus enrolling in one public school class will allow homeschoolers or other non-accredited non-public schools to participate. (more…)

The Dallas Morning News posted this article below regarding the Senate passage of the controversial “Tebow Bill” with a 3/4 vote.  Many Texas homeschoolers are concerned with a bill that separates homeschoolers away from the private school protective umbrella.  The legislative language gives preferential treatment to homeschoolers, which a Texan homeschool group considers trivial to the cause of public school sports participation for homeschoolers. This bill provides for homeschoolers only and does not include other private schools.

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State Senator Shadrack McGill

Alabama State Senator McGill worked persistently to get the “Tebow Bill” into law, but needs more time to gain needed support.

Sports for home schoolers stalls in Ala. Senate
The Associated Press

The Senate met into the early morning hours Wednesday debating the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Shadrack McGill of Woodville. The bill failed 10-21 about 3 a.m. Then Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, moved to reconsider the vote and carry that over. Marsh said the procedural move gives McGill time to try to garner more support, but he said he doubted that would happen.

Alabama’s 13 WVTM also covered the issue.  (more…)

Arkansas homeschooler, Linda Altman, posted this:  Follow up: Tim Tebow bill passes Arkansas House.

House Bill 1789 which allows for homeschool students to participate in interscholastic sports passed the Arkansas House with an overwhelming vote of 80-1. The bill was sent to the Senate. According to the Arkansas Legislature website, the Senate sent it back to the Committee with an amendment and a “Do Pass” recommendation on April 12, 2013 Finally, it looks as if Arkansas homeschoolers will be able to participate in sports with their public schooled peers.

Read more at the Examiner.

The Texas Homeschool Coalition is lobbying for a controversial Tebow Bill.  HB 1374, with 31 sponsors, is pending in the Education Committee and its companion bill SB 929 (2 sponsors) are in motion.

From THSC‘s Tim Lambert, regarding the Senate bill status:

The hearing on SB 929 in the Senate Education Committee went well, and the committee substitute had language that allowed a home school student to demonstrate academic eligibility by taking a national norm-referenced test, like California Achievement Test or Iowa Basic Skills, etc., and scoring at or above the average. UIL officials have said this bill would not negatively impact the “level playing field” or otherwise undermine the current system.

Representatives of public school superintendents and coaches testified against the bill, arguing that it would be unfair to public school students. Some home schoolers also testified against the measure on the grounds that home schooling would have to be defined and that allowing home schoolers to participate would ultimately lead to regulation of all home schoolers. A strong number registered in favor of the bill, and I gave testimony noting the discrimination against home schoolers and minority students that began in 1915, two years after UIL was established for all students in Texas.

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Taber Spani Photo Credit – Ben Ozburn

Watching the legislative trends involving homeschoolers the last few years, one issue has grown into a well known name of its own – the Tim Tebow Bill.  It’s hard to resist –  that love of competitive sports and physical activity.  Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow, took advantage of the 1996 Florida law allowing school-age homeschoolers to participate in the public school extra-curricular activities.  He went on to help his University of Florida team win two national football championships, then moved on to professional football.  Of course, girls have taken part too, including collegiate basketball star – University of Tennessee senior, Taber Spani.
Traditionally, homeschoolers have always found an inventive way for their children to participate and learn in their communities. Park district activities, academic activities, museums and play days turning into fairs and co-ops. One day, a few years back, my four kids (10 years and under) and I  enjoyed a planetarium program with a senior citizen group.  You work with what you have and appreciate the unexpected benefits.

Specifically, homeschool sports leagues have grown into multi-state endeavors culminating in national championships, such as the National Soccer Championship in Fort Wayne, and the recent tournament in  Springfield, Missouri bringing in thousands of families.

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Two Texas “Tebow bills” - SB 929 and HB 1374 - are being pushed by a Texas homeschool group calling for opening up extra-curricular activities via University Interscholastic League.  This bill only includes homeschooling participation in the public school extra-curricular activities, not other Texas private schools.  The SB 929 summary lays it out:

“Relating to equal opportunity for access by home-schooled students to University Interscholastic League sponsored activities; authorizing a fee” (more…)

Memphis’ Commercial Appeal reports the House OKs home-schoolers on public schools’ athletic teams and the bill is now waiting for the governor’s expected signature.
Tom Humphrey reports this:

The bill (SB240) requires all systems to open their athletic doors to homeschooled children.

The TSSAA, which is the governing body for school athletics, has opposed the bill. Homeschool organizations have pushed the idea for several years.

“This is just making it an even playing ground for everyone who is involved in sports,” said Kane.

In debate, House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, said he was concerned with setting a precedent of giving “the benefits of public schools” to those who are not enrolled in those schools. (more…)

Brandon Kelley took advantage of Legion ball and other traveling baseball teams to pitch his way into University sports.

Home-schooled pitcher chooses Aces By Gordon Engelhardt
Evansville Courier & Press

He said UE coach Wes Carroll and the Aces staff is an excellent fit for Kelley “because they have seen him in the past few falls and summers in the area and at national events. They know Brandon’s abilities and where he needs to develop.”

When asked about being home-schooled, Kelley said his mother, Terri, thought that was the best way to go for him and his brother, Austin, 15, and sister, Alyssa, 10.

“She felt she could school us better that what a public school could,” Kelley said.

It obviously hasn’t hurt his athletic career.

“I still have four of five months of playing time,” Kelley said.