CHOIS Connection is published quarterly by Christian Homeschoolers Of Idaho State.
This article appeared in a previous issue.
CHOIS Connection
CHOIS Tidbits
by Linda Patchin
"Getting in the Game"
Winter 2008
Every year I am inspired by attending the Idaho Homeschool Graduation. Reading the student biographies in the program acquaints me with the graduates. They are involved in many worthwhile activities. This year, I learned that nearly one-half of them had participated on a public school athletic team. The opportunity for privately home educated students to play for a public school is granted in only fourteen states. Idaho is one of them. If the 2008 graduates are any indication, many are taking advantage of this opportunity.
My two oldest children graduated without participating in any public school activities. Then along came child #3. He grew up playing every sport he could with the neighborhood children on our quiet street. Our neighbor, who happens to be the local high school football coach, grew accustomed to patiently maneuvering his car around "his future team." At the appropriate time, this same neighbor began stuffing our mailbox with flyers for football camps, and team sign-ups. When this subtle hint did not produce desired results, he began verbal recruitment. His effort fell on fertile ground as my son was very motivated to join the team. (Did I mention that his uncle coaches football professionally?) Dad needed little convincing. (Dad played football in high school and college.) It took me longer to warm to the idea. (Football! Are you crazy?)
Today I have two boys who have played on high school football and baseball teams, and I have enjoyed watching their games. I will share a few of the lessons I have learned, in case you are considering taking the plunge. If you are not interested in having your children participate in sports, feel free to skip the rest of this article.
Let me start by dispelling myths about funding. Studies show that currently less than 1% of a public school's tax-funded budget supports athletic programs. Sports are funded by the "gate" (ticket sales) and fund-raising. Parents of athletes carry the moniker of "booster," and they shoulder much of the responsibility for providing the team with everything from uniforms to artificial turf stadiums. Idaho public schools do not receive any additional funds as a result of allowing homeschoolers to participate in sports.
Let's begin with the rules of the game. If you want a complete picture, read the excellent summary of the law, as well as a link to Idaho Code 33-203, which deals with this topic on the ICHE website. Another excellent resource is the website of the Idaho High School Activities Association (IDHSAA). All Idaho high school activities, including athletics are regulated through this association. In a nutshell, our students may be allowed to participate in an activity in the public school in whose attendance zone they reside, although individual school districts do have some latitude in adopting rules to govern their dual enrollment. This is where it can get sticky.
Many school districts welcome our students. A few do not, making it quite difficult to participate. Some have adopted a "pay to play" policy. It's a shame that some districts have taken this stance, but there does not seem to be anything that we can do under the current law. If this describes your situation, then I would urge you to remain cordial at all times when dealing with district and school officials, as you clearly state your case. You might also attempt to politely lobby the district trustees to change their policies. It is possible for our students to play for a charter school if they live within the attendance zone of the charter school's physical address. This may be an answer if you live in a district that is unfriendly.
CHOIS and ICHE have received many inquiries about why homeschooled children are ineligible to play for private school teams. The Activities Association told me that private schools which are members of the Association must grant credit toward graduation for sports participation. This is a non-negotiable requirement for interscholastic competition, and it prevents most private schools from accepting homeschooled athletes.
After thoroughly acquainting yourself with the Idaho Code, call the local school and ask to speak with the Athletic Director. He or she will provide you with information on that district's policies, coaches, try-outs, practices and so forth. The Athletic Director will determine academic eligibility for your child.
Determining eligibility is not difficult. You must provide the Athletic Director with a copy of test scores from a nationally-normed standardized test, such as the IOWA Test of Basic Skills, which will remain part of their permanent school file. The best source for obtaining these tests is through the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators. I normally photocopy my copy of test results, give it to the Athletic Director, and that is sufficient. A composite score on the 26th percentile or higher on the IOWA Tests will qualify your student for participation, but some districts may prefer to use the Grade Equivalent score to determine eligibility, requiring that a student's composite score be at or above grade equivalent. Test scores are good for two seasons of play.
If you object to standardized testing, another means of demonstrating academic eligibility is by providing a portfolio of your student's work. For more information about this option, visit the IDHSAA website.
Finally, physicals are required every other year for all students who want to participate in sports. Ask which grades require a physical, and schedule your appointment early. You will also need to provide information about medical insurance, should your child need immediate medical attention. You are not required to provide the school with a class schedule, report cards, immunization records, etc. Any private information that is voluntarily "given" away will make it more difficult for the next homeschooler. Be wise!
So, what is it like once your child has earned a position on a high school team? Here are some final points:
Be prepared for daily practices that will be more intense than anything your child has previously experienced. Attendance will not be optional. Your child will be asked to sign and follow a Code of Conduct. This is an excellent time to have a discussion with your student about the type of behavior that you expect.
Watch your expectations. Once games begin, you may feel that your child is not being "played" enough. There are many parents in the stands who are thinking the exact same thing about their child. Most coaches do not care about where your child gets an education; they will select a roster that increases the chance of winning. Encourage your child to work hard, be supportive of teammates, and willing to
change positions. Coaches love working with students who are flexible, humble, teachable and excited about being there.
Reality check: your child will be exposed to profanity, unfortunately sometimes even from the coaches. Expect this. If your child is not prepared to stand strong through this, then you should think twice about their participation. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to share his faith. My sons have experienced other boys taming their own tongues out of respect.
Provide alternatives. My boys do not care to spend time in the locker room, and so they usually arrive at practice and games in uniform, ready to play. They pungently ride home in uniform too, but this is a small price to pay to avoid foul locker room chatter. Be creative and willing to help your child to overcome temptation and trash.
Make it memorable. If you are allowing your child to participate then YOU need to become involved as well. This almost always means volunteering to raise funds for the team by working in the concession stand, etc. There are also some fun jobs. Build relationships with the other parents, and players. If your child sticks with this sport throughout high school then you will be spending a great deal of time together over the next four years.
Getting Personal. When the other students learn that your child is homeschooled, they will have many questions, mainly about food, attire and schedules. In other words; how late can they sleep in, can they wear their pajamas to school, and can they eat whenever they want? Really! Before the questions begin, discuss appropriate responses and privacy concerns with your child.
Communicate. Many teams have lunch time meetings. Coaches take these meetings very seriously, and attendance sometimes makes the difference between first and second string. Coaches do not intuitively know that a homeschooled athlete is missing meetings because schoolwork is being done at home during that time. Be flexible. If there is one day a week when schedules can be rearranged to accommodate the meeting, attending will help the coach to see that your child is serious about being on the team.
Grow tough skin. In the stands you may hear some negative comments. Some parents do not appreciate homeschooled students' participation on athletic teams, and they may express their feelings. Whenever your child is playing, you can bet that a fully-enrolled student is sitting on the bench. Grin and bear it, and allow the coach to take the heat and respond.
Maintain a strong spine. Exercise your parental veto powers when you need to. If you begin to see behavioral changes in your child as a result of his exposure to outside influences, you have the authority to effect change. Participation is an earned privilege. Explain your expectations and the consequences for disobedience well before you sign up your child to play. Then be strong.
Have fun! Very few high school athletes get college scholarships. Even fewer play professional sports or win Olympic medals. This activity should be enjoyable, not stressful.
Play Nicely! In preparing this article, I interviewed the director of the Idaho High School Activities Association. She was gracious and kind, and enjoys helping homeschooled students, even though she has fielded some calls from angry (and even rude) homeschool parents. The Association is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and dreams, but their job is difficult. There are many educational options available today, and each would like for their students to play on the public school's tab. The Association has had legal challenges to their determinations in the past, and repeatedly the courts have stated that participation in a public school activity is a privilege and not a right. We must work harder to create our own sport opportunities and to be sincerely appreciative when we are allowed to join the game.
My family has been enriched through our participation on public school sports teams. My boys have learned about human nature, as they have grown strong, fast and capable. They've learned what it takes to contribute to a team. They have shared the love of Christ with their teammates. We are thankful that we have had the opportunity to play, and to our neighbor for setting the ball in motion. It is my prayer that your family will be blessed should you choose to get in the game.
Paul and Linda Patchin are the proud parents of two linebackers, a third baseman and a catcher. They are prouder still to be the parents of the Most Inspirational Player. They are grateful that they have been given the privilege of homeschooling their four children for over two decades.
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