Our high school students, especially the young men, seem to have a built-in "need for speed." Not vehicular speed, but bodily speed, from the power of their own legs, generated by muscles which seem to explode with energy. Part of homeschooling high school includes finding ways to get those phys.ed. credits, and there are numerous ways to do this! A lot of parents opt to have their children participate in team sports. Many students participate in sports where they perform their skill individually (like gymnastics or figure skating), but are part of a larger group of individuals making up a team.
I'm going to be very honest with my readers here. I have very strong opinions about homeschool students joining public school sports teams. If I were to express them, I would be certain to anger either one side or the other, and not likely persuade anyone. So, rather than just giving out my opinions, I'd like to link you to several articles that will provide information that I hope will be helpful "jumping off" points for your own family discussions, as well as providing you with state-by-state legal information.
First, an article that appeared in Homeschool World by HSLDA attorney, Chris KIicka. Please pray for Chris and his family...he has long suffered with MS, and is currently in an ICU in Colorado; here is a link to their Caring Bridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisklicka .
Two more articles from HSLDA:
"Equal Access - Participation of Homeschooled Students in Public School Activities"
"State Laws Concerning Participation of Homeschool Students in Public School Activities"
Next, from "A to Z's Home's Cool Homeschooling" website, this article also contains links to multiple other articles about sports and homeschooling.
Above all things, homeschool families must remember to keep sports in their proper perspective. If participation in sports is leading to a breakdown of family time and/or relationships, or if there is too much worldly exposure involved, consider the cost carefully.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 reminds us of this: "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation."
May God bless you and your homeschool this week!
Lori
