CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Among the bills that will soon be sent to Gov. Jim Justice, one piece of legislation would allow home-schooled students to participate in public school sports if it is approved by the governor.
House Bill 2196 would allow these students to try out for athletic and band activities. The new rule would also apply to students of private and parochial schools that lack these programs.
The bill has been nicknamed the "Tim Tebow bill" after minor league baseball and former football player Tim Tebow. His parents home-schooled him, and Tebow was also allowed to play football at a Florida Christian academy.
He later played quarterback at the University of Florida, winning two national championships and a Heisman Trophy, and three seasons in the NFL.
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Students would be required to have a 2.0 GPA and meet other standards public school students are hold to when trying out for groups. Students would also have to pay any fees required to join a program.
Bernie Dolan, executive director of West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, said he is against the bill.
"We just feel like there is not enough consistency between non-member and member schools," he said on Tuesday's MetroNews "Talkline." "We just feel like it is going to create an opportunity for people to gain the system."
Dolan said it is possible for schools without programs to start their own groups, noting Pickens School in Randolph County which has a track team. During the 2015-2016 school year, 37 students were enrolled at the institution.
"It doesn't take many," he said.
Buckland said home-schooled students should have the same opportunities as students at schools with programs.
"I want to teach my children to give and support their community," she said.
Thirty states have laws allowing these students to join these
House Bill 2196 would allow these students to try out for athletic and band activities. The new rule would also apply to students of private and parochial schools that lack these programs.
The bill has been nicknamed the "Tim Tebow bill" after minor league baseball and former football player Tim Tebow. His parents home-schooled him, and Tebow was also allowed to play football at a Florida Christian academy.
He later played quarterback at the University of Florida, winning two national championships and a Heisman Trophy, and three seasons in the NFL.
The House of Delegates …show more content…
Students would be required to have a 2.0 GPA and meet other standards public school students are hold to when trying out for groups. Students would also have to pay any fees required to join a program.
Bernie Dolan, executive director of West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, said he is against the bill.
"We just feel like there is not enough consistency between non-member and member schools," he said on Tuesday's MetroNews "Talkline." "We just feel like it is going to create an opportunity for people to gain the system."
Dolan said it is possible for schools without programs to start their own groups, noting Pickens School in Randolph County which has a track team. During the 2015-2016 school year, 37 students were enrolled at the institution.
"It doesn't take many," he said.
Buckland said home-schooled students should have the same opportunities as students at schools with programs.
"I want to teach my children to give and support their community," she said.
Thirty states have laws allowing these students to join these