It’s time the state let homeschooled students play, too

To play or not to play? That is the question.
But it shouldn’t be one for kids
The Senate passed SB 131, weeks ago, also known as the Tim Tebow Act, and a similar version, HB 2632, are both currently sitting in the House Education Committee.
Meanwhile, on Monday the House passed HB 3127, similar to the Senate’s “Tebow Bill,” which also allows homeschooled and private school students play public school sports.
The Tim Tebow Act is named for a quarterback who played for a public high school team while being homeschooled and later played in college and the NFL.
Every year since 2016, a version of the Tim Tebow Act has been introduced, and every year it has failed.
But this year, it looks like lawmakers have got it right and are set to pass a “Tebow Bill.”
The bills are all similar, allowing a student who is homeschooled or attends a private, parochial or church-operated school to try out for public school extracurricular activities covered by the state Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC), including sports teams and bands. But that student must meet certain criteria.
These kids, called Tebow students in the bills, must:
Meet the residency requirements of the school whose activities they wish to join.
Meet academic standards for that grade level, proven either through scores on a standardized test or a portfolio of work to be examined by school officials.
Adhere to all the same behavioral standards as public school students.
Meet the same physical examination and vaccination requirements as public school students.
Pay the same fees for the activity as public school students.
And for anyone who thinks this allows a homeschooler to waltz in and be named the starting quarterback, this bill only guarantees kids the right to try out. They still have to earn a spot based on their merits and skills.
Based on all of these requirements, the Tebow Act can only do far more good than harm.
First, families of Tebow students pay taxes that fund public schools, which should give their kids the opportunity to participate in public school activities.
Plus, allowing homeschooled or private school students to participate in public school extracurriculars gives them a chance to be part of the larger community. They can make friends, learn teamwork, discipline, disappointment, winning, fellowship and hone their athletic skills.
Some may be concerned how Tebow students will be received by public school teammates — that they’ll be bullied or ostracized. Solution: Teach our kids to be kind and welcoming and remind them Tebow students have to earn their place on a team like everyone else.
The bottom line is this: Pass the bill and let these kids play.