Homeschool Participation In UIL

UIL Athletics programs offered to homeschool students

UIL Athletics Programs offered to homeschool students in 7th-12th grades:

Football
Volleyball
Girls/Boys Basketball
Baseball (HS only)
Softball (HS only)
Girls/Boys Soccer
Girls/Boys Tennis (HS only)
Girls/Boys Golf (HS only)
Girls/Boys Cross Country
Girls/Boys Track

All homeschool students are subject to player evaluations by head coaches and team tryouts for specific participation at the competition level. All students are expected to follow the same standards set forth by head coaches for individual programs.

UIL Fine Arts programs offered to homeschool students

Band - 6th-12th grades
Choir - 6th-12th grades
Theatre - 6th-12th grades
Cheer - 7th - 12th grades
Color/Winter Guard - 9th-12th grades

All homeschool students are subject to auditions and tryouts for specific participation at the competition level. All students are expected to follow the same standards set forth by directors for individual programs.

Eligibility

Homeschool students who reside within the district boundaries are eligible.
Homeschool students residing outside the boundaries need to be verified by Manor ISD to be eligible before participation.
Need to provide sports physical prior to participation
Homeschool students must provide grade-level academic proficiency prior to participation through an approved standardized test.
Homeschool students will be subject to the same UIL standards of no-pass, no play regulations and must provide grade reports every eligibility period.
Students who played UIL Varsity at a public school in the previous school year are subject to sit out 15 days in compliance with applicable UIL rules for varsity participation. (HS Athletics only)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a student started the year in public school, withdrew, and then transferred to a homeschooled environment -- can that student continue to participate in fine arts or sports?

If a district decides not to opt-out of allowing homeschool students to participate, can the district reverse that decision anytime in the future?

May a homeschool student receive instruction from a private coach outside of the 60-minute athletic period during the local school district's school day?

No, Section 1206: SCHOOL PRACTICE AND GAME RESTRICTIONS (d)(1) Accelerated physical education activities, calisthenics, skills, strength training or conditioning exercises may be conducted during the school year within the school day provided such activities do not exceed one regular classroom period, not to exceed 60 minutes when classes meet every day (300 minutes per week for block schedules). This provision applies to a non-enrolled (homeschooled) student participating in accordance with Section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code.

If the school district offers school(s) choice (magnet schools, etc.), does the homeschool student have the option to choose where they will participate upon first opportunity?

No. According to Section 33.0832 e of the Texas Education Code: A non-enrolled student may only participate in a league activity for the school in the school district that the student would be eligible to attend based on the student's residential address. A non-enrolled student who seeks to participate in a league activity on behalf of a school shall be required to establish minimum proof of residency acceptable to the district in the same manner as an applicant to attend a school in the district under Section 25.001.

If the school district in which the student and parents reside opts-out of participation for homeschooled students, where does a homeschooled student have the possibility for participation?

According to Section 33.0832 (e-1) of the Texas Education Code: If the school that a non-enrolled student would be eligible to attend under Subsection (e) is subject to a policy adopted under Subsection (c-2) (ISD opts-out), the student may participate in a league activity for the closest school, based on geographic proximity to the student's residential address, that is not subject to a policy adopted under Subsection (c-2).

What will be the process for homeschool students to gain eligibility? For example, will there be a homeschool PAPF form? Will they still need to wait 15 days before they are eligible? Is a DEC Hearing required?

Homeschool students will be required to follow the same rules and procedures as any other student and will be required to complete a Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF) and will be subject to eligibility rules, including the 15 day rule, if applicable. If the student moved into the attendance zone within the previous 12 months or is participating at a school outside of the attendance zone of where the parents of the student reside, the DEC should review that form and, upon request of a DEC member, a full hearing of the DEC may be required for varsity participation. Requiring a review and allowing DEC members to request a DEC hearing in these situations allows the DEC to convene and determine if the student's move was motivated by UIL participation. For students participating outside their attendance zone of residence, they can also verify whether the school in question is the closest school geographically to the student’s residence, as required by law.

Can a student start participating in the middle of the school year?

As long as the school district in which the student resides did not opt-out of participation for homeschooled students as outlined in the law, yes. The student would need to comply with all applicable eligibility rules prior to participation on the varsity level, including the 15-day rule. For students who begin participation after the sixth class day of the school year, the first day the student participates in practice would be day 1 of the 15 calendar days.

If a student begins the school year in a public school and then transitions into homeschooling, could the student participate in UIL activities at the school as a non-enrolled student?

Who administers the standardized test to determine eligibility for the first six weeks?

According to section 33.082 f and g of the Texas Education Code: (f) The parent or person standing in parental relation to a non-enrolled student is responsible for oversight of academic standards relating to the student's participation in a league activity. As a condition of eligibility to participate in a league activity during the first six weeks of a school year, a non-enrolled student must demonstrate grade-level academic proficiency on any nationally recognized, norm-referenced assessment instrument, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test, or Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills. A non-enrolled student demonstrates the required academic proficiency by achieving a composite, core, or survey score that is within the average or higher than average range of scores, as established by the applicable testing service. For purposes of this subsection, a school district shall accept assessment results administered or reported by a third party. (g) A non-enrolled student's demonstration of academic proficiency under Subsection (f) is sufficient for purposes of that subsection for the school year in which the student achieves the required score and the subsequent school year.

Are these students allowed to practice if they are not eligible due to their standardized test score or grades?

According to No Pass No Play regulations, students are allowed to practice when they are academically ineligible. They are not allowed to travel to contests with the school and are not allowed to participate in contests or dress for contests and be part of the team. A team sport scrimmage is considered a practice, so academically ineligible students are allowed to participate in team sport scrimmages. School districts are allowed to have more restrictive policies for their schools if they choose.

Is there a fee to participate?

According to section 33.082 d of the Texas Education Code: (d) A non-enrolled student who seeks to participate or participates in a league activity on behalf of a school is subject to the following relevant policies that apply to students enrolled in the school: (1) registration for league activities; (2) age eligibility; (3) fees; (4) insurance; (5) transportation; (6) physical condition; (7) qualifications; (8) responsibilities; (9) event schedules; (10) standards of behavior; and (11) performance.

Will these students be expected to attend practices or class periods when the selected fine arts/athletics sport meets during the school day?

May a homeschool student participate in both UIL basketball and homeschool basketball league? Or may a homeschool student participate in both UIL basketball and run cross country for a homeschool league?

No. According to sections 1207 (d) and 1208 (u) of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules: Section 1207: RULES, VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES (d) Unattached Participation. In any UIL member school sponsored athletic contest, meet or tournament, UIL member high school students shall not be permitted to enter unattached. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be assessed against the member school(s) in violation. This provision applies to a non-enrolled (homeschooled) student participating in accordance with section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code. Section 1208: ATHLETIC REGULATIONS (u) (3) Participating With Other Leagues. A UIL member school that participates in an athletic activity offered by the UIL in a non-UIL league under the auspices of any other sanctioning organization is subject to the range of penalties, up to and including suspension from UIL athletic activities. This provision applies to a non-enrolled (homeschooled) student participating in accordance with section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code. Students are allowed to participate on non-school teams and non-school related activities.

Do homeschool students need to live in the district that they participate in? Or could they transfer to another district and play on JV for one year until they are eligible on varsity?

According to section 33.0832 e of the Texas Education Code: A non-enrolled student may only participate in a league activity for the school in the school district that the student would be eligible to attend based on the student's residential address. A non-enrolled student who seeks to participate in a league activity on behalf of a school shall be required to establish minimum proof of residency acceptable to the district in the same manner as an applicant to attend a school in the district under Section 25.001. The student must be in compliance with Section 442: Residence in School District and Attendance Zone, UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. Also, according to section 33.0832 (e-1) of the Texas Education Code: If the school that a non-enrolled student would be eligible to attend under Subsection (e) is subject to a policy adopted under Subsection (c-2) (ISD opts-out), the student may participate in a league activity for the closest school, based on geographic proximity to the student's residential address, that is not subject to a policy adopted under Subsection (c-2)

Where can I find the UIL rules for homeschool participation?

For more information contact the Manor ISD Athletics Dept.

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