Homeschooling—with cleats on
It comes as no surprise that many families decide not to homeschool through high school. All kinds of things factor into the equation: The abundance of private education in our area, moms feeling inadequate, misconceptions about public education, misunderstandings about getting children into college and perhaps the biggest factor of all — sports.
Over the years many moms have told me that they would love to homeschool through high school but their husbands felt it was important for their sons and daughters to play sports. And while some families are willing to write off sports involvement as unnecessary and even wrong, other families feel that their children benefit greatly from the physical activity and competition.
In states such as Florida, home educators are allowed to play on the public school teams. Therefore, homeschool sports are not developed in those states.
Some private schools permit homeschoolers to participate, but that can get tricky. League rules are concerned that bringing in homeschoolers may be a form of recruiting or stacking the teams. The truth is, where homeschoolers have options for sports participation they usually take those options. For many families this means saying goodbye to home education and joining the ranks of the more traditionally educated. This need not be.
In Tennessee we have the opportunity to develop first-class home school athletic programs. As we develop and promote these programs, we will be able to draw from our own talented pool of student athletes. The fact that we cannot play for public school teams becomes an asset rather than a liability. CSTHEA has a many sports teams already in place and student athletes in these programs have gone on to play college ball. The Chattanooga Patriots ball teams have the potential to provide our students with physical activity now and boost college scholarship potential later.
This year’s Chattanooga Patriots Baseball team is an example of what can be accomplished by talented homeschool athletes with good coaching. With their experienced coach, Greg Payne, the Patriots ended out their season with a 29-7 record, beating local private school teams, winning a mid-season tournament against several public school teams, and taking seventh place in the 23-team Home School World Series in Auburndale, Fla., even though they were short two key players. If you have ever had any doubts about the viability of homeschool sports, check out the amazing competition across the country at the HWSA.net website.
Of the five graduating seniors on the Patriots baseball club, four will be playing college ball next fall. Three of my sons have gone on to play college baseball.
The Patriots are making a name for themselves in the Chattanooga area; with that recognition, doors of opportunity are opening. It was just four seasons ago that Doug and Julie Simons moved to Chattanooga and put in the time and effort to start the ballteam. Their hard work paid off this year with a winning team. Have a son who loves baseball? The Chattanooga homeschool community has a place for him.
Most Patriot teams begin with middle school. If you have a son or daughter interested in playing on a Patriot team, including soccer, volleyball, cross country, baseball, basketball, or even ultimate Frisbee, check out the sports booth at the upcoming CSTHEA home education expo and curriculum fair on July 23-24 at the Camp Jordan Arena or check your Esprit newsletter for details and phone numbers.
Don’t see your child’s favorite sport listed: golf, tennis, girl’s softball etc? Those sports are just waiting for a family to step up and get the ball rolling.
Don’t let sports be your excuse for not home educating through high school. The Chattanooga Patriots teams are there for you. Will you be there for them?