@ Jrzgirlzz: Have you had a chance to read the article? This is what it says: "When the NJIAA announced in Nov that it had changed its longstanding policy that barred homeschooled students from participating on PS sports teams..." Instead of, "I abs agree with NJSIAA policy", I'm thinking you meant to say that you 'disagree' with NJSIAA policy..? You say, "I am glad the the NJSIAA is protecting our public school kids with this policy!!" You should know that they are not..just sayin. Also, below, you say, "Home schools can be looked at as private schooling institutions and PSs do NOT allow kids from private schools to participate in their pubic school sports. If you permit home schoolers to participate in public school varsity sports, then you're going to have to let the private/catholic/christian school students also participate since some of these schools are not large enough to have all Varsity sports.You cannot have it both ways, choose your schooling for your child and live with your decision." No, HS students are most definitely not privately schooled students. We do not pay into any private school, as privately schooled families do. We DO, however, pay into a PS system that does NOT allow us to severe ties, should we choose, since we are mandated to pay school taxes. Seems obvious:You pay, you play. I agree with you when you say, "You cannot have it both ways.." The PS system takes $ from ALL families, but will only allow SOME to play? Smells fishy. Politics vs kids.

I believe that home schoolers should NOT be permitted to participate in public school Varsity Sports! I am a parent who lived in another state that allowed home schoolers to play Varsity sports for the brick and morter schools. It created an unfair advantage to the kids who participated and practiced with the team and then on game day, the home schooled kids would be brought in as "ringers!"

@Carolyn J - @Carolyn J - Thanks for pointing that out - The reason I made the comment about the private schools is because when we relocated to NJ from another state (the state that allowed home schoolers to participate in Varsity sports), I wanted to enroll my daughter in a Christian school. She is a talented athlete and the Christian school did not offer my daughters sport, so I went to the NJSIAA and they told me that private schools are treated like home schools and she could NOT participate in any sports at the public school unless she attended the public school.

@Carolyn J - on the other side of the coin, my other child who is also a talented athlete played sports in a state that allowed home schoolers to play Varsity sports and it created a huge unfair advantage when coaches would bring these kids in as "ringers". It was a nightmare.

I totally agree Bob.
Home schooling in the state of NJ is a "free for all" in that there are absolutely NO guidelines, no requirements, (other than being 'signed out of school' for home schooling by a parent) and no yearly testing or curriculum standards. A home school parent can hand their kid a copy of a Harry Potter book, walk away, and claim they've been taught English and Reading.
The other issue that could crop up is an insurance issue- should a home schooler be hurt playing sports on a public school team, would they be covered by the same insurance a registered student is covered by? You know how insurance companies are- they look for a way out at all costs. What happens when that home school parent wants to sue?
This isn't about taxes- taxes are paid by ALL homeowners; whether they have kids in school now or ever.

Very wrong. If the district wants to disavow it’s relationship to the student, then why not stop taking their parents property taxes? The family pays just as yours does, and should be allowed to avail themselves of whatever services are there. I am certain the parents of homeschooled children would test their children against the other athletes the public schools if meeting academic guidelines are your question. You are acting like an insulted big baby.

whitingboy, you've got it backwards. The public school did nothing to disavow or sever the "relationship" with the parent-- the parent chose to disengage their kid(s) from the school. I think they should not be able to have it both ways. Either your kid is a registered public school student, or not. Home school kids have no academic requirements or standards to reach in order to play sports, like regular students do. They also have no time requirements for classes, either. Why should regular school kids have to compete for teams (and spots on the team) when they are playing at the end of an entire school day of classes; while a home school kid can waltz onto the field fresh from a homemade lunch and a nap?

Bob, thousands of homeschoolers are accepted into colleges throughout the country every year. I would think if college can make the determination that these children meet the requirements to enroll, it wouldn’t be too hard for our high schools to do the same for sports programs. I am glad to see many NJ districts agree that these children should have the opportunity to play sports Your attempt to put into question the practice of home schooling and penalize the children of homeschoolers is typical for those like yourself who would seem to do or say anything to support the establishment at any cost. Maybe Bob if there was more choice in education these parents wouldn’t have to home school.

I would suggest re-reading the article as they address and offer suggestions to these issues. It's quite simple, if a homeschool student wants to participate in public school sports they must pass tests and have proof that they have been homeschooled. Similar to the process of re-enrolling in school. I agree, the attendance issue may be hard to monitor. But then, I don't see any such monitoring of students who go to school that they are actually participating. Do the teachers fill out reports and hand them in on game day that not only was the student in class, but participating in said class? Or is that what test scores are for?

Also, please look into homeschooling. I get the feeling you haven't, nor do you know many if any that do. There ARE requirements. And contrary to StayCalm's statement, most homeschoolers don't throw Harry Potter at their kids and log it as reading and writing. You definitely do not know many homeschoolers if you think that's the norm. Many homeschool families already keep portfolios and attendance logs or have their children enrolled in online schools that keep such records. How else do you think homeschoolers have been gaining entrance into colleges all these years?
I would assume that insurance would be handled the same as when a homeschool student enrolls at a vocational school.

I can't agree with Bob or StayCalm. Taxes are paid by all who live in the district, so they are already contributing. These families chose to homeschool, yes, you are correct there. Each family must make decisions for the family involved. You don't have to agree with them, but should respect their decisions as they should yours. I do believe that before commenting on homeschooling or their abilities/situations, more research should be done by the authors. I can debate with each, but that is not educating you, only engaging you in a debate. Sports is extra curricular and not mandatory for any student. Taxes are paid not only by schooled families, so the debate of an athlete being turned away because he/she would take a spot from a schooled child holds no water. Again, educate yourself- either in school or home schooled, the student is there for the experience, not for any other reason.

@eggsandtoast…I do know that the initial act of extracting the student was on the parents (as is allowed), but my “disavowing” comment meant that if they now say “since you did that, we want nothing to do with you”, then stop taking the tax money. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.
Also, as stated in the article, testing is available to ensure the HS students aren’t just hanging out. I am curious why you believe the parents who feel that the current school system isn’t appropriate or adequate would do a lesser job? I do not home school, and know there are likely many reasons why someone would; but I can’t believe that the norm (as is suggested by your tone) is that they take their children out to hang out and nap.

Of course every PUBLIC SCHOOL TAX PAYER should have the choice for their children to play on public school sports. Mr. Griffiths said, "To allow a home schooled student to just walk into a public school and be allowed to take part in a sport is not fair to those public school students that do meet the standard in order to participate in a sport. It is your choice to be home schooled so live with your decision." Unfortunately, this is an uninformed (and mean-spirited) statement, since I am quite certain that there is no district that presently allows any student to "just walk in.." Although they are being revisited and tweeked, there ARE standards that all students must meet, no matter their background. Also, a homeschooled student most certainly does not need to play sports on a public school team to experience the full team experience. All across NJ there are both established and developing homeschool sports teams with JV and Varsity teams who play private schools. Everything from basketball, baseball, hockey, fencing, soccer, track, rugby, softball, tennis, gymnastics and even ultimate frisbee for both boys and girls can be found in NJ. And if you can't find it near you yet, I'm sure you will soon. http://clepprep.tripod.com/njhomeschoolsports/id1.html And just to be aware we, who homeschool, are not sitting on the sidelines having to "live with" our decision. Our kids are involved in many other extra-curricular activities...we "LOVE" our decision! Thank you! :)

@ GLP

http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/faq/faq_homeschool.htm

http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/homeschooling_in_new_jersey.shtml

In (most) other states, home schooling parents acquire a year's worth of curriculum for the appropriate grade of their kid(s). The kids are expected to learn basically the same non-elective courses as school kids. Home schooling parents can (and many times are required to) use the same grade level text books and teaching aids that public school students use. They even have periodic testing to make sure home schooled kids are on grade level par with traditional school kids.
However, in NEW JERSEY:
*** There is no set curriculum for any grade, there is no obligation nor requirement to supply the home schooled with books, or lesson plans. They also do not require ANY testing -at any time- to equate the home schooled with school taught kids or mark their progress. The public schools do not allow home-school kids to come in to prepare for, or take the SATs or any other (higher) education assessment tests along with schooled kids.
The state does not require, or monitor for, any set amount of time a student should be studying and/or doing school work at home. Many other states do; they require detailed lesson plans and minimum study schedules be submitted from home-schooling parents. But, home-schooling in NJ is, literally, a free for all. ***

When home schooling academic standards are set in NJ... I may have a diff. opinion.

@StayCalm: You are abs right. NJ, to date, has no rules/regs put upon homeschoolers. While I would think that some kind of something will eventually come down the pike to see where homeschoolers land (the colleges already know), I feel the need to address something that you said, in particular. You said, "Home schooling parents can (and many times are required to) use the same grade level text books and teaching aids that public school students use." THIS scares me. Some kind of aptitude testing of some sort, I understand. But to be forced to teach with the same textbooks that the teachers have to teach from??!! I'm sure it must be working for some, but if my children had to learn math from that "Everyday Mathematics" mess, I'd be SICK!! Many, many mathematicians have warned against this curriculum, to no avail. This is really where the money and politics come in. Very sad. Everyday Math may be fine when the kids are young, but gives only a shaky foundation, filled with gaps, that can easily lead to confusion when higher math skills are later required - at best. It gives a poor foundation for Algebra and beyond. And unless we've had our heads in the sand, we've prob all heard report after report of the volumes of misinformation in the history books. Who is overseeing this??!! I feel very fortunate that I have the freedom in this country to research & pick, for each of my children, the curriculum that best suits their abilities and needs, so that they can truly excel.

@ Carolyn,

I've known people who have home schooled children in California, and other areas of the country.
From what I remember the home schooling parents in these states were given more than one choice of textbook for each subject for the grade level of each child they wanted to home school. If there wasn't a choice of more than one text book, they still had the opportunity to read the books to be used and skip over / ignore any specific "objectionable" content in the original text as used in the class room.
As long as the general topics (chapters) were covered, they were fine. I never heard of any of the home schooling parents having a problem with math books, although nothing surprises me. I would think most home schooling parents have issues within other subjects - like English, Literature, Science, etc, and the lack of religious teachings available in public school. But that's ok too. I have no problem with people wanting to home school for whatever reason they like. But I honestly have a problem with people wanting the best of BOTH worlds, while avoiding any of the downside to public school. Instead, wouldn't it be better to UPGRADE our public schools, rather than yank kids out left and right to home school? Remember, the vast majority of home schooling parents are not qualified to teach -- no matter how good their intentions. As for sports; well, home school kids can get their "sports on" elsewhere in private organizations and clubs.

@StayCalm: Actually, if you've got school-aged kids in NJ right now, then you've probably considered and reconsidered your child(ren)'s math curriculum, no matter where/how they are schooled. Everyday Math (EDM) is quite the hot topic for many parents today. Our kids are consistently slipping, more and more each year, in the area of math. Math, in particular, is one of the reasons that the average homeschooled child ranks four grades higher than his/her schooled counterparts by the 8th gr., statistically speaking (from the states that can draw from these statistics, which is most), In the earlier years the gap is only one year...but the benefit of a much stronger foundation in math (curriculum choice)allows for this much larger gap as students enter into the higher math levels. "Even before the endorsements by the Department of Education were announced, mathematicians and scientists from leading universities had already expressed opposition to several of the programs listed above and had pointed out serious mathematical shortcomings in them. The following criticisms, while not exhaustive, illustrate the level of opposition to the Department of Education's recommended mathematics programs by respected scholars: " You can read the rest here: http://www.mathematicallycorrect.com/riley.htm ...It's unbelievable. You had said that one could "skip over" any objectionable content. There's no skipping over EDM.

@StayCalm: In a perfect world, yes, I'd love to be able to aid in "upgrading" public schools. This, however, is no perfect world. Teachers can't even teach the way they'd like b/cuz of all the constraints put upon them, i.e., teaching to the test for that funding. Ppl often think that homeschool families think poorly of teachers. No, it isn't the teachers. They have THE most difficult job. They often have too many children in the classroom, some want to learn, some want to disrupt, test specific teaching, curriculum constraints & overwhelming reporting paperwork, to name a few. And, quite frankly, my energetic little boy learns best in an atmosphere where he can have the breaks he needs, and where he doesn't need to sit still in a seat for several hours a day,right off the bat. This will come, in time. These are just intrinsic differences that, for the most part, cannot be changed...or at least, maybe not in my kids' scholastic lifetime. I think that we'll probably just have to "agree to disagree" on this one, as my dad would say. I have very much enjoyed the dialogue though. Thank you! :)

@ Carolyn J

Thanks Carolyn... Yeah, it was kinda nice to actually have a "discussion" back and forth without anyone calling names or accusing the other of being jealous or spiteful.
And we didn't even have to agree 100%, either! :-)

BTW; my youngest is 28, so I don't have any kids currently going to Toms River schools; although that's where they all went.
I also went to Toms River schools- since in 1965; and have teachers (and administrators) in my family, although they work all over NJ in other districts- not TR.

Hey folks: look at the statistics! Test scores, college admissions officials, and LIFE have all consistently proven that in general, homeschoolers score higher on standardized tests, do better in college, are more politically active, are more likely to vote, have a higher rate of successful business startups, etc. And guess what? A HUGE part of my property taxes, state income taxes, and federal income taxes go toward the PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM, which totally sucks. I'm all for having an education system that actually works...How much more money do we have to throw at a broken system??? Instead of knocking homeschoolers for not wanting to waste their children's young lives being chained to a desk in schools where drugs, sex, and bullying are the prevalent factors, or where kids are put on drugs in kindergarten so they'll sit still, perhaps you should actually spend time getting to know the awesome kids that come from loving home environments. We spend a lot of time, money and effort making sure our young daughter gets a well-rounded education that will prepare her for life and let her retain her love of learning. Wish I had done the same for my oldest dtr...she is homeschooling her own kids BECAUSE of the poor public education SHE received! Why do we homeschool? Just ask: Why WOULDN'T we homeschool? OPEN YOUR EYES!

Cindy--
With all due respect (and yes, I mean that) I went looking for those statistics you said we should all look at, and the ONLY sites that claim stats to support the things you said are affiliated with home-schooling, and/or on line programs and support groups that advocate for home schooling.
Now, I'm NOT saying home schooled kids never do better than regular school kids, not saying they do. I'm just saying that as far as I can tell, there are no real INDEPENDENT studies or stats readily available to come to that conclusion. Currently, the state of NJ has *no idea* how many students are even home schooled in NJ. The estimates (both state and from home schooling parents/websites/programs) vary wildly -- from a few thousand, up to 30,000.
As far as what I did see on those home-schooling supporting websites, the "average home schooled freshman in college will test at about 2 points higher than the average traditional school freshman". Not something to write home about, considering the source and yet only a 2-point lead. But that was just on two sites...
so who knows. One home schooling site admitted that "home schooling works because the parents teaching at home BELIEVE it works..." Wow, really?
See what I mean?
My point is, we have to consider the source and their bias.

and I think all children should go to school....regardless...let students be students!!!!

Good point, Resident. Sports already play way too important a role in high school and college. This shouldn't even be the focus of this much energy...

Students can be students anywhere. That said, Eggs, I agree. I'm not sure why this is such an issue now either. The state has long since left it up to local school boards to decide.

@ "A Resident": Good thing you can still have your opinion and I can still have mine! :) I think this is still a free country; yes?! All of the best universities, Harvard included, routinely save ten percent of the incoming freshman class for homeschooled students. Statistics say that ten percent is much higher than the national homeschooling average. Obviously, they have their reasons. I'm guessing they're not expecting those students to be sub-standard. I'm grateful that my kids have New Jersey's incredible homeschooling community available to them. This community offers enrichment co-op classes, field trips, promotion, yearbook, music, art, drama, science club, sports, band, orchestra, etc... They have their "class" full of kids that they are growing up with. Whatever the reason may be, and there are many, the homeschooling community continues to grow at an estimated rate of 7-15% per year (HSLDA). I think the only thing we can be sure of is that change will happen. Either we embrace it or we don't If not, no worries. Our communities will change anyway, with or without us. Thanks.

"All of the best universities, Harvard included, routinely save ten percent of the incoming freshman class for homeschooled students."

CarolynJ, isn't that profiling? Not giving the opportunity to the best candidates but actually restricting it to a certain group?

@A Resident: Certainly seems so. Although the actual dictionary.com definition looks different: "Profiling: The use of specific characteristics, as race or age, to make generalizations about a person, as whether he or she may be engaged in illegal activity." Either way, I'm not agreeing/disagreeing with the practice, just stating a truth. On the same topic, one might be able to make a case for discrimination against a family simply for the choices they have made. Two families have kids, each w/an educational choice to make. Both families pay the same rate of taxes to their same school disctrict. One family chooses to send their kids into the classroom, while the other chooses to educate in the homeroom. Their kids show up for soccer sign-up, but one family is turned away because of the educational choice they've made. ? As I stated earlier, this decision doesn't effect my family directly, as we neither need nor desire PS sports. Yet, I don't understand why ANY taxpaying family would/could be turned away.

"Yet, I don't understand why ANY taxpaying family would/could be turned away."

My taxes pay for the police department. Can I just go there and use their cars as necessary? Can I just go to Borough Hall and use their meeting room when I want? Can I take the towns firetrucks (paid with my taxes) and use them to fill my pool? Can I go into the schools and use the library when I want to read a book?

Just because you pay taxes doesn't mean you get "rights" to that property.

"My taxes pay for the police department. Can I just go there and use their cars as necessary? Can I just go to Borough Hall and use their meeting room when I want? Can I take the towns firetrucks (paid with my taxes) and use them to fill my pool? Can I go into the schools and use the library when I want to read a book?
Just because you pay taxes doesn't mean you get "rights" to that property"

Now, this is comparing apples with oranges. The equipment purchased for professionals to serve and protect our community. As for the school library, that's up to your librarian in charge. Stretching is good for exercising, but this is more of a strained muscle....

@resident I agree that just because you pay taxes doesn't give you a right to government property BUT when the government requires you with penalty of jail if you don't comply then that changes everything

@A Resident: You say, "My taxes pay for the police department. Can I just go there and use their cars as necessary? Can I just go to Borough Hall and use their meeting room when I want? Can I take the towns firetrucks (paid with my taxes) and use them to fill my pool? Can I go into the schools and use the library when I want to read a book?" This to me, is a truly odd argument..? Can you 'take' the firetrucks? No. However, because you pay taxes, should your home catch fire, they will put it out. Can you barge into the library any time you want? No...but because you pay taxes it is yours to use when it's open. Can you steal the cars from the police department - ?? Um..no...but if your home is being broken into, you can call your local police department and, because you pay taxes (and are in their district) they will help you. Sooo...community services and extracurricular activites that are paid for by the community cannot be stolen, taken or used whenever you decide...rather, they are to be used appropriately and when necessary by the ppl of the community who pay for them. Do you feel that a homeschooled student is 'taking' something that their family has not paid for should they play on the team of their community's school?? If so, how and why?

EggsnToast, I beg to differ on sports playing too important of a role in HS and College.
This type of comment reminds me of the people that believe that scores should not be kept as to not hurt the feelings of the kids......Sports build character, it develops a sense of belonging, it builds pride and most importantly keeps kids occuppied in something other than the outside forces that our teenagers are face with nowadays. As for letting the home schooled play, if they are held to the same testing standards that would allow or keep my son from playing, I'm all for it. That includes the random drug testing. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.

What is the % of students in the county who receive sports scholarships? The number is very low and that is not a good return for my hard earned dollar! They need to develop the mussel between their ears! Children need to have pride in themselves that comes from home that is developed from family not from playing ball! There was a competition Saturday it’s called MOC TRIAL it is a competition between schools, each presenting a legal case before seated county judges, cost to the county a small electric bill, did the participants have self-pride, school pride I am sure they did, and I guaranty they will all become assets to themselves as well as the nation! I also guaranty that 99.99% of the students playing school sports will be working for these students someday! The Al Bundy 4 touchdowns in a signal game spots, sports, sports mentality has got to go or this nation will be getting aid from Somalia someday!

mrgrumpass, Comparing intellectually gifted students to athletically talented students is misguided. Everyone is a fingerprint and deserves to achieve their best with the gifts they were given. How many top executives, politicians and teachers etc got educations due to their athletic ability, to say 99% will end up working for the student is shortsighted. I will assume you meant muscle between the ears and not mussel, btw.

Resident, I'm in no way saying sports should have no place in schools.... I'm saying that in my opinion, sports is sometimes given way more attention than it should get.

As for home schooled kids being involved in sports for all the Pros that come from that, there are MANY sports clubs and organizations available, (soccer, hockey, little league, martial arts, basketball, etc etc) that ANY kid can join outside of public school, at any time, year round. It's not like the ONLY opportunity for home schooled kids to play sports is on public school teams...

"Severing ties?" Really? So if you choose to homeschool your children (or send them to a charter school), you should not be allowed to re-enroll your child in the same public school they left? I don't agree with this whole "severing ties mentality." All people make mistakes and if a family goes the homeschool route and it's not working, they need to do what's in the best interest of the child. I do agree with the sentiment that guidelines need to instituted if you're allowing homeschoolers to participate in school activities.

Wow, I wasn't aware that we severed ties with our neighborhood public school. I better go get my tax statement and make sure!! ...nope, still paying!

I do not know why parents home school their children (it is absolutely none of my business). Your baseless assumption may be true in some cases and not in others. Either way, it is irrelevant. The severing ties argument is also not thought out at all, since (as Carolyn J eloquently put it), the checks keep cashing. Once again, you really sound like someone who is insulted that others could possibly not want to school their children where you do, so you want to be bitter about it.

Mr. Griffiths, check your premise...government schools are not "free". Government schools by design use force, the opposite of freedom, to get children to "conform" to a narrow way of thinking that is anti religion, anti family, pro alternative life style, and a culture where standards are so low or non existent similar to a socialist or communist system. The propaganda of "free" is contradicted by how much it costs.

It is the absence of choice and that government schools use force to take as much money from citizens that they seek not freedom but slavery for all.

Well said!!! My original thoughts of this article were, "Who cares?" In ten years I imagine there will be enough organized homeschool teams for this to be a complete non-issue. Thanks for the link!

As for my family, we have no need nor desire for public school sports, but some do. Just speaking on their behalf. :) You're welcome GLP. Here's another, just in case you'd like: occhsa.org

This statement really doesn't make any statement- these activities are paid for by the tax payers, not by individuals who attend the school. I agree that homeschooling is done for reason and not all are for the issues of the school; many are and that isn't the issue here. The discussion is if children who live in the district can play the sports if they are academically eligible. Children who attend private schools are able to partake in public school sports programs, so I'm confused why homeschooling students are set apart. Should these parents name their "school" to be seen as a real place where education takes place? Must they have letterhead made up, pick a mascot, and then be considered true educators? Sounds silly, and yes it is. Allow those who wish to be part of the activity be part of it. I think the issues of schooling locations are being nit-picked just to make an issue. These are not children who live two towns over asking to play. Those who are schooled at home still work during the "school" day; I don't know many who do their work in their pi's and nap all day as some suggest. Educate yourselves and therefore educate your children. These stereotypes don't help just as saying if you have a certain skin color/nationality/etc makes you different. The public schooled and home schooled will need to work together in the world; why build walls when they are young?

Ah, Jennifer, you have it correct. Public does not necessarily mean fair, but everyone pays for it. Public is the term for paid for by the public. Although I can't quite pinpoint your position, (I believe it's that the home schooled doesn't necessarily get to participate in the sports) it is my opinion that they be fully allowed if good enough to make the team and have the grades. We are one together in a society and community. The blatant snubbing of these children is NOT the example we want to set in our communities. Who doesn't agree that a community that is welcoming and sociable is where they want to be? Well, when it comes to the children of our community, they should all be welcome to compete for their local school. Just my thoughts.

Jennifer;

Whaaaaat??

Completely agree, they should be allowed to play if they pass all the standards for grades and testing that "schooled" children have to pass to play and that includes the drug testing. Not just their parents word.

Yup. Equal opportunity with equal standards.

Jrzgirlzz- I find this information unique. The students who play, whether in school or home schooled, need to attend practices together as a team. Many students practice together (or on their own) after school and practice hours; should they be banned? When would they practice at home when they have school work to do? I am sorry you had a bad experience in another state. I'm sure many have had bad experiences driving, yet we all still get behind the wheel.
And by the way, private/catholic/christian school students ARE allowed to participate in these activities. I have several friends who have children doing just this with no complaints about their involvement.
Just as an example- there are those who homeschool because they are in the military and move, making education choppy or hard to keep consistent for the child. OR the parents travel and have hours that only homeschooling helps the family stay as a well-oiled unit. Should we hold these children back from having a "normal" experience? I see no reason why this is an issue.

uh, jrzgirlzz, unfortunately that is not correct. Private school students are allowed to participate in public school sports that are not available at their private school. Sorry.

@skisma - when I moved back to NJ I contacted both the NJSIAA and the toms river school district and both refused to allow my daughter to play her sport if I enrolled her in the Christian school. What school district are your friends permitted to play for? So, skisma my information is CORRECT unless you can provide solid proof instead of throwing out an accusation that's heresay!

@brenda - when we living in the other state, the home schoolers were NOT required to practice with the team because they were busy "training" for their sport during the day with their coaches. They only had to show up on game day. They took away spots on the team from kids who were dedicated and practiced with the team. And the thing that really gets me is that they would receive a varsity letter and wear a varsity jacket and they didn't even attend the school. Only kids who attend the school should represent their school... and that's my opinion!

These specifics, I don't know. However, I would guess that that would have probably been the first order of business for any district who has ruled in favor of allowing homeschooled, or any other schooled, kids on our local school teams.

@opinionated - You are right... Varsity kids represent their school... Why don't the home schoolers form their own teams and then participate representing their home school association?

@Jrzgirlzz: Homeschoolers DO have their own teams!! Once again, I'll post this link: http://clepprep.tripod.com/njhomeschoolsports/id1.html
The problem often is, they just don't know about the organization(s). They are JV and Varsity (in many different sports, see my post above) and they play against Christian/private schools. Hmmm...maybe they can be offerred this info. upon inquiry?? As an option. Would help the homeschool leagues get the word out...and maybe keep those "ringers" out of your hair.

all right....absolutely!

@carolyn J - NO..... the kids of catholic/private schools are NOT permitted to play either. Go back and read my post, I said that they are NOT permitted to play. I wanted to enroll my daughter in a Christian school and I went to the district of Toms River and the NJSIAA, explained to them that the Christian school did not offer my daughter's sport. I asked them permission for my daughter to participate in the public school and the District and NJSIAA turned me down. Kids of catholic/private schools can NOT play for the public school system.

@Jrzgirlzz: Gotcha. But it still is my opinion that if you pay (school taxes) you should be able to play (school sports). As far as your previous post regarding the homeschool "ringers" brought onto the team...I'm sorry your family had a poor experience, but isn't this always the complaint we hear re kids sports teams,when there is a complaint?? Isn't there always a kid or kids that play a lot, & some others that don't?? I can't imagine that the "ringers" are all homeschoolers! This, for sure, would be quite a stretch - they certainly have their schoolwork to do, just like the rest. This, I think, seems to be an issue for another day...I just don't think that it has anything to do with homeschooling.

Jrzgirlzz- your district doesn't let them play, BUT others do when their schools don't offer the sport. I'm sorry you have had this experience.

@carolyn - my experience was that the home schoolers could travel to tournaments during the week that my son coult not because he was in school and the home schoolers were able to participate in heavy duty training during the daytime hours with private coaches. My son was required to practice with the team and the home schoolers were not, they just showed up on game day. There was an entire set of different rules for them. And yes, there were some varsity teams we played against that were just home schoolers but the home schoolers could choose whether they participated in their own varsity team or the public school team. And as we all know, there are some very unscrupulous high school coaches out there that would seek out the home school kids that had more time to practice, train and compete than the public school kids.

The taxpayer! Imo, you pay, you play.

so right Kelly.

well put.

I'm sorry, I don't follow. How is it trying to incorporate?

nice to see. I did not do home schooling, but in America, it should be a choice without penalty. Athletics is not something you can do by yourself. School sports is a PUBLIC entity that gives those students the opportunity to continue their social and physical skills, and something for which the parents have paid for and should have available to them, JUST like the school is fully available to them.

Bob Griffiths is a left wing ideologue (google search him or review his other comments in Berkley Township). Left winger have no logic as one can see with Bob. His premise is that home schoolers have an "agenda"... yea freedom.... which lefties despise.

He claims he want equal opportunity, but wants a government school monopoly so that he really want equal results. He calls parent with strong religious beliefs "problematic" in typical meaningless libtalk.

Below he claims, without any knowledge, that home school kids are sheltered and can't assimilate into his "real" world that seeks to lower or dispose of standards.

Bob believes in choice as long as he gets to choose for others... his way of central planning and using force over others.

@Bob: Do you really believe that there is no political agenda at all in the public school system? Honestly?? Maybe more importantly, you say, "I feel that free public education is critical to achieving equal opportunity for all children, rich or poor." Do you reeeeally believe that children born into a poor community have an "equal opportunity" as those born into a prosperous community under the present system?? For REAL?? Maybe we should ask someone who might reeeally know, like a mom in Jersey City or Camden. Take a walk-through and compare even just the basics like the building itself, let alone the more important stuff...Camden and Short Hills...EQUAL??! Jersey City and Haddonfield...the SAME??! How can anyone look into the eyes of a mother and tell her that she must send her child to a terribly failing and dangerous school, every day, because it's for their own good. HOW??! Is it that you're too removed? Maybe your kids didn't have to be in that situation, thank God. I'd rather say to that mom, take this voucher, right now, today - RUN - and put your child into the best school you can find. Now, they've got a chance. Do you not want the best for these children??! And yes, the failing schools will continue to fail..still.

@Bob: Seems like you just have an outdated understanding of what homeschooling looks like today:
"Congrats to these Home School Band students who have qualified for 2012 South Jersey Honors Bands!
Merry S., named 2nd chair oboe in the South Jersey Symphonic Band. Paul R., named 1st chair clarinet in the South Jersey Symphonic Band. Eric J., named 1st chair clarinet in South Jersey Wind Ensemble, and South Jersey Orchestra. Eric is also assigned to the South Jersey Chamber Ensemble. Marcus R., named 2nd chair clarinet in South Jersey Wind Ensemble."
http://homeschoolband.org/

@Bob:
njlearn.org
Any decent parent (hs'd, public, private) who sees a talent in their child will make sure their child gets what he/she needs. All homesc high school kids can (and usually do) have their transcripts held by any one of the many approved scholastic institutions who offer. ALL extracurricular activities ARE available to ALL homeschooled kids. In the "real" world a person doesn't work with a fleet of 23 year-olds. They will work with ppl of all different ages, coming from many diff generations, and it looks nothing like the classroom. Each choice may very well have their own issues to deal with..it's just that statistics, studies and documentation abound shining a poor light on the public school sys at the moment. Also, although the stereotype of the homeschooling family is conservative (& prob still the majority), many very liberal-minded families are also choosing to homeschool today as well.

what social and economic challenges the public school faces should not be the reason why a home schooled student isn't allowed to participate in a sport. Those things exist irrelevant to the notion that the home schooled children of the community should be allowed to play a sport. Again, the home schooled student will have to try out for the team they want to participate in and make it. They must demonstrate ability, just like everyone else, just like those going for a job. That is real life experience, an experience their - yes THEIR - public school, which their family contributes to - should allow them to try for. That's all. The few students that participate will surely NOT negatively affect the economic or social environments, but enhance it. Teach and show tolerance and understanding......and acceptance. They are the children of our community and a public service should not exclude them. Choice....choice is the main difference the America has that other countries don't. Choice.

yes.

To best explain my position in defense of public education I turn to Thomas Jefferson. Before Jefferson died he designed his own memorial presently located at Monticello. On his memorial he listed what he felt to be his 3 most important contributions to the free nation he helped to create. First he listed the Declaration of Independence, second he listed his efforts to support the concept of "separation of church and state", and finally he listed his efforts in support of public education. Jefferson was a graduate of William and Mary but he felt the pursuit of knowledge at his alma mater had become too restricted by religious affiliation so he founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson never listed on his tombstone the fact he was President or VP or Sec. of State, just these 3 and I have always had great respect for Jefferson.

I absolutely agree with you when you say, "all too often in America, public schools and children have been manipulated for political gain, today is no different." Because this has been going on for a long time doesn't mean it's okay. I am uncomfortable enough with the above knowledge to change the way we do things. Isn't this the way societies change? Like it or not, this society is changing (at an estimated rate of 7-15% per year, choosing to homeschool). More and more, today, ppl do realize that yes, we do have a choice. Our children do not have to be the pawns. And yes, for some it may mean a smaller home and maybe passing by that late model car. However, "I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." Thomas Jefferson

To Bob - Also...You say, "I think our founding fathers like Jefferson were skilled at generating principles that would survive the test of time and the benefits of public education are one of those principles that survives the test of time."
This is exactly the question that I believe many homeschoolers are asking: Has public education 'survived' the test of time? You may feel confident arguing on the behalf of some school districts, but certainly the inequity of public education cannot be disregarded. Nowhere in our society can we so plainly see the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'...except, of course, in our prisons.

McCarthy was not alone in pointing out the Communist influence in Universities and Grade schools. It in fact existed, and if you read the testimony of those professors convicted from 1945 through 1954 you might recognize the communists philosophy which still exists today in government schools. The Red Scare of communist infiltration in the 20's and 30's was real as it is today. The fifth column included individuals who both knowingly and unknowingly supported communist causes. The communist mockingly refered to many as "soft hearted liberals" in court testimony. Funny how things have not changed much.

Thanks. I am hoping for the solution. My coaches have gone to bat for us, infact recruited us to the teams. I feel a true connection to the guys on the team as we have played together for years. Even though the rules did not allow me to practice with the team, I helped them run drills at practice. I can play baseball outside of high school. Football is an issue for my brother. Any coach who takes a look at him will want him for their team, he's a big guy and was starter on an undefeated youth varsity football team. Our town is small and we need all the good players we can get. I am posting as I have been trying to find out if any town has allowed homeschoolers to play. My grandma lives in Brick. Way to go Brick! As far as I can find you are the first district to accept a high school homeschooler.