Bill > SB689

This bill, known as the West Virginia Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act, aims to allow homeschooled students who are part of an organized homeschool athletic team to compete in regular-season games against schools that are members of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC), the state's governing body for high school sports. For this to happen, the homeschool athletic organization must have health, safety, and eligibility rules similar to those of WVSSAC schools, agree to follow WVSSAC rules for game conduct, officiating, and scheduling, provide proof of comparable insurance, and the WVSSAC member school must voluntarily agree to schedule the game. Importantly, these homeschool teams will not be included in any official WVSSAC rankings, standings, or postseason competitions, and their participation will not affect the official records of the WVSSAC member schools, though game results can be kept separately for historical purposes. The WVSSAC will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this act, ensuring homeschool organizations meet eligibility criteria, and resolving any disputes that may arise.