"The only thing missing, is the opportunity to play on the public school sports teams with their peers........We've heard these debates before, but I believe pushing this agenda will only open another can of worms or rather more of them.
We are a family of all boys and we play baseball. We are very blessed and fortunate to have a homeschool ball team.
And, yes, the wheel nearly had to be reinvented for this to happen. We (all the families) are responsible for all of the team finances and fund raising (we receive NO tax dollars), finding coaches, finding a home field (this only happened two years ago) and making the sacrifices necessary to ensure that year after year this program continues not only for our sons but for future homeschoolers who have the drive and desire to pursue this sport.
By stepping out of the public school system, I believe we have relinquished the right to participate in public school programs offered. If we as homeschoolers expect to have it both ways - educate our children at home and participate in the extra-curricular activities of the public school system - then we are setting ourselves up for a future of greater regulation and hoop-jumping.
Question: If a family chooses to homeschool and does not want their child/children educated in the public school system, then why would this same family want their child/children to participate in this same system's extra-curricular activities? Only because it's not academic?
Think about this: You are a parent of a public school student; your child wants to play on the school team. Along comes a homeschooled student who is a better athlete, but is educated at home, and bumps your child from his position on the team. Just where is this scenario going to go? How's that cake tasting about now?
My suggestion? Rethink this logic; nothing comes without sacrifice.
Just what are we willing to sacrifice? Our homeschooling liberties?
Not me.
I'm all too happy to reinvent the wheel.
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