Committee affirms homeschool students can play at their zoned schools; TSSAA bylaws may govern co-op arrangements

Summary

Committee reviewed a policy allowing homeschool students to participate in varsity and sub‑varsity sports at their home‑zone school (but not at magnet schools); members asked whether coop arrangements could allow play at neighboring schools, and staff referenced TSSAA cooperative-agreement rules.

The committee reviewed a change to the athletics policy to allow homeschool students to participate in varsity and sub‑varsity sports at their zoned (home) school while prohibiting participation at magnet schools.

Board members raised a practical question: if a zoned school does not offer a sport (for example, girls lacrosse), could a homeschool student play at the nearest school that offers the sport? Staff pointed the committee to Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) bylaws governing cooperative agreements between schools. "You'd have to look at the bylaws of TSSAA about cooperative agreements," a staff member said, noting cooperative arrangements and TSSAA rules determine how schools combine programs for a sport.

The committee agreed to submit the athletics policy as written for a second read but to seek additional clarification from the athletic director and counsel about the practical application of coop rules.