While I understand the argument that says homeschoolers pay taxes and as a result have a right to use the facilities, my biggest concern is at what additional cost?

While the law encompasses " athletics, music, drama, art and speech" what drives this is the athletics. And what dictates athletics is the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association ( TSSAA ). This organization so tightly controls high school sports that they've been sued all the way to the Supreme Court--and lost by the way. This organization is run primarily by educrats of the public school system. These folks are not generally enthusiastic about sharing the ball with homeschoolers who have, in the opinion of some of them, thumbed their noses at their system and lively-hood. 

The TSSAA has some very strict rules about who can play and how students remain eligible to play. Grades play a substantial role. How homeschoolers will report their grades and how much the TSSAA can rely on their accuracy, in fairness to the public school children is a huge divide to cross. 

And how and who crosses that divide is my concern. I do not want the unintentional consequence of allowing homeschoolers to participate that we all end up being subject to additional regulations.

I would prefer that homeschoolers would avoid legislation in this regard and work in their communities to encourage community teams and activities which would include all children, regardless of how they are educated.

Kay@TnHomeEd.com