MBVT discusses nontraditional student participation in sports

With the recent passing of Senate Bill 63, Missouri schools are rallying for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, and the changes this bill presents.

 

Effective as of August 28, 2025, SB 63 ensures that a school district or charter school will not prohibit a student receiving non-traditional instruction (homeschool, FPE, virtual) from participating in sports/electives, contingent upon said school requirements for those activities.

 

"We have worked really hard to get out in front of this, and be there for homeschool families with questions," said Mountain View-Birch Tree (MBVT) Athletic Director J.C. Hoagland. "We also want to make sure that our coaches, directors, and sponsors have the necessary tools to make this a good experience for everyone involved."

 

A few key points that Hoagland went over during a meeting held at the Liberty High School on Thursday, July 31 included:

 

- A school/charter school cannot prohibit a student receiving non-traditional instruction from participating in an event or activity offered by the school

- The school may require the student to participate in components of instruction related to the activity

- Attendance/academic performance policies may be required by the district, but parents will remain the oversight authority of nontraditional students

- Attendance/disciplinary status may preclude a student's eligibility

- Students can only participate in the districts that they reside in

 

As the details are being ironed out by districts and MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Activities Association), parents and students can look forward to new avenues of activities. Sports, cheerleading, FFA and band are just a few of the activities that will be available to non-traditional students.

 

Practices for the MVBT School District begin Monday, Aug. 11, and Hoagland stressed that new information is being released by MSHSAA on a daily basis.

 

"I do not think this is going to be a logistics nightmare if we get much-needed guidance from MSHSAA. They are working really hard to get information to us. I also think that as we get systems put into place, and a better understanding, athletic directors will need to get their coaches educated. We will also need to make communication the key," he said Thursday night.