The bill amends West Virginia Code §18-2-25 to allow elementary and middle school students enrolled in private, parochial, or church schools, as well as other nonpublic schools, to participate in county athletic tournaments under specific conditions. It stipulates that these students must have competed against at least two public schools during the previous regular athletic season to be eligible for participation in county tournaments, excluding invitational tournaments. Additionally, the bill maintains that students must comply with various requirements, including adherence to disciplinary rules and age restrictions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the eligibility criteria for students receiving home instruction, participating in the Hope Scholarship Program, or involved in microschools or learning pods, allowing them to engage in interscholastic athletic events and extracurricular activities. These students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, be amateurs, and agree to comply with the rules set forth by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission and their respective county boards. The bill aims to create equitable opportunities for nonpublic school students in county athletic events while ensuring they meet the same standards as public school students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-25
Committee Substitute: 18-2-25
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-2-25
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18-2-25