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 played against at least two public schools during the previous regular athletic season to be eligible for participation in county tournaments, excluding invitational tournaments. This change aims to provide more opportunities for nonpublic school students to engage in competitive athletics alongside their public school peers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the eligibility criteria for students receiving home instruction, participating in the Hope Scholarship Program, or involved in microschools or learning pods. These students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, be under 19 years of age, be amateurs, and comply with the disciplinary rules of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. The bill emphasizes that students enrolled in private schools can participate in extracurricular activities at their local public secondary school if those activities are not offered at their private institution, provided they meet certain requirements.

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