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. The new language specifies 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 provision aims to create 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, and comply with the rules set forth by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission and their respective county boards. The bill emphasizes that students from private schools can participate in extracurricular activities at public schools if those activities are not offered at their private institutions, 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