According to hoopcliq.com, a basketball mental training and social networking website, "Many people are surprised to learn that homeschooled basketball players and other homeschooled student-athletes have organized sports complete with try-outs, game schedules, divisions, state, and regional tournaments complete with national championships."
Homeschool Sports
Many homeschoolers have turned away from participation in public school sports, where allowed, in favor of independent community offerings. Home Education Magazine contributors Larry and Susan Kaseman recommend against participation in public school sports, because "if regulations were established for homeschooled athletes, there would be pressure to apply them to all homeschoolers."
Homeschool SportsNet Inc, hspn.net, is one place to find information about homeschool sports tournaments, teams, players, and related news, as well as to use free team and player tracking tools. Many localities have their own regional homeschool sports associations.
Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson believes that more college coaches should scout homeschooled athletes. Richardson says, “From an athletic standpoint, an athlete is an athlete!”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has specific homeschool eligibility requirements detailed on their NCAA Homeschool FAQ.
2012 Hoopcliq.com Nationwide Hot Homeschooled Hooper Contest
In celebration of talented homeschool basketball players, the 2012 hoopcliq.com Nationwide Hot Homeschooled Hooper Contest focuses on "qualities like leadership, creativity, character, commitment or whatever it is that they or anyone that nominates them feels that makes them a stand out athlete and all-around great person. This contest is a fun way to bring attention to serious, dedicated and talented athletes often overlooked by the mainstream public."
Contest Judging and Winners
Four winners will be chosen: a male and female athlete at high school level and a male and female athlete at the middle school level. The winners will be announced February 29, 2012.
Prizes
A complimentary prize will be given at registration. Contest prizes include
- hoopcliq.com Nationwide Homeschooled HOT Hooper of the Year Trophy
- $150.00 Gift Card from online sports authority Eastbay.com
- Six months free membership to hoopcliq.com’s exclusive online community
- Four (30) minute Personal Mental Training Coaching Session (Valued at $500.00)
- Local and national recognition.
Registration Through December 2011
Registration is free. The contest is open until December 31, 2011.
Sources:
Richardson, Garrett B. CLC. "Hoopcliq.com Conducts a Nationwide Contest Exclusively for Homeschooled Basketball Players" (Press Release). PRWeb, Aug 29, 2011.
Kaseman, Larry and Susan. "Why the Question of Homeschoolers' Playing Public School Sports Affects All Homeschoolers." HEM, May-June 2000.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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