Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Erik Peterson to allow all students the opportunity to play sports was advanced Monday by the Assembly Education Committee.

“School sports programs are an integral part of education that teach the values of healthy competition, teamwork and dedication to a goal,” Peterson, R-Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren, said. “All students, whether they learn in public schools or at home, deserve the same opportunity to enhance their education on the sports field.”

The bill, A-3421, requires public school districts to allow students in charter schools, county vocational schools and home schools to participate in their sports programs under certain criteria. Students must:

• Provide proof of residency
• Meet same requirements that currently exist for public school student athletes
• Meet eligibility rules of the N.J. State Interscholastic Athletic Association

“Many states allow home-schooled students play sports at public schools and we can allow all New Jersey students to get in the game,” Peterson said.

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