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A Tim Tebow Law sounds appealing: named after the college and NFL quarterback who was homeschooled, these laws allow homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics. Many states have adopted Tebow Laws. Maryland has not. This guide explains Maryland’s current sports eligibility rules, what a Tebow Law would do, why Maryland doesn’t have one, and what proposed legislation exists.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland does NOT have a Tim Tebow Law
- MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) does NOT allow homeschoolers on public school teams
- HB 1043 “Right to Play” proposed legislation but was NOT passed
- Homeschoolers have club sports, private school teams, and AAU alternatives
- Advocacy efforts may eventually change Maryland policy
What Is a Tim Tebow Law?
The Origin
Tim Tebow was a homeschooled quarterback who played college football for the University of Florida and later in the NFL. Following his success, several states recognized that homeschoolers should have access to public school sports and enacted “Tim Tebow Laws” to allow homeschool students to participate.
What Tebow Laws Do
In states with Tim Tebow Laws, homeschoolers can:
- Try out for public school sports teams
- Compete alongside publicly schooled students
- Participate in IHSA, MPSSAA, or equivalent state athletic associations
- Typically with basic eligibility requirements (age, grade level, passing grades)
States with Tim Tebow Laws
Many states allow homeschoolers on public school teams:
- Texas, Utah, Florida, California, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and others
- Policies vary—some require minimal requirements, others impose GPA or testing standards
- General trend: allowing homeschoolers has been normalized in most states
Maryland’s Current Policy: MPSSAA Rules
MPSSAA Does Not Allow Homeschoolers
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) governs high school athletics in the state. Its eligibility rules explicitly require:
Students must be officially registered and attending an MPSSAA member school.
Homeschoolers are not registered with or attending an MPSSAA member school, so they are ineligible.
What This Means
- No public school soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football, volleyball, track, or any other MPSSAA sport
- Homeschoolers cannot try out for public school teams
- Homeschoolers cannot receive sports scholarships from public schools
- This applies to both large competitive programs and smaller rural schools
Rationale (Unstated but Inferred)
While MPSSAA has not officially published a detailed rationale for excluding homeschoolers, the likely reasons include:
- Enrollment accountability: Public school athletics is tied to school enrollment and attendance
- Academic verification: Public schools verify student academic progress; homeschools provide their own documentation
- Facility access: Athletic programs are funded through public school budgets and are technically for registered students
- Liability: Ensuring athletes meet physical and academic standards before participation
- Competitive fairness: Potential concerns about homeschool athletes gaining competitive advantage while avoiding public school requirements
None of these rationales are insurmountable—other states have addressed them and allowed homeschool participation.
HB 1043 “Right to Play”: The Proposed Solution
What HB 1043 Proposed
In the Maryland legislature, HB 1043 “Right to Play” was introduced to allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports. The bill would:
- Amend MPSSAA eligibility rules
- Allow homeschoolers to try out for and compete on public school athletic teams
- Establish basic eligibility requirements (similar to public school standards)
- Open public school sports to homeschool families
Current Status
HB 1043 has NOT been passed. As of 2026, the legislation remains stalled. It has been introduced in multiple legislative sessions but has not advanced through committee or received a floor vote.
Why Haven’t Tim Tebow Laws Passed in Maryland?
Several factors likely contribute:
- Institutional inertia: MPSSAA has no current incentive to change policy; change requires legislative action
- School district concerns: Some public school administrators may resist adding non-enrolled students to athletic programs
- Budget pressures: No additional funding from state for homeschool athletes; schools might perceive costs
- Limited advocacy: Homeschool organizations have focused on other issues; sports eligibility has not been a primary advocacy priority
- Political alignment: Legislation requires state legislator sponsorship and committee support—not always available
Why Maryland Is Restrictive: Regional & Historical Context
Maryland’s Moderate Regulatory Environment
Maryland is “moderate” on homeschool regulation in general:
- Requires notification but not approval
- Portfolio review but no standardized testing mandate
- Flexible curriculum requirements
- Three supervision options (portfolio, church umbrella, nonpublic school)
But: Public school sports eligibility is separate from general homeschool regulation. MPSSAA is an athletic association, not a regulatory body, and operates independently.
Proximity to DC & Competitive Public School Programs
Maryland’s proximity to Washington DC, combined with strong public school athletic programs (particularly in suburban counties), may contribute to reluctance to expand eligibility. Public school athletics is viewed as an integral part of the public school experience.
Alternatives for Maryland Homeschoolers
Since public school sports are not available, Maryland homeschoolers have other options. See for comprehensive coverage.
Available alternatives:
- Club sports (lacrosse, soccer, baseball, swimming, etc.)
- AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) programs
- Community recreation leagues
- Private school teams (at school’s discretion)
- YMCA athletic programs
- Church league sports
Many homeschoolers find these alternatives superior to public school programs in terms of scheduling flexibility, coaching quality, and alignment with family values.
Advocacy & Future Possibilities
How Change Could Happen
For Maryland to allow homeschoolers in public school sports:
- Legislative action: HB 1043 or similar must pass legislature and be signed by governor
- MPSSAA amendment: The association could unilaterally change eligibility rules (unlikely without legislative pressure)
- Grassroots advocacy: Homeschool organizations (MHEA, MACHE) could prioritize sports eligibility in legislative advocacy
If You Support Changing Policy
- Contact your state representative and senator
- Support organizations advocating for homeschool sports access (HSLDA has national advocacy on this issue)
- Join MHEA or MACHE advocacy efforts
- Write letters to local media and legislators
- Attend hearings if HB 1043 or similar legislation is considered
Long-Term Outlook
Sports eligibility is likely to become a higher-priority advocacy issue as homeschooling grows in popularity. Other states have passed Tebow Laws in recent years—Maryland may follow, but it requires organized advocacy and legislative sponsorship.
Bottom Line: What Homeschool Families Should Know
Current Reality
- Maryland public schools do NOT allow homeschoolers to compete in MPSSAA sports
- This is legal, clear, and unlikely to change in the near term
- Homeschoolers must use alternative athletic pathways
Best Strategy
Rather than waiting for policy change, homeschoolers should:
- Embrace club sports and community recreation options
- View limitations as opportunities to find better-aligned athletic programs
- Advocate for policy change (contact legislators, support advocacy organizations)
- Connect with other homeschool athletic families for shared transportation and team-building
The Silver Lining
Club sports often provide better coaching, more family-friendly scheduling, and greater individual attention than large public school programs. Many homeschool families report their children’s athletic development in club settings exceeds what public school programs would have provided.
Conclusion
Maryland does not have a Tim Tebow Law, and public school sports remain closed to homeschoolers. HB 1043 “Right to Play” has been proposed but not enacted. While this is frustrating, homeschoolers have abundant athletic alternatives through club sports, community programs, and private schools. If you believe homeschoolers should have access to public school sports, contact your legislator to support future Tebow Law legislation. In the meantime, focus on finding the right athletic program within available options—club sports and community recreation can provide excellent athletic development and team experience. See for a comprehensive guide to available athletic opportunities in Maryland.