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The traps

Leaving a school: No waiting period found in the state rule. Ask the athletic director to confirm in writing.
The notice window: The same deadlines as enrolled students
Get every answer in writing: An email from the principal or the athletic director is your proof if the answer changes later.
Letters and senior night: Ask about letters, senior night and team photos at sign up, not at the end of the season.

Your worries, answered

Homeschoolers can't play.: Not in Vermont. State law gives your young achiever the right to try out.
We would have to enroll.: No. Your young achiever does not take any public school class to play.
They will test my child.: No test. The parent signs a statement that your young achiever is passing.
They will come after our homeschool.: The papers go to the school for the one young achiever who plays, only to show eligibility. No case was found where sports papers led to a review of a homeschool.
A co-op class disqualifies us.: A co-op or online class is still homeschooling. If anyone says it disqualifies your young achiever, ask for the written rule that says so.
The coach will cut my child.: The law gives a tryout, not a spot. When space is short, Vermont lets a school prefer enrolled students, and a denial must be reported to the state.

The law, word for word

The rule

16 V.S.A. 563(24); CVR 22-000-009

Who runs the teams

Vermont Principals' Association (VPA)

Source

Checked against Vermont's own rule on October 17, 2026.

State Setup & Compliance