Rebuttal: Home schooled students in public sports

Let’s pretend you already have written your three main points and sources on your rebuttal index card:

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Also, let’s pretend that while your opponent is speaking their construction, you write down their three main points on your rebuttal index card

The Michigan High School Athletic Association does not promote ‘pay-to-play’ programs saying it reduces student involvement, has little difference in the school budget, those who have money get spots on the team.

Money that would have been paid to the school district is now paid to the home schooled student who shouldn’t be able to play for free with the public sport team.

Home schooled students can participate in sports with the YWCA, or other local groups – they don’t need to play with or against the public school system just because it is more competitive.

 

Your rebuttal:

My opponent would have you believe that ‘homeschoolers’ have no right to participate in public athletics.

My name is _____________and I disagree.

First, the study and opinion they refer to from the Michigan High School Athletic Association was from 2003. In response to those problems, the Michigan High School Association created a "Participation Primer" to address these issues and make it a positive situation for everyone involved.

Second, it is not true that state money goes to the home school student. This varies district to district, but in my district, the money goes to the school who allocates a certain amount to home schooling. The school district is still monitoring in home schooling. And the home schooled students don’t have to play for free, if there is a reasonable cost associated with playing, they can pay-to-play.

Third, While it is true that any student, home or public, can participate in leagues through YWCA, or other community groups --- you don’t see recruiters go to the YWCA to draft for college teams. You don’t see college scholarships go to students for a church basketball league. Let’s face it, public school sports are the stepping grounds for our future college and professional players. Do we want to lose a great Tiger Woods just because he was home schooled? I don’t think so. Allowing home schooled students to participate is fair, productive and promotes equality.

Thank you.