Kentucky Families Rally Behind ‘Let Them Play KY’ for Homeschool Athletes
Local Homeschool News: Kentucky
Kentucky homeschool families are speaking up for their young athletes. A grassroots campaign called Let Them Play KY backed House Bill 421, the Play Fair Kentucky Act, in the 2026 session (WCPO; LEX 18).
Today, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association requires athletes to be full-time students at the school they compete for. That keeps homeschoolers out of state-sanctioned events and tournaments (LEX 18).
Parents shared their stories. Jessica Svec said her oldest daughter returned to public high school to keep wrestling and playing softball. Sophomore swimmer Ben Barnes-Israel said he was the only high school boy on his team who could not swim for a high school. Lisa McIntyre, whose four children wrestle, gathered more than 2,600 signatures in about two weeks (WCPO). LEX 18 reported more than 2,000 parents from 111 counties had signed (LEX 18).
Co-sponsor Rep. Steven Doan said the bill would give homeschool students the same athletic opportunities as their peers. KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett said any change would take legislative action (WCPO). HB 421 did not get a hearing before the session ended.
The families plan to keep making their case. For more, see our Kentucky Homeschool Laws page and our Kentucky Pending Homeschool Legislation post.
Sources:
- Caleb Barnes, “Parents advocate to allow homeschool students to compete in state athletics,” LEX 18, March 10, 2026
- De’Jah Gross, “KY parents say homeschool ban makes kids choose between education and athletics,” WCPO, March 14, 2026