Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

Blount Home Education Association (BHEA)

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Athletics for Homeschoolers

Homeschool Athletics in Blount County

Welcome to BHEA’s Athletics Hub!
Blount Home Education Association supports homeschool families in finding and forming athletic opportunities. Whether you're interested in community leagues, starting your own team, or joining public school sports, this page will guide you through your options.


Start a BHEA Team

Are you passionate about sports and interested in leading a homeschool team through BHEA?
We encourage parents, coaches, and volunteers to step up and provide these valuable opportunities to our homeschool community.


Participation in Public School Sports

Can homeschoolers play public school sports in Tennessee?
Yes! Tennessee law allows homeschooled students to join public school athletic programs, including those in Blount County, provided certain requirements are met.

Key Guidelines for Participation:

1. Legal Homeschool Status
You must be registered as a homeschooler under Tennessee law—either as an independent homeschool or through a Church-Related School (umbrella).

2. Zoned School Requirement
Students may only participate at the public school they are zoned for based on residence.

3. Contact the School
Connect with the school’s principal and athletic director to express your interest in participating.

4. Submit Required Paperwork
You’ll need to provide academic records, proof of residency, health and immunization forms.

5. Meet Deadlines
Notify the school before the sport’s first official practice date. This is a TSSAA requirement.

6. Comply with TSSAA Rules
Homeschooled athletes must meet academic and conduct standards just like their enrolled peers.

Important Considerations:

Resources:

Questions?
Reach out to us at [email protected] for help navigating these opportunities.


BHEA Cross Country – Coach Needed!

Bring Back the BHEA Cross Country Team!
Do you love running and mentoring youth? We’re looking for a dedicated volunteer coach to relaunch our Cross Country Team for the 2025 season!

Coach Requirements:

BHEA will support you with guidelines and encouragement.
Interested? Contact: [email protected]


Local Homeschool-Friendly Athletic Organizations

Knoxville Ambassadors

The Knoxville Ambassadors is a Christian nonprofit sports organization offering athletic programs tailored to homeschoolers. They promote teamwork, faith, and discipline in a structured, competitive setting.

Programs Offered:

Why Families Choose the Ambassadors:

Website: www.ambassadorsknoxville.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Knoxville Ambassadors


Blount County Parks & Recreation Programs

Blount County Parks & Rec provides a wide range of affordable, well-organized sports for youth. Most programs are homeschool-friendly and welcome individual or team participation.

Youth Sports Programs:

Contact Info:
316 S. Everett High Rd., Maryville, TN 37804
Phone: (865) 983-9244
Website: parksrec.com


Local Leagues & Community Teams

Baseball & Softball

Maryville Little League
Offers programs from Weeball through Junior/Senior League.

Eagleton Little League
Community-based baseball league.


Soccer Programs

AYSO Region 1159 – Blount County
Recreational soccer with a focus on fun and positive coaching.

Blount United Soccer Club (BUSC)
Competitive soccer with licensed coaching and Rush Soccer affiliation.


Volleyball Opportunities

TN HEAT Homeschool Sports
Faith-based organization offering volleyball, football, basketball, and more.

Maryville Christian School
Occasionally allows homeschoolers to participate via their ISP (Independent Study Program).


Martial Arts & Self-Defense Schools

Premier Martial Arts – Maryville
Karate, Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Taekwondo

Championship Martial Arts – Maryville
Child and teen-focused martial arts.

New Era Martial Arts – Alcoa
Preschool and kids' self-defense training.

TTJC Karate – Maryville
Offers Judo, Taekwondo, MMA, and more.

Hatcher’s Martial Arts Academy
Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense


Pickleball & Tennis

Pickleville – Knoxville
East Tennessee’s premier indoor pickleball facility with 16 courts.

Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club
Serving Maryville, Alcoa, Knoxville, and Loudon.

John Sevier Park
6 free-to-use outdoor courts with lighting.

Gymnastics & Movement Classes for Homeschoolers

TumbleBears & Foothills Gymnastics
Offering daytime gymnastics classes tailored for homeschoolers, with a special discount. A great way for kids to stay active, build coordination, and have fun!

TriStar Rowing

Rowing programs for grades 6 and up, including novice and competitive levels.
Register or contact: [email protected]
Website: tristarrowing.com


Maryville Fencing Club

Welcomes homeschool fencers.
Contact: Coach Pat Luna


Knoxville Homeschool High School Climbing Team

A competitive team for homeschoolers that climbs alongside local high schools.
Find them on Facebook for updates and practice schedules.


Ready to Get Started?

BHEA is here to support your homeschool journey—including athletics. Whether you're looking to join a sport, start a team, or lead one, we're here to help.

Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]

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