Updated May 28th at 2:23 PM (CST). The updated rules below are intended to enhance clarity and conciseness, as well as to clean up grammatical and spelling errors, without any substantive changes to the eligibility criteria detailed below. Please be aware that any significant alterations to these rules would require a vote by the association member leaders; no such changes have been enacted. For accountability’s sake, the unaltered version posted on this page before the update date listed above- CLICK HERE

National Christian HomeSchool Championship (NCHC) Eligibility Guidelines

These guidelines are established to ensure the integrity of National Christian HomeSchool Championship (NCHC) events and to uphold the principle that participating student-athletes are primarily HomeSchool students. These regulations have been developed through the collective input and votes of the head coaches and leaders of NCHC Member Organizations over the past thirty (30+) years.

Article I: General Eligibility

Section 1.1: Applicability- NCHC Events are exclusively for NCHC-eligible HomeSchool Student-Athletes unless explicitly stated otherwise for specific events.

Section 1.2: Registration Requirements- All teams participating in NCHC-run or NCHC-sanctioned events shall ensure that: (a) All parents of participating student-athletes complete the official NCHC Player Registration Form. (b) All coaches (head and assistant) complete the official NCHC Coaches Registration Form. These requirements ensure a comprehensive understanding and acknowledgment of these NCHC Eligibility Guidelines by all parents, coaches, and leaders within each program.

Section 1.3: Purpose of Eligibility Guidelines- These NCHC Eligibility Guidelines are designed to safeguard the reputation of HomeSchool Athletics, ensure a consistent and fair post-season experience, and protect the integrity of the league.

Section 1.4: Governance and Amendments
(a) The NCHBC Eligibility Guidelines Committee (EGC) shall be comprised of one leader (typically the Athletic Director) from each NCHC Member Organization in good standing. (b) The NCHBC Eligibility Advisory Board (EAB) shall consist of the head coaches and leaders of all NCHC Member Organizations in good standing. (c) Amendments to these guidelines may be proposed and enacted through votes of the Committee and Board.

Section 1.5: Member Organization Authority- The NCHC affirms that the Member Organizations attending its events shall have a voice in determining eligibility standards.

Section 1.6: Hardship Exemptions 

(a) The Executive Committee is authorized to approve or deny most hardship exemption requests based on established precedent without requiring an Eligibility Advisory Board (EAB) or Eligibility Guidelines Committee (EGC) vote. (b) Unique hardship situations may be brought before the Member Organizations for a vote. (c) In the event of a hardship denial based on past precedent, the Member Organization shall have the right to appeal the denial to the EAB. (See Section 1.16 for Appeal Process and Section 1.15 for Application).

Section 1.7: Executive Committee Role- The Executive Committee shall act as the gatekeeper for NCHC Events, responsible for upholding the eligibility guidelines established by the Member Organizations.

Section 1.8: Importance of Eligibility – The NCHC recognizes the detrimental impact of ineligible teams on the experiences of parents, players, coaches, and fans. Eligibility is the foremost commitment to maintaining a consistent and fair application of these guidelines.

Section 1.9: Adaptability and Unique Circumstances- The Executive Committee acknowledges the evolving landscape of HomeSchool Athletics and the potential for unique situations. These guidelines shall be interpreted and applied with a view toward protecting the reputation of HomeSchool Athletics while allowing HomeSchool Coaches, Directors, and Administrators to have an active role in influencing the rules they are expected to follow.

Section 1.10: Role of the Eligibility Advisory Board (EAB)- The EAB, comprising leaders, coaches, and administrators representing teams from across the nation, plays a crucial role in ensuring that NCHC rules and policies reflect the views of the majority of participating teams and programs, thereby safeguarding the integrity of HomeSchool Sports.

Section 1.11: Purpose of Eligibility Rules – The rules outlined herein are designed to ensure that every participant in NCHC events is primarily a HomeSchool Student and secondarily an athlete. These rules aim to prevent NCHC tournaments from resembling AAU/Club or all-star teams, thereby maintaining a level playing field.

Section 1.12: Application to All NCHC Events- These rules shall apply to the National Championships and all NCHC-sanctioned Events, including Districts, Regionals, and Nationals.

Section 1.13: Year-Round Eligibility Compliance- All organizations, teams, and programs attending NCHC events must utilize only players who meet NCHC Eligibility Guidelines for all games throughout the entire year. Failure to adhere to this requirement shall result in disqualification from attending NCHC Events.

Section 1.14: Self-Reporting of Ineligible Players- In the event that an ineligible player is inadvertently used in competition, it is the duty of the involved program to self-report the infraction and self-impose appropriate sanctions. (See Section 1.19 for full reporting guidelines).

Section 1.15: Hardship Exemption Process – A player who does not meet all eligibility guidelines may submit a Hardship Exemption Form for consideration prior to competing. LINK to Apply for Hardship- CLICK HERE.

Section 1.16: Appeal Process for Hardship Denials – Organizations have the right to appeal the denial of a hardship request to the Eligibility Advisory Board (EAB). An eligibility appeal is only valid when a hardship exemption is denied on a situation that is not a recent, clear precedent. All appeals are submitted in writing, and voting is conducted via email.

Section 1.17: Provisional Approvals 

Provisional Approval is a conditional status granted by the Executive Committee to an organization that has an ineligible player, allowing the team to maintain its membership and compete during the regular season. This status is granted to prevent a violation of Section 1.13 (Year-Round Eligibility Compliance), which would otherwise rule the entire program ineligible.

a) Player Status at NCHC Events: The ineligible player’s attendance status at NCHC-sanctioned events (Districts, Regionals, or Nationals) is determined by the nature of the violation:

Strict Prohibition (Player NOT Permitted to Attend): If the player’s ineligibility is based on a fundamental and non-negotiable rule (e.g., 18u age limit or traditional school enrollment status, etc.), the player is NOT permitted to attend the event, even under Provisional Approval status.

• Exception: Students who participate in university model, small, micro private/Christian schools without sports may request an exemption from this prohibition and be considered under the Conditional Attendance point below. Public Schools fall under the Strict Prohibition point above.

Conditional Attendance (Player Permitted to Compete): In situations not covered by the Strict Prohibition, where Provisional Approval is granted, the student-athlete IS permitted to compete with their team at NCHC Events. The Executive Committee will specify the player’s attendance status upon granting approval.

Note: Even without the player, the team will still be required to follow the team restrictions in 1.17(b).

b) Team Status and Restrictions:

• Designation: The team shall be denoted by “(USA)” after their name at NCHC-sanctioned events.
• Competition Restriction: Provisional teams cannot eliminate a team from the top bracket of the division in which they are placed, nor can they compete for or eliminate a team from trophy contention.
  In elimination brackets, the opening game at an NCHC event will result in the (USA) designated team moving to the left/consolation side of the brackets, regardless of the final score. The only exception is during pool play, where the (USA) designated team will advance as the last-place finisher.
  Furthermore, in events where trophies or awards are given in consolation rounds (even after teams lose), the (USA) designated team will continue to move left in the brackets, regardless of the score, until there are no more awards to eliminate teams from.
• Transparency: Provisional teams must inform other NCHC Member Organizations that their team is using an ineligible player.
• Status After Player Removal: If a team removes the provisionally approved player before an NCHC event, the team does not revert to fully eligible status. Once Section 1.13 is violated, Provisional Approval is often the only remaining option.

Section 1.18: NCHC Eligibility In Writing Policy- The NCHC ONLY handles eligibility exemptions or questions in writing. We do not handle these questions on the phone. Coaches, Athletic Directors, Parents, and Players, if you have questions about an eligibility situation in your program and you have been told a player has been granted an exemption, ask to see it in writing. All eligibility issues must be dealt with in writing, with no exceptions.

Section 1.19: Eligibility Violations: Reporting 

a) Self-reporting can be done by emailing: nchbchomeschoolnationals@gmail.com. b) NCHC Eligibility Report: Verification/Challenge Form. Before submitting this form, the NCHC policy requires all eligibility concerns to be addressed with the team in question first. We encourage a gentle spirit and to avoid accusations. Simply asking questions, such as a player’s name, can often resolve the issue directly.

Section 1.20: Returning teams in Good Standing

a) NCHC Teams in good standing who continue to abide by the NCHC Eligibility Guidelines will be able to attend NCHC Post-Season Events. b) Teams that have had previous eligibility violations reported & deemed accurate are dealt with on a year-to-year basis and are subject to annual EAB, EGC, Regional Committee, and/or Executive Committee Vote.

Article II: Definition of a HomeSchool Student-Athlete

Section 2.1: Core Definition “Homeschooling” is defined by NCHC Member Organizations as parent-directed education conducted at home.

Section 2.2: Parental Responsibility The parents or legal guardian (pre-approved by the NCHC) shall be directly involved in the student’s education, fulfilling the role of headmaster by (a) Selecting the curriculum. (b) Selecting and/or approving course materials and study schedules. (c) Selecting tutors, co-op classes, teachers, dual enrollment options, and/or other educational resources.

Section 2.3: Online At Home Policy (a) The NCHC does not endorse or reject any specific curriculum. (b) The choice of curriculum is at the discretion of the parent, provided the education is conducted at home, and the parent retains the right to modify the curriculum. (c) Students enrolled in their local school district who are pursuing online education through that district are excluded from the “Online at Home” definition.

Article III: Basic NCHC Eligibility Rules

Section 3.1: Academics Grade Point Average (GPA): Each member team and/or program shall establish standards to ensure that all participating players maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) throughout the active season.

Section 3.2:  Continuous Homeschooling: Students who begin the academic year in a traditional school setting are considered ineligible and must apply for a Hardship Exemption for eligibility consideration.

Section 3.3: Age and Gender Eligibility
3.3(a) Age Cut-Off Date: A student-athlete’s age for NCHC eligibility shall be determined by their age on August 1st. A player must be the specified age of the division OR YOUNGER on August 1st to be eligible for that age group for the entire season.

3.3(b) Age Division Limits: 

• Clarified Example: A player who is 16 years old on July 31st and turns 17 on August 1st is ineligible to play in the 16U division. This player must compete in the 18U division.

3.3(c) Playing ‘Up’: Players are permitted to participate in one or more higher (older) age groups if desired.

3.3(d) Playing ‘Down’: Players are not permitted to participate in a younger age group for which they are age-ineligible on the August 1st cut-off date. No exceptions will be made for players attempting to play down due to skill level, team need, or family logistics.

3.3(e) Multiple Age Groups at Events: Players may participate on multiple teams in different age groups at NCHC events, provided they meet the age eligibility requirement for each team they play on.

3.3(f) Gender Requirements: A player’s eligibility is restricted to the gender division corresponding to their sex as recorded on their original birth certificate. Co-ed teams are not permitted at Nationals or NCHC-run postseason events. No exceptions will be made.

3.3(g) Proof of Age: Organizations are responsible for verifying the age of their players. Documentation verifying a player’s age (e.g., birth certificate) may be required by the NCHC for any player at any time.

Section 3.4: Year-Round NCHC Player Compliance: All organizations, teams, and programs attending NCHC events must exclusively use players who meet NCHC Eligibility Guidelines for all games throughout the year. Non-compliance will result in disqualification from NCHC Events.

Section 3.5(a): Dual Rostering Within the Organization- This section governs a player’s ability to be listed on multiple teams within the same NCHC member organization.

• Permitted: Players can be listed on the rosters of multiple age groups (e.g., 14U and 16U) within the same organization.
  • Exception: JV players (currently available in Girls Volleyball Nationals Only) are not permitted to dual-roster at NCHC Events.
• Restricted at NCHC Events: A player is limited to competing on only one team per age group at NCHC events.

Section 3.5(b): Dual Rostering with External School Teams- This section governs a player’s ability to be listed on teams from two different schools, including homeschool and traditional schools.

• Prohibited (Same Sport): Players are not allowed to participate on teams from two different schools/teams (homeschool, charter, public, private, etc.) in the same sport during the same season.
• Exception (Article 4.7 – Tim Tebow Rule): An additional exception exists under the “Tim Tebow Rule,” as detailed in Article 4.7. This rule allows competition on a traditional school team and a homeschool team at different times of the year, but it does not allow simultaneous competition on both during the same season. There is a specific deadline for making a decision under the Tim Tebow Rule.

Clarification on Non-School Teams

• The NCHC does not consider AAU, Club, or recreational teams (such as MAYB, YMCA, church leagues, iSports, etc.) to be “School teams.”
• Therefore, participation on these types of teams during the NCHC season does not negatively impact an athlete’s eligibility within the NCHC.

Section 3.6: In-Season Transfers- 1st Game Policy: Players must have begun playing with their team prior to the team’s first scheduled game of the season. Players seeking to join a team after the first game must apply for a Hardship Exemption.

Section 3.7: (a) Graduation Ceremony Participation: A player who has participated in a graduation ceremony is not eligible to participate in NCHC events. (b) Coop Ceremony Participation: Student-athletes participating in ceremonies celebrating the completion of coop classes but not graduating may wear a cap and gown if it is announced during the ceremony and in the program that they are receiving a “Certificate of Completion.” The student’s anticipated graduation year should be announced. Social media posts should clarify that the student is not graduating at this time. Pre-approval is no longer required if all posted requirements are met. If a player is reported as a graduate with proof, they will be required to sit out while the family and coach are contacted. Pre-approval can still be requested by emailing nchbchomeschoolnationals@gmail.com.

Article IV: The Role of Outside Institutions

Section 4.1: Brick & Mortar Schools (including, but not limited to, Public, Private, Christian, Charter Schools, etc.). Full-time enrollment in a traditional school (public, charter, private, Christian, etc.) is not recognized by the NCHC as homeschooling, as the student’s education is not parent-directed. Students attending any type of school full-time are ineligible. Part-time students at such schools must receive at least 51% of their education from classes meeting the definition of homeschooling.

Section 4.2: Coop and Umbrella Schools Participation in cooperative and/or umbrella schools is permitted under the following circumstances: (a) In states where “HomeSchool students” are legally required to attend a private school, and cooperative or umbrella schools are formed for this purpose, approval is automatic, provided the schooling involves significant and direct parental involvement, and the student-athlete meets the definition of Homeschooling. (b) In states with more homeschool-friendly laws, cooperative, umbrella, or similar educational arrangements are permitted if they are characterized by significant and direct parental involvement and if the student-athlete meets the definition of a Homeschooling Student.

Section 4.3: Vocational Classes HomeSchool students may take classes at vocational schools, provided that at least 51% of their education comes from classes that meet the homeschooling definition. Dual credit/enrollment classes are not counted against this 51% requirement.

Section 4.4: 51% Rule Clarification A normal full-time course load is considered six (6) core courses. Therefore, if a student-athlete is taking more than three (3) courses at a public, private/Christian, or vocational school, they are not considered to be receiving at least 51% of their education through homeschooling. Dual credit/enrollment classes are excluded from this calculation.

Section 4.5: Dual Credit/Enrollment Clause (a) Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior HomeSchool Student-Athletes participating in Dual Credit/Enrollment Programs must take a minimum of three (3) high school courses per semester. (b) Senior HomeSchool Student-Athletes in Dual Credit/Enrollment Programs must take a minimum of two (2) high school courses per semester. (c) High school courses can include electives and can be taken through Co-ops or any other eligible parent-directed educational method.

Section 4.6: Transfers Under Disciplinary Action Any student transferring from a public school, Christian/Private School, or another HomeSchool team while under disciplinary action(s) is ineligible unless they undergo the Hardship Exemption process OR wait one (1) year before becoming eligible to participate.

Section 4.7 NCHBC Tebow Rule. Many states have adopted the Tebow Rule, which allows homeschool students to play on public school teams. The NCHBC has the following guidelines for players participating under this provision:

• (a) Transferring to a Homeschool Team: Players who are homeschooled but playing on a school team via the Tebow Rule may transfer to a basketball or spring sports homeschool team up to December 31st. Fall Sports require the transfer to be made by August 31st.
• (b) Prohibition on Dual Participation: Within the same sport, students are not permitted to play both a school (public, private, Christian, charter, etc.) team and a homeschool team during the year.
• (c) Eligibility for Homeschool Team Transfer: Fall Sports transfers must be made by August 31st. Spring Sports &/or Basketball- To join a homeschool team, players must have been home-educated for the entire first semester and must join the homeschool team on or before December 31st. Basketball Players must also meet all other guidelines, including Article 7.
• (d) Applicable Age Groups: The Tebow Rule guidelines apply to all age groups, from High School down to 10u.

4.7 Clarification: Students Playing on Multiple School Teams During the Same Year

In September 2020, the EAB Rules Proposal Committee voted 80% in favor of maintaining the NCHC Tim Tebow Guidelines as previously posted. Within the same sport, this means that students are not permitted to play on multiple school (public, private, Christian, charter, homeschool, etc.) teams during the same season.

Article V: Additional Non-Educational Requirements

Section 5.1: Marriage A player who is married is not eligible to participate in NCHC events.

Section 5.2: Attended School as a Senior An upperclassman transfer who attended school as a senior is automatically ineligible. Refer to Article VII for additional guidelines regarding upperclassmen transfers.

Section 5.3: Continuous Homeschooling (Reiteration) Student-athletes must have been continuously Homeschooled from the start of the school year. Students who began the year in a traditional school setting must apply for a Hardship Exemption.

Section 5.4: Mile Radius A player must reside within a 100-mile radius of the team’s primary practice facility.

Section 5.5: Player Registration (Reiteration) All players participating in an NCHC Event must have their parent or legal guardian complete the official NCHCLive.com player registration.

Section 5.6: Living at Home A player must live at home with their parent or court-appointed legal guardian. In cases involving foster children or other family hardships, the organization may seek NCHC Pre-Approval* from the legally responsible person by first submitting a Hardship Request.

Article VI: Additional Basketball-ONLY Guidelines & Procedures

Section 6.1: NCHBC Invitational Beginning in 2016, all NCHBC (Basketball) Post Season Events (Regionals & Nationals) shall be by invitation only. The initial eligibility requirement for a team to attend is to receive an official invitation and complete the team registration/Invitation Request form. Since 2016, as part of the Invitational Request (Team Sign-up/Registration), teams have been required to yearly renew or join the NHBA (National HomeSchool Basketball Association), which has been streamlined into the Team Sign-up process.

Article VII: Basketball ONLY- NCHBC Upperclassmen Transfer Policy

Section 7.1: Applicability All policies outlined in this Article pertain to transfers occurring during the off-season. In-season transfer policies are detailed in Section 7.6.

Section 7.2: HomeSchool Athlete HomeSchool Transfers (2025-26 Season) No mandatory waiting period if a team has five (5) or fewer combined upperclassmen homeschool transfers who were participants in NCHBC 2025. This policy includes players who have been continuously homeschooled for the two consecutive years leading up to this season, regardless of their class or the team they played for previously. All players must meet all other eligibility requirements and must have transferred before the start of the season.

Section 7.3: Transfer From School or non-NCHBC 2025 HomeSchool team: Incoming Juniors (a) An incoming junior who attended a previous school as a sophomore is ineligible to compete in games until November 23rd, provided they transferred to a HomeSchool team before the team’s first regular-season game. These players are permitted to practice and scrimmage with their program during the waiting period. (b)If HomeSchooled for two consecutive years or more leading up to this season, they fall under category 7.2 regardless of their class or the team they played for previously. (c) See 7.8 about waiting period waiver request

Section 7.4: Transfer From School or non-NCHBC 2025 HomeSchool team: Incoming Seniors (a) An incoming senior who attended a previous school as a junior is ineligible to compete in games until January 1st, provided they transferred to a HomeSchool team before the team’s first regular-season game. These players are permitted to practice and scrimmage with their program during the waiting period. (b)If HomeSchooled for two consecutive years or more leading up to this season, they fall under category 7.2 regardless of their class or the team they played for previously. (c) See 7.8 about waiting period waiver request

Section 7.5: Senior at Brick & Mortar School Any player who attended school as a senior is automatically ineligible to compete in games within HomeSchool Athletics.

Section 7.6: In-Season Upperclassmen Transfers There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding in-season upperclassmen transfers. Such transfers will result in automatic denial of eligibility with no right to appeal to the EAB. If the executive committee deems it necessary, any appeals will be directed to the Eligibility Guidelines Committee (EGC).

Section 7.7: Transfer Classification Clarification A student-athlete’s transfer classification is determined by their grade level at the school or team they are transferring from. For example, a student who was a junior at their previous school/team will be considered an incoming senior for the purposes of these transfer rules, regardless of any subsequent reclassification. These rules apply to off-season transfers.

Section 7.8: Upperclassmen Transfer Waiting Period Waiver Request (non-NCHCBC 2025 athletes) If a team has only two (2) upperclassmen transfers, the family may submit a Hardship Exemption Form to request a waiver of the waiting period. The NCHBC will review such hardship requests between late September and early October and respond based on past EAB precedents for situations involving only two upperclassmen transfers.

Section 7.9: Practice During Waiting Period Players who are subject to a waiting period due to transfer rules are permitted to practice and scrimmage with their program during that time.

Section 7.10: 16u Eligibility During Waiting Period A player who is 16 years of age or younger is eligible to play on the program’s 16u team while serving a transfer waiting period.

Section 7.11: Group Transfers- These policies are designed to prevent teams from recruiting a large number of players from private and public schools all at once.

• If a team has more than three upperclassmen transfers (who were not homeschooled the previous year), the EAB or NCHC Committee can enforce waiting periods for freshmen and sophomore transfers, and could increase the waiting period for juniors, with seniors being required to sit out their whole waiting period.
• If a team has more than five combined upperclassmen transfers (not part of their team the previous year), the EAB or NCHC Committee can enforce waiting periods for freshmen and sophomore transfers, and could increase the waiting period for juniors, with seniors being required to sit out their whole waiting period.