ELIGIBILITY

EVAC is an intentionally Christian organization. Our mission, vision, and core values are rooted in our Statement of Faith. As of June 1, 2024, new families must read and agree to the Statement of Faith. It's crucial not only because we're a Christian organization, but also because it guides our leadership, operations, and community. Agreeing to the Statement of Faith means the athlete's family has read it, understands it, and lives by a Christian faith that aligns with it.

To hold a leadership role at EVAC, you must agree to the Statement of Faith and complete an application and interview process. An additional process is required for anyone in authority over the children within EVAC. This is essential for advancing our mission to "encourage the hearts and minds of the participating youth in the love and likeness of Christ."

Leadership roles include any position of authority or influence in an EVAC student's life, such as coaching, assistant coaching, board membership, "Team Mom" or "Team Parent" leader, hosting EVAC events or official EVAC team parties, leading devotions and prayer, speaking at EVAC events, and more.

NOTE - households who were part of EVAC before June 1, 2024, are not required to read and agree to the Statement of Faith. However, they must still read and acknowledge that the organization's leadership is guided by the Statement of Faith, Mission, Vision, and Core Values. These principles will be intentionally integrated into all aspects of our organization.

High school players must not be 19 years old on or before September 1st, for the season of play. Junior high players (5th – 8th grade) cannot be 15 before September 1st, for the season of play. Elementary school players must be 4th-6th grade. 

This policy outlines the eligibility criteria for students to participate in EVAC’s sports programs. The policy distinguishes between homeschooled students and students who are enrolled in online or other institutional education programs for the purpose of graduating from that institution. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that student eligibility is aligned with EVAC’s mission to serve homeschooled students.

Definitions

1.      Homeschooled Student: A child who is primarily educated by their parent or guardian at home, whether utilizing an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) or not, without enrollment in a traditional public, private, or charter school, and who does not receive educational instruction from a public or private school or institution, whether in person or online, for the purpose of obtaining a diploma and graduation from that school or institution.

2.      Dual Enrollment: Dual Enrollment refers to a student being simultaneously enrolled in both a secondary education program (e.g., homeschool, public or private high school) and one or more college or university-level courses, typically at a community college or other accredited postsecondary institution. The college courses completed by the student count toward both high school graduation requirements and the attainment of college credit. Enrollment in a course of study at EVIT shall be considered the equivalent of dual-enrollment.

3.      Graduation: Graduation refers to the formal recognition of the completion of a prescribed level of academic coursework and milestones by a student, whether elementary, middle school, or high school. This recognition may be in the form of a diploma, certificate of completion, or other official documentation issued by the educational institution or program that the student has completed a prescribed course of work that satisfies the institution’s graduation standards.

Policy

To be eligible to participate in EVAC, a student must meet one of the following criteria, demonstrating that their educational environment qualifies as homeschooled student under the spirit of our organization:

1. Students Who Are Homeschooling (Eligible):

Students are eligible to participate in EVAC if they are educated primarily by their parent or guardian in a manner that resembles traditional homeschooling. This includes situations where:

·         The student is instructed by the parent or guardian.

·         The student does not receive educational instruction from an external education provider for the purpose of obtaining a diploma (recognizing that many  homeschooled students take individual coursework from such providers as a means of supplementing their student’s parent-conducted education).

·         Dual enrollment is permissible for a homeschooled student who is continuing to meet the academic standards set by the parent or guardian for high school graduation.

·         The parent or guardian prepares the student’s school transcripts, awards the diploma, or provides a certificate of completion upon graduation.

2. Students Enrolled in Institutional Education Programs for Purposes of Graduation (Not Eligible):

Students who are enrolled in a formal, institutional education program, including virtual and online programs and in-person coursework, or other institutional education system where the majority of the student’s learning is conducted by the institution or by teachers outside the home for the purpose of graduating with a diploma or other graduation recognition, are not considered a homeschooled student under this policy.

·         In these cases, the student will be considered as enrolled in a private or online school for the purposes of eligibility.

·         Students in this category are not eligible to participate in EVAC, unless they meet the criteria for eligibility under other applicable rules.

Documentation and Verification:

EVAC reserves the right to request additional information and may require further documentation to verify eligibility under this policy, including:

·         A statement from the parent or guardian that outlines the educational model being followed.

·         If applicable, transcripts or other records confirming that the student is being educated under a homeschooling model.

·         ESA account details or a copy of the ESA contract.

Questions:

If there is any question about whether a student qualifies under the homeschooled student category, the family should contact the EVAC Board of Directors. The organization will review the circumstances with the family and provide a determination based on the educational environment and alignment with the intent of this policy.

If requested, parents must be prepared to verify the student-athlete is passing current classes and submit a current schedule of classes or course of study.

EVAC fees are determined by team size, CAA league fees, and uniform/equipment costs. EVAC is a 501(c)(3) and does not seek to profit off of team fees. Fees are due when the athlete is rostered on a team, and participation in games is contingent upon payment. Estimated fees are posted on individual sports pages. Fees are due for every team your athlete is rostered on. Uniform and tournament costs over and above the team fee could be applicable. 

Regarding ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account), EVAC is not an ESA vendor. Currently, EVAC does not provide documentation to assist in the ESA reimbursement process, such as the state attestation form.