Can Homeschoolers Play Public School Sports in South Dakota?

What the rule says

Each public school district must allow homeschool students to participate in athletics, fine arts or activities within the district where the child lives.

Governing rule

S.D. Codified Laws § 13-36-7

Checked Aug 8, 2026 against HSLDA's South Dakota summary. Athletic association rules change year to year — confirm before the season.

What to do next

Contact the athletic director at the school your child is zoned to attend, well before tryouts — most of these rules carry a notice or paperwork deadline that closes before the season does. Ask which forms they need and when.

Expect to document academic eligibility. Nearly every state that grants access ties it to proof that your student is progressing, which means attendance, hours, and grades in a form the school can keep on file.

What Homeschool Fox tracks for South Dakota

Everything South Dakota expects you to keep, in one place — no spreadsheets, no lost notebooks.

• Required hours or days
• Required subjects & core hours
• Daily activity logs
• Attendance records
• Notes & portfolio records
• Printable PDF reports
• High school transcripts
• State-specific progress tracking

More South Dakota guides

• South Dakota Homeschool Requirements Hours, notice, assessment, and subjects at a glance.
• How to Start Homeschooling in South Dakota A step-by-step guide from withdrawal to your first logged day.
• Homeschooling High School in South Dakota Credits, GPA, transcripts, and graduation.
• Record Keeping in South Dakota What to document, how to organize it, and staying compliant.
• How to Withdraw From School in South Dakota The steps, the letter, and timing to avoid truancy issues.
• Moving to South Dakota What to file when you arrive and whether your records transfer.
• Required Subjects in South Dakota The list, how much time each needs, and proving you taught them.
• South Dakota Letter of Intent Who to file with, when it's due, and a free generator.