Eligibility Requirements
Like most interscholastic athletic teams, WCI has eligibility requirements. Below are our current eligibility guidelines to help you determine if your student-athlete can become a WCI athlete.
Faith
WCI is an intentionally Christian organization. Our mission, vision, and core values are rooted in our Statement of Faith. New families must read and agree to the Statement of Faith. This requirement is critical not only because we are 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 practices a Christian faith that aligns with it.
Leadership Roles
To hold a leadership role at WCI, 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 children within WCI. This step is essential to the protection of our athletes and our mission and vision.
Leadership roles include any position of authority or influence in a WCI student’s life, such as:
- Coaching or assistant coaching
- Board membership
- “Team Parent” leader
- Hosting WCI events or official WCI team parties
- Leading devotions and prayer
- Speaking at WCI events
Age
- WCI serves a wide range of ages from 7 through 18 years of age. A high school athlete must not be 19 years old on or before August 1 of the season of play.
Education
This policy outlines the eligibility criteria for students to participate in WCI’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 goal is to ensure that student eligibility aligns with WCI’s mission to serve homeschooled students.
Definitions
- Homeschooled Student: A child who is primarily educated by their parent or guardian at home, whether through a California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) or not, without being enrolled in a traditional public, private, or charter school. This student does not receive educational instruction from an institution—online or in person—for the purpose of obtaining a diploma from that institution.
- Dual Enrollment: Simultaneous enrollment in both a secondary education program (e.g., homeschool, public, or private high school) and one or more college or university-level courses. College courses count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit. Enrollment in a public career/CTE program is considered equivalent to dual enrollment.
- Graduation: The formal recognition of completing a prescribed level of academic coursework or milestones. This can be a diploma, certificate of completion, or other official documentation issued by the educational institution or program.
Policy
Students must demonstrate that their educational environment qualifies as homeschooling under the spirit of our organization by meeting one of the following criteria:
Students Who Are Homeschooling (Eligible)
- The student is primarily instructed by a parent or guardian.
- The student does not rely on an external education provider solely for the purpose of obtaining a diploma (though many homeschooled students use outside coursework for supplemental education).
- Dual enrollment is acceptable, provided the student still meets the academic standards set by the parent or guardian for high school graduation.
- The parent or guardian prepares the student’s transcripts, awards the diploma, or provides a certificate of completion upon graduation.
Students Enrolled in Institutional Education Programs (Not Eligible)
- Students who are enrolled in a formal, institutional education program (including virtual or online programs, in-person coursework, or other systems) where the majority of learning is conducted by the institution or teachers outside the home for the purpose of graduating with a diploma or equivalent are not considered homeschooled.
- These students are considered enrolled in a private or online school for eligibility purposes and do not qualify to participate in WCI unless they meet other applicable rules.
Documentation & Verification
WCI reserves the right to request additional information and documentation to verify eligibility, such as:
- A statement from the parent or guardian explaining the educational model.
- Transcripts or records indicating the student is being educated under a homeschooling model.
If there is any question regarding a student’s eligibility, please contact the WCI Board of Directors. We will review the circumstances and provide a determination based on the educational environment and intent of this policy.
Fees
WCI fees are determined by team size and uniform/equipment costs. WCI is a 501(c)(3).
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 may apply.
Regarding CCSA: WCI is not a CCSA vendor. We do not provide documentation for CCSA reimbursement (such as the state attestation form).