Texas Education Code - EDUC § 33.097. Inclusive Sports Program for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

(1) accommodate inclusive team sports offered through the program at participating public middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools in the state;

(2) establish eligibility requirements for participation in each inclusive team sport offered through the program;

(3) identify best practices for school districts to incorporate inclusive sports;  and

(4) require the program to incorporate activities that promote:

(1) federal guidance regarding providing access to extracurricular athletics for students with intellectual disabilities;

(2) guidance available from nationally recognized organizations that promote inclusion and acceptance among students with and without intellectual disabilities;

(3) information regarding inclusive sports programs that have been successfully implemented in this state, in other states, and by nonprofit organizations;

(4) input from school districts and the agency;  and

(5) guidance provided by impacted stakeholders, including by parents of or persons standing in parental relation to students with intellectual disabilities.

(1) students who participate in the inclusive sports program to be subject to the same rules and requirements as students who participate in other athletic programs offered by the league, including:

(2) team sports provided through the inclusive sports program to be organized similarly to other athletic programs offered by the league, including with respect to team practices, seasonal play, and local and statewide competitions.