NATCHEZ — The Natchez Adams School Board unanimously decided Thursday not to allow homeschool students to participate in the district’s athletics programs.

Deputy Superintendent Tanisha Smith said school systems in surrounding counties are also drawing the line for homeschool students’ participation in athletic programs.

The policy option is of ten dubbed the Tim Tebow rule because the University of Florida Heisman Trophy winner was a homeschool student who participated in public school sports.

Had the Natchez-Adams district allowed the homeschoolers to try out for sports, the students would have still had to meet academic standards and live in the district’s zone to play.

No homeschool students have inquired about participating in Natchez High School athletics, said Superintendent Frederick Hill. The district was discussing the matter to clarify its policy on the subject.