2018 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 6 - Elementary and Secondary Education
Part 10 - Curriculum Generally
§ 49-6-1002. Use of school time for athletics -- Teacher salaries.
(a) It is unlawful for any president, principal or teacher of any educational institution under the control of the state board of education or any local board of education to dismiss the school or any group of students or pupils of the school for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any other similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week, without written permission from the governing board of the institution.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude regular physical training lessons as a part of the daily program of the school.
(c) A local education agency, local school board, school, educator, or employee or the employee's representative may not require a student to attend a school athletic event, or event related to participation on a school athletic team, if the event is on an official school holiday, observed day of worship, or religious holiday. The parent or legal guardian of a student participating in a school athletic event may provide written notice that the student will not be in attendance to the coach or administrator of the athletic event at least three (3) full school days prior to the event. Prior written notice to the coach or administrator of the school athletic event may not be required if the absence is due to an unforeseen emergency.
(d) The salaries of the teachers are left to the discretion of and are to be set by the local board of education.
