In the midst of debates about the efficacy of the NCAA transfer portal, one state’s high school athletics association is considering loosening transfer rules to allow similar flexibility for its student-athletes.
The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) is discussing adjusting its transfer-related eligibility rules. Currently, high school students who transfer only keep varsity eligibility the next year if their family also makes a residence move, according to The News Tribune. The new rule would allow students to transfer more freely.
States around the nation have varying levels of leniency regarding student-athlete transfers. Many, including Washington, have a hardship exemption that allows students to file an appeal to remain eligible.
The WIAA handbook states that these hardship exemptions exist when there are “unique circumstances concerning the student’s physical or emotional status exist and only when such circumstances are not the result of acts or actions by the student or family unit.”
According to FOX 13 Seattle, a committee of 22 people is exploring rule changes. WIAA Executive Director Mike Hoffman told the outlet that he does not intend for it to be a transfer portal like collegiate athletics.
“Our goal with this is not to have a portal at the high school level,” Hoffman told the outlet. He added that about 400 students transferred this year, a number similar to previous years.
Hoffman said the WIAA wants to ensure rules align with today’s culture while emphasizing education.
“We do want to look at a rule and see if there’s adjustments we need to make; maybe a compromise to meet student and family needs and also be in alignment with laws moving forward,” he said to FOX 13.
A vote is unlikely to take place earlier than next spring, according to the News Tribune.
Where the line is drawn may come down to an argument of whether freedom to transfer would allow students and families to make a choice that is best for them or whether this will affect education and turn high school sports into a closer representation of college.