This summer has been difficult for several area schools. It is supposed to be a time of fun and revelation that leads to the upcoming year. With that brings the seasons! No, I am not referring to winter, spring, summer, or fall. I am speaking of all of the sports that we love and look forward to that will commence in a matter of weeks.
Unfortunately, for many, it’s as if the Grinch has gotten loose with a big sack and lifted some of the biggest gifts out from under the tree. Fans are waking up to the depressing news that some of their favorite players are leaving for different destinations. Players are transferring and it is leaving a big void to be filled by these departing athletes.
The old transfer rule was replaced at the end of March by the WVSSAC. There have been so many moving parts and with NIL along with other considerations that the governing body of high school athletics had to make necessary adjustments to keep a handle on the situation.
Under the new rule, ninth and 10th graders are eligible for a one-time transfer. They can go anywhere they would like with the test-the-waters philosophy, provided it is done before Sept 1.
A transfer back opportunity is provided for ninth, 10th, or 11th graders. If that move back occurs prior to Sept 1 and the athlete goes back to the school that is located in the attendance zone where the athlete’s parents reside, then immediate eligibility is restored.
If that one-time transfer should occur during a season that athlete would retain immediate eligibility in all sports except the sport in which the athlete has already participated that season. The rule changes have sent some athletes scurrying to find new homes well before the Sept 1 deadline.
Prior to the new rule, there were some student-athletes that looked like they majored in musical chairs as they toured the state in search for new places to play. When there are loose rules surrounding transfers, it disrupts everyone else involved. It is difficult for coaches to coach with discipline because they fear players would just pick up and leave. It becomes more of a babysitting service and that hurt everyone involved.
The rest of the team was also impacted. With teammates coming and going, it was hard to build chemistry. The revolving door provided emotional instability, which is the exact opposite of what team sports is supposed to bring to the table.
It feels like the WVSSAC got this right. It gives the option for a transfer when there is a proper need for one with little repercussion for a return home if it turns out to be in the best interest of a student-athlete. At the end of the day, it is supposed to be about the student-athlete and if the circumstances warrant a change, then so be it. This does keep those green-grass-chasers at bay, those parents that think it’s greener on the other side of the fence so they take their kids’ talents elsewhere. Remember it’s all about the kids and what is best for them in the long run.
That will do it for now!!! Until next time . . . take care and God Bless!!!
