New TSSAA transfer rules allowing student-athletes to have immediate eligibility have had little impact on local schools in the first few months.
Upperman Athletic Director Jimmy Maynard said only three or four new athletes have transferred in so far. Maynard said the jury is still out on whether or not the change is positive.
“It makes it a little easier probably for kids to move around,” Maynard said. “And we don’t want to get into situations like the colleges are in where they just, you know, they can go at any point in time they want to leave, make it simple for them to do that. But I think what everyone, well, is really trying to figure what is going to be the best rule.”
Livingston Academy Athletic Director Todd Wright said he too thinks more guidelines could come in the future. Wright said he thinks the changes are a signal of the times, as the new rule allows students the flexibility to find a better situation as needed. Wright said the rule may lead to more student satisfaction.
“We want people to be, as much as possible, to be happy and to be healthy,” Wright said. “And if parents feel that their child can be that way in another school setting, or something like that, then the TSSAA doesn’t want to stand in the way of allowing that student to participate in sports.”
Wright said the changes have had little to no impact at Livingston Academy. Wright said in looking at the TSSAA numbers, there has not been as big a jump as expected statewide. Wright said this could be because of how new the rule is, or it could be because high schoolers are happier with where they are.
One of the concerns from schools were that students might transfer solely for athletics. White County High School Athletic Director Terry Craine said there are safeguards in place for this, as sending schools have to submit a statement disclosing the reason for transfer before a student becomes eligible.
“It’s very important for the school takes initiative,” Craine said. “Of course, the rule says that once they’re contacted by TSSAA, they have seven days to respond. If they don’t respond in that seven days, then the student won’t be granted that transfer. So I think it;s very important for the schools to look at the situation and respond respectfully.”
Craine said there is always a concern about losing students to larger schools and programs, especially among smaller schools. On the other hand, Craine said the changes can be beneficial to students in some situations.
The TSSAA transfer rule was changed in March. In the past, student-athletes who transferred to another school in the same county or school system were forced to sit out for a year.