The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Board of Directors approved a measure to allow one free transfer for any student as established athletic eligibility at the school, The Oklahoman’s Hallie Hart reported on Wednesday.
The OSSAA Board of Directors approved an exception that allows one free transfer for any high school student who has established athletic eligibility at an initial school. The student won’t have to sit out a year or move into the district. #OKPreps https://t.co/e0VWBaLZYj
— Hallie Hart (@halliehart) December 6, 2023
The measure, which goes into effect on July 1, 2024, won’t require students to sit out for a year, gain a hardship waiver or move into the district of the transferred school to play. It’s an exception to OSSAA’s Rule 8, which stipulates students must sit out for one year from the first date of attendance after transferring schools.
OSSAA told OU Daily the measure was approved 12-1 by the board and that the "provisions for filing for the exception will be communicated to the membership during the middle of the second semester." OU Daily was also told students will not be eligible if they're deemed to be recruited to a school.
"Today, the OSSAA Board of Directors considered an exception to Rule 8," the OSSAA told OU Daily. "The exception would permit a student that has already established at a member school the opportunity to be considered for an exception to Rule 8, allowing for a student to choose a different school and become eligible after filing the proper paperwork and receiving approval from the OSSAA."
The board also voted to establish July 15 as the deadline for free transfers leading up to each school year. A hardship waiver would be required for eligibility after the July 15 deadline.
OSSAA executive director David Jackson told The Oklahoman the move isn’t designed to encourage transfers, but rather to take preemptive action before the Oklahoma State Legislature passes legislation concerning transfers. He also said the move isn't designed to create a "transfer portal" similar to the NCAA.
Norman North football coach Justin Jones told OU Daily he believes the effects of the exception may be far-reaching.
"This could potentially change the landscape of high school athletics," Jones said. "I am interested to see how districts' policies change or are amended to accept out-of-district transfers. There will certainly be a new normal."
Writer's note: This post was updated at 1:23 p.m. to add a comment from Norman North football coach Justin Jones. This post was updated at 3:02 p.m. to add a comment from the OSSAA to OU Daily.
This story was edited by Colton Sulley.
