Concerns Grow Over Proposed High School Sports Transfer Legislation in North Texas

In North Texas, high school coaches are voicing their concerns about a new bill that could change the rules regarding transferring schools for athletic reasons. Currently, when a student athlete transfers for sports, they must sit out for an entire year from varsity athletics. However, if the proposed bill authored by Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins passes, students would be able to transfer once during their high school career without the penalty of sitting out.

The bill requires both the receiving school district and the student’s parent to agree to the transfer in writing. Gervin-Hawkins believes this change is essential to give parents more of a say in where their children play sports. Many North Texas coaches worry this could lead to issues they liken to the “wild, wild West” in high school sports.

Chris James, the football coach at Arlington Sam Houston, has serious reservations about the potential rise in recruiting with such a change. He mentions the danger of “street agents” trying to sway student athletes to different schools, making the environment more competitive in a way that could harm the students’ development.

Joseph Sam, the Bowie football coach, echoes similar apprehensions, sharing that some students may transfer after recruitment only to realize their new situation isn’t what was promised, complicating their educational and athletic journey. Aledo boys basketball coach Brian Blackburn expressed that it will be a “drastic shift” from the traditional model where athletes play at their zoned schools.

While some coaches, like North Crowley girls basketball coach Lori Shead, see some positives in the bill, they also recognize the potential downsides, including creating “super teams” and intensifying recruiting issues that are already present in high school sports.

Gervin-Hawkins argues that students are already permitted to transfer for academic reasons, and it should be the same for athletics. She hopes that the legislation will provide more opportunities for young athletes, especially those who aim for scholarships and collegiate competition.

While the conversation continues, many coaches and stakeholders in North Texas high school athletics are keeping a close eye on this proposed legislation. As they prepare for the next legislative session in Austin, the fate of the one-time transfer rule remains to be seen. Coaches continue to advocate for regulations that will ensure a fair and supportive environment for their student athletes.