TSSAA Rejects Controversial Transfer Rule for High School Athletes for Now

February 4, 2025

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has sparked debate with a transfer rule proposal. During a meeting today, the Legislative Council of the TSSAA rejected the proposal that would have allowed students one opportunity to switch schools after 9th grade without losing athletic eligibility.

Under the current “Bon Fide Change of Residence” clause, students can transfer without penalty if they moved homes. The new proposal offered a single transfer post-freshman year regardless of a residence change.

This change has been discussed in the past and continued to stir controversy before its rejection. Currently, House Bill 25 had been introduced in the state legislature and would allow for an athletic transfer without a change of residence, so these discussions will still continue. Some argue it might lead to an increase in athletic recruitment, potentially skewing competitive balance in high school sports. Others see it as a beneficial adjustment for student mobility.

Mark Reeves, TSSAA’s Executive Director, addressed the Legislative Council during discussions, stating, “We are in a sacred space. We are not professional sports. We’re not college sports. We’re not club & travel sports, either. We are in a sacred space of education-based athletics. Truly our focus should be on enhancing kids’ lives through sport.”

Discussions around this proposed rule will remain a contentious topic, with opinions divided on its implications for high school sports in Tennessee. In addition to the one time transfer proposal, another proposal was rejected that would allow students transferring for academic or non-athletic reasons and retain their athletic eligibility, provided the previous school administration confirms the transfer was for education reasons and unrelated to athletics. The Legislature Council is expected to continue discussions regarding a change to the transfer rule for academic or non-athletic reasons as many members had questions and wanted additional guidance regarding that possibility. Other discussion regarding residency requirements will also continue. It appears that the transfer rule discussion is far from over given the discussion today and the pending state legislation affecting transfer eligibility.