The Georgia High School Association has adopted measures it hopes will curtail the practice of student-athletes transferring for the sole purpose of sports.
The key part of the new policy, which was agreed upon earlier this month, is that students who transfer a second time after their freshman year will be ineligible for GHSA activities for one calendar year unless a hardship waiver is granted.
The GHSA is also requiring proof of “bona fide moves” of residency when students transfer, which includes proof that the entire family has moved and that the previous residence has been relinquished. Documents such as copies of driver’s licenses with the new address, utility bills for the new address, lease agreements or proof of purchase for the new residence and evidence that proves the previous residence has been vacated — sale of home, lease termination, etc. — must be provided.
Hardship appeals will be heard on a case-by-case basis.
Northwest Georgia has experienced a recent uptick in transfers, including several involving student-athletes switching schools between neighboring counties. Ridgeland football coach Craig Pritchett, for one, hopes the new policy achieves its goal.