High school transfer rule changes for WA athletes approved by WIAA

The Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association Representative Assembly approved a significant change to transfer eligibility rules.

“After establishing initial eligibility at a high school, students may now transfer one time during their four-year high school career, but only within designated transfer windows,” the WIAA said Monday.

Those who transfer will have to sit out the first 40% of the season in the year after they transfer.

There were 29 votes supporting the proposed rule change and six opposed (60% approval was needed for it to pass).

Previously, high school students were allowed to transfer to another school and retain their varsity eligibility during the following calendar year only if their family changed its residence. There were hardship exceptions if students could demonstrate unique circumstances concerning their physical or emotional well-being.

“The hardship provisions are still protected with the passing of HS #6 for students facing exceptional challenges,” said Sean Bessette, director of communications for the WIAA.

Though the two proposals regarding rule changes for transgender athletes drew the most attention nationwide, WIAA executive director Mick Hoffman said the transfer proposal drew the attention of the state’s coaches and athletic directors.

“The transfer amendment was more of a local, internal type conversation,” said Hoffman, who said a previous transfer proposal was tabled “because of people’s concerns around it.”

Six other proposed amendments (of a total of 16) also passed, including a mercy rule in soccer.

That amendment stated that “if at any point after 60 minutes of play in high school and 45 minutes at the middle level, the soccer match would be terminated if one team is ahead by eight goals.” It passed with a vote of 47-6.

Also approved by the WIAA Representative Assembly:

• Adding an honorary board member position from the Rural Educators Center (vote of 52-1).
• Suspension following an ejection must be fulfilled at the same level as the contest in which the ejection occurred unless the final contest of that season (34-1).
• Precontest practice requirements for middle level would be the same as the number for high school (15-3).
• Middle level soccer players could participate in three contests per week.
• Girls flag football sanctioned as a high school sport.