2431.01 - PARTICIPATION BY TRANSFER STUDENTS

The Board recognizes the value of interscholastic athletics and the positive impact sports have on students. The Board shall comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc. (FHSAA), Florida law, and this policy when determining the eligibility of a transfer student to participate in the District’s interscholastic athletic program.

Pursuant to the bylaws of the FHSAA, a "transfer" occurs when a student makes any change in schools after establishing residency at a school each year. A student who transfers from one school to another will be eligible at the new school provided the student qualifies under one of transfer eligibility categories set forth in the FHSAA’s bylaws and meets all other eligibility requirements.

A student who transfers to a school during the school year may seek to immediately join an existing team if the roster for the specific interscholastic or intrascholastic extra-curricular activity has not reached the identified maximum size for the particular activity and if the coach for the activity determines that the student has the requisite skill and ability to participate.  The FHSAA and District may not declare such a student ineligible because the student did not have the opportunity to comply with qualifying requirements.

However, a student may not participate in a sport if the student participated in that same sport at another school during that school year, unless the student meets one (1) of the following criteria:

1. Dependent children of active duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders.
2. Children who have been relocated due to a foster care placement in a different school zone.
3. Children who move due to a court-ordered change in custody due to separation or divorce, or the serious illness or death of a custodial parent.
4. Authorized for good cause.

For purposes of this policy, “authorized for good cause” means the student is able to satisfactorily demonstrate to the Principal that one (1) of the following applies:

1. The student is reassigned to a new school pursuant to Board policy.
2. Special assignment by the Superintendent.
3. Undue hardship.

The Principal of each school in the District shall be responsible for enforcing the FHSAA’s bylaws and policies in their school. The Principal shall review and determine whether a transfer student qualifies under one of the transfer eligibility categories set forth in the FHSAA’s bylaws and meets all other eligibility requirements. Upon approval of the transfer student’s eligibility, a Notice of Transfer form prescribed by the FHSAA shall be submitted to the FHSAA prior to the student participating in any sport season.

The Principal or designee must annually submit all eligibility reports electronically and sign all eligibility correspondence. The principal or designee shall certify that the information provided to the FHSAA is accurate and that the students named in the report are eligible to participate in accordance with the FHSAA’s bylaws.

Recruiting Prohibited/Penalties

The Board recognizes that the recruitment of student athletes is strictly prohibited by F.S. 1006.20. The FHSAA, through its bylaws, has prescribed penalties, sanctions, and an appeals process for athletic recruiting violations. A student may not be declared ineligible based on violation of recruiting rules unless the student or parent has falsified any enrollment or eligibility document or accepted any benefit or any promise of benefit if such benefit is not generally available to the school’s students or family members or is based in any way on athletic interest, potential, or performance.

Eligibility Appeals

If the Principal determines that a transfer student is ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, a student may submit an appeal to the FHSAA in accordance with Florida law and the FHSAA’s bylaws.

Revised 8/4/25
Revised 10/7/25

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