Transfer rules for high school athletes revised

Students transfer to different high schools for a variety of reasons, and in 2007 the California Interscholastic Federation approved statewide bylaws regarding the eligibility of student-athletes who transfer.

In May of 2012, a revision was made to the existing transfer rule, which is now called the Sit Out Period.

To help alleviate any confusion concerning the SOP, the CIF has answered some common questions on its website. For further clarification, contact your high school's administrators.

QUESTION: My son transferred and was granted the SOP in the sports of football, wrestling and track and field. What date will be he eligible to compete?

ANSWER: For the 2012-13 school year, the student would actually have three eligibility dates as they would have a SOP for each of the three sports.

Football: Oct. 1.

Wrestling: Dec. 31.

Spring: April 1.

Note: If the student transfers after their new school's first contest, then their actual start date would be determined by the local CIF-Section Office.

QUESTION: My daughter transferred and was granted the SOP. May she practice with the varsity team during this time period?

ANSWER: Yes. The student may participate in practices with the varsity team during the SOP.

QUESTION: My daughter transferred and was granted the SOP for the sports of volleyball and softball. May she play on a sub-varsity team during this time?

ANSWER: No. If the student wishes to compete at the varsity level in either volleyball or softball, she may not compete at the sub-varsity level in those two sports. If she does compete at the sub-varsity level during the SOP in either of those two sports, she will be ineligible for varsity competition in that sport (including playoffs) for the remainder of that school year.

QUESTION: My son/daughter has transferred schools for a second time. May they use the SOP?

ANSWER: No. The SOP may only be used by a student who is transferring for the first time since their initial enrollment in the 9th grade in any school.

QUESTION: My son/daughter transferred but did not use the SOP. He/she has now transferred a second time. May they use the SOP?

ANSWER: No. The SOP may only be used by a student who is transferring for the first time since their initial enrollment in the 9th grade in any school.