KHSAA Board of Control is proposing an amendment that would allow freshman athletes to transfer without having to sit out a year.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Board of Control is proposing a bylaw amendment that would allow athletes to transfer without penalty between their freshman and sophomore years.
The amendment will be up for vote Sept. 17 at the KHSAA’s annual delegate meeting.
The Board of Control voted to move the amendment forward during a meeting Friday in Louisville.
“In an era when all the (legislative) parties want more education choice, we don’t want to be the ones that stop an education choice,” KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett said. “How can we meet in the middle of those that want choice but no abuse (of the rule)? …
“We’re not really sure it will lead to less transferring. It just will lead to less kids subject to the rule.”
The KHSAA’s Bylaw 6 requires transfer athletes who have competed in varsity play to sit out one year unless they meet one of several exceptions, including a change of residence, a change in custody or if the athlete was subjected to bullying.
If the amendment passes, any athlete who plays a varsity sport as a freshman could play at another school as a sophomore instead of sitting out one year. Any athlete who transfers as a sophomore, junior or senior still would be subject to Bylaw 6 restrictions.
“Maybe it catches some of those kids who make a half-a-year bad decision about where they want to go to school but happen to get into a couple of soccer games or a couple of cross-country meets,” Tackett said. “It gives some flexibility at the younger age.”
The amendment is the latest move in years of discussion regarding Bylaw 6.
Earlier this year, state Rep. Nick Wilson of Whitley County introduced a bill that would have allowed all athletes — regardless of grade — to transfer one time without having to sit out one year.
That bill later was dropped, but the KHSAA Board of Control has continued to discuss possible changes to Bylaw 6.
According to data provided this week, the number of KHSAA rulings regarding transfers increased from 616 in 2022 to 634 in 2023 to 773 in 2024. Tackett previously has mentioned the sheer volume of transfer requests has become a burden on the KHSAA staff.
At a board meeting in February, Tackett said approximately 70% of all transfers are ultimately ruled eligible.
“The question might be asked, ‘If 70% are getting eligible, why not give everybody one (transfer without restriction)?' " Tackett said in February. “It’s because of the 30% gaining athletic advantage. That’s what our members want (to address).”
Shot clock voted down
KHSAA members once again have voted against adding a shot clock for basketball.
In a statewide survey, 150 of 252 schools (59.5%) voted to continue to allow experimentation “until the (National Federation of State High School Associations) adopts a national rule or until the survey can be conducted again in two years.”
Seventy-six schools (30.2%) voted to adopt a shot clock for the 2026-27 season, and another 26 schools (10.3%) voted to adopt a shot clock in 2027 or 2028.
Thirty-two states have adopted a shot clock for high school basketball. The KHSAA board voted to address the issue again at its September meeting.
Other KHSAA board news
* The KHSAA will enter discussions with Eighth Region officials about realigning its districts.
The addition of Cornerstone Christian – located in Shelbyville - has put six schools in the 30th District while the 29th District remains at three schools (North Oldham, Oldham County and South Oldham).
One proposal involves moving Collins from the 30th District to the 29th, but the KHSAA wants to meet with Eighth Region officials before making a change.
* The KHSAA is considering the addition of championships in stunt, pickleball and girls flag football but is seeking more information from member schools before approval.
* The KHSAA approved a “candidacy period” of membership — at least two years — for two new schools in Louisville: Newcomer Academy and MHG Academy.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected]; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA amendment would allow freshmen to transfer without penalty
Category: General Sports
