The Kentucky High School Athletic Association on Friday issued a statement in response to a Kentucky General Assembly bill introduced earlier this week that would allow a one-time “free” transfer for all high school athletes.
House Bill 292 is sponsored by Rep. Nick Wilson of Whitley County and would allow a first-time transfer in grades 9-12 to be “eligible to participate in varsity contests in any interscholastic sport at the new member school. … Any further transfers of the student shall be subject to the transfer rules or bylaws adopted by the state board.”
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.
In a statement to The Courier Journal, KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett said he met with Wilson this week to discuss the bill.
“We … shared the concerns of our membership about such an unrestricted option that have been expressed in more than two years of review of the rule,” Tackett said. “We will always feel the best way to amend our rules is through the input, feedback and action of our member schools and their elected representatives, but we also very much realize the need to collaborate with the distinguished members of the General Assembly in areas of member or constituent concern.”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In a brief text message to The Courier Journal, Wilson did not elaborate on the impetus for the bill.
“It just allows every student to transfer schools one time without it affecting athletics eligibility,” Wilson wrote.
With the number of transfers increasing in Kentucky, Bylaw 6 has been a topic of conversation during several recent KHSAA Board of Control meetings.
During the Jan. 16 meeting, Tackett said transfers were up over last year, with 827 processed during the 2024-25 school year. Tackett said that number did not include transfers that were processed at the local level.
While the KHSAA board has not formally considered a change to Bylaw 6, one suggestion that has been discussed is allowing a one-time “free” transfer after an athlete completes his or her freshman year. Tackett also has mentioned the volume of transfer requests has become a burden on the KHSAA staff.
One possible concern with House Bill 292 is that it does not address the possibility of an athlete being eliminated from postseason play and then immediately transferring to another school that is still competing for a championship.
“The sponsor’s concerns closely align with concerns we have been addressing over the last year with our membership and our Board of Control as we look to the future of our rule, with many common thoughts as much about process issues as with the substance of the current rule,” Tackett said. “We feel, as always, that collaboration with the General Assembly will lead to the best solutions for all involved, and we will work with all of their members and ours on continuing to gather the best data to determine those next steps.
“This is likely a highly advisable approach for all parties before adopting a totally unrestricted option.”
The next KHSAA Board of Control meeting is set for Feb. 19.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
More high school sports:Central High School senior Faith Allen eyes another state wrestling title
KHSAA responds to House Bill 292, which would allow Kentucky athletes one 'free' transfer – Courier Journal
Related articles
