Fort Worth, Texas – A new bill aimed at changing transfer rules for high school athletics has sparked debate among coaches in the area. Currently, student-athletes who transfer schools for athletic reasons must sit out for a year at the varsity level. The proposed legislation would allow athletes to transfer once during their high school years without the lengthy waiting period, provided that both the parent’s and the receiving district’s written agreement is obtained.
This bill, authored by Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins from San Antonio, comes as she aims to enhance parental choice regarding where their children can play sports. Gervin-Hawkins argues that while students can easily transfer for academic reasons, they should have the same opportunity for athletics. “The goal of this legislation is to make sure, with parent choice, that they can move their child for athletic reasons,” she stated.
However, not all coaches are on board with this idea. Chris James, the football coach at Arlington Sam Houston, warns it could lead to a chaotic environment, likening it to the “wild, wild West.” He expressed concerns about aspiring street agents recruiting students, similar to what is seen in college sports today with the transfer portal.
Joseph Sam, head coach at Arlington Bowie, raised alarms about potential negative consequences, stating, “To me, I feel like you’re opening up Pandora’s box.” Meanwhile, Aledo’s boys basketball coach Brian Blackburn describes the rule as a “drastic shift” from the current system, questioning whether it could lead to increased recruiting and tampering.
The bill was previously proposed but did not gain enough momentum to pass through the Texas Legislature. While its supporters feel it would provide better opportunities for students, critics argue that it could exacerbate issues of forming “super teams” and may not solve existing recruiting problems.
As the Fort Worth-area coaches approach the upcoming legislative session with concerns, it remains to be seen how this proposed change will unfold and what impact it will have on high school sports in Texas.
