High school athletes in South Carolina will soon be allowed to transfer schools once during their high school careers without facing immediate ineligibility, following a recent vote by athletic directors.
At their annual convention in Charleston on Wednesday, the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association approved the rule change by a 29-4 vote. The new policy will take effect for the 2025-26 school year.
Under the new guidelines, student-athletes may transfer to another school without penalty, as long as the transfer occurs before the official start of practice for their sport. However, students who transfer after practice begins will face a 30-day ineligibility period or must sit out half of their sport’s total games, whichever is less.
The rule also applies to eighth-grade students, provided they transfer before their sport’s practice starts. If a student transfers more than once, they will face the same ineligibility period.
Additionally, starting in the 2026-27 school year, high school seniors who transfer will be required to sit out for 22 days before they can compete.
This rule change comes as the South Carolina House of Representatives is considering Bill 4163, a proposal that could eliminate the South Carolina High School League.
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