By: Joshua Anderson
In a significant shift for high school sports in South Carolina, athletic directors have approved a new rule allowing student-athletes a one-time, penalty-free transfer during their first six semesters of high school. The decision, passed by a 29–4 vote at the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association’s spring convention, will take effect in the 2025–26 academic year.
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Key Provisions of the New Transfer Rule
● Eligibility Window: Students can transfer without penalty as long as the move occurs on or before the start of practice for the sport in which they wish to participate.
● No Proof of Residence Required: Unlike previous regulations, transferring students will not need to provide evidence of a bona fide change of address.
● Late Transfers: If a student transfers after the start of practice, they will face a period of ineligibility—either 30 calendar days or half the total number of games in that sport, whichever is less. For example, this would mean five games for football and 13 for basketball.
● Capacity Limitations: Some schools may be unable to accept transfer students due to capacity constraints. For instance, the Charleston County School District annually lists schools that cannot accommodate transfers, establishing waiting lists by lottery.
The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) proposed the change, aiming to modernize transfer policies and reduce controversies surrounding out-of-district transfers. Previously, schools faced sanctions for violations related to transfers without bona fide address changes, such as Marlboro County’s disqualification from last season’s football state playoffs.
Nicholas Pearson, President of the SCHSL Executive Committee, hailed the decision as “a defining moment for our league,” emphasizing its potential to streamline the transfer process and promote fairness.
The adoption of this rule comes amid legislative discussions in the South Carolina House of Representatives. House Bill 4163 proposes allowing a one-time transfer without a waiting period for eligible students and calls for replacing the SCHSL with a governing body appointed by political figures. However, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced toward passage.
By proactively implementing this new transfer policy, the SCHSL aims to address concerns and maintain its role in governing high school athletics in the state.
