5 things to know about Kentucky's new transfer rules for high school sports

J.L. Kirven, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
Trinity football team takes the field before the game against Carmel Friday night at Marshall Stadium. August 20, 2021
Trinity football team takes the field before the game against Carmel Friday night at Marshall Stadium. August 20, 2021

The Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 563 during the 2021 Regular Session and it went into effect July 1. Due to the new law, the KHSAA will be forced to adhere to more strict guidelines involving transfers.

Here's what you should know regarding the new transfer rules:

Can a high school athlete still play if they transfer school districts?

Manual's Daisha White goes for two during the 2022 Senior All-Star game between the 6th and 7th region high school girls basketball players Tuesday night at Bullitt Central High School. March 29, 2022
Manual's Daisha White goes for two during the 2022 Senior All-Star game between the 6th and 7th region high school girls basketball players Tuesday night at Bullitt Central High School. March 29, 2022

Yes, but they must wait. Any student who transfers from one district to another will be ineligible to participate in for one year from the date of enrollment at the new school.

High school football:Check out the Louisville-area KHSAA Class 5A football schedules for the 2022 season

What if someone plays when they're considered ineligible?

Mercy Academy players celebrate a score against Boyd County during the KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Ky on Friday. Nov. 5, 2021
Mercy Academy players celebrate a score against Boyd County during the KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Ky on Friday. Nov. 5, 2021

For high school athletics (Freshman, JV, Varsity) using ineligible players will result in a forfeit. For middle school athletics, penalties will lie with the school, school district, conference or association of schools.

Can someone deemed ineligible appeal to the KHSAA?

Scenes from St. Xavier's 2-1 victory over Trinity in double overtime in the semi-regional soccer game Thursday evening. Oct. 14, 2021
Scenes from St. Xavier's 2-1 victory over Trinity in double overtime in the semi-regional soccer game Thursday evening. Oct. 14, 2021

No. Since the new transfer rules originate from the Kentucky General Assembly, the KHSAA has no power or jurisdiction.

What if a student’s family transfers into a district while maintaining their prior residence?

EasternÕs Aliyah Allen jumps over a hurdle during the 100-meter hurdles in the at the KHSAA Class 3A State Track Meet in Lexington, Kentucky on June 4, 2022.
EasternÕs Aliyah Allen jumps over a hurdle during the 100-meter hurdles in the at the KHSAA Class 3A State Track Meet in Lexington, Kentucky on June 4, 2022.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, when determining a student’s district of residence, the residence of the parents or legal guardians is taken to account first. If the student’s parents live in multiple districts (i.e. separated parents), or the student lives with someone other than their parents/legal guardian, the Kentucky Department of Education would investigate to see where the student spends most nights to determine their proper district. If the determination is made that “most nights” are outside of the district, the student(s) in the household are to be considered a nonresident student(s) and the provisions of athletic ineligibility would apply.

What if a student is non-resident but they're already enrolled?

Ballard’s Macy McCoy and the rest of the Bruins celebrate winning the KHSAA Softball State Championship in Lexington.June 12, 2022
Ballard’s Macy McCoy and the rest of the Bruins celebrate winning the KHSAA Softball State Championship in Lexington.June 12, 2022

The athlete would be fine in this case. HB 563 applies to transfers following July 1, 2022. Transfers following this date would be subject to rules enforced by HB 563 or KHSAA Bylaw 6.

Follow Courier Journal reporter J.L. Kirven on Twitter @JL_Kirven for more updates on Louisville prep sports.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA high school sports: 5 things to know about new transfer rules