Question Number: 21202

League Specific 4/27/2009

RE: high school Under 17

Debbie of livermore, ca usa asks...

My son was told that if he plays one year at a high school then transfers to the other high school in town, he would have to sit the bench a minimum of one year. Is this true?

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

That's completely up to the high school district in the area. I'm not aware of such a rule, maybe for college, but not high school.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I have seen rules like this in HS before, to discourage private schools from recruiting, when public and private schools play in the same association. You'd have to check with your state's HS athletic association.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

While we have no idea only your association can comment effectively, I could see it as so if they play in the same league! A player might be only able to register for one team in a season! One could think if the player is enrolled permanently in a new high school due to a move or desire for a change an exemption might be permitted. That however has nothing to do with refereeing all to do with politics. The recruitment issue certainly might be why such a by-law exists.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You need to check with your state athletic association. You can find that at the following address:

http://www.nfhs.org/custom/member_associations/states.aspx