In response to a wave of out-of-state transfers, the Arizona Interscholastic Association enacted an emergency rule last week, barring student-athletes from competing for one year unless they prove a legitimate hardship, such as a parent’s job relocation or military service.
According to the Arizona Republic’s Richard Obert, the move came after four Bishop Montgomery (Calif.) football players, ruled ineligible by the CIF, transferred to Mesa High School in Arizona seeking to play. Because they enrolled before the rule change, they remain eligible and could debut October 3 against Salpointe Catholic.
The new regulation aims to prevent Arizona from becoming a haven for athletes escaping disciplinary bans elsewhere. It also sparked debate over the fairness of existing in-state transfer rules, which require athletes to sit out half a season unless hardship is shown. A second in-state transfer triggers a full year of ineligibility.
Coaches across Arizona are divided. Some, like Mesa Mountain View’s Andy Litten, tod Obert that he would advocat for one free transfer regardless of origin, while others warned that “free agency” effect that could hurt smaller programs.
Joseph City’s Martin Roes told Obert that leniency could lead to super teams and drain talent from rural schools. AIA Executive Director Jim Dean confirmed the board will revisit in-state transfer policies in October.
As Arizona grapples with balancing opportunity and equity, the conversation around student-athlete mobility is far from over. In his story, Obert wonders if a high school “transfer portal” might be next for Arizona.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Rule changed in Arizona after Bishop Montgomery to Mesa transfers
