A new provision in the rules regarding transfers for high school athletes was passed by the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) Monday.

The TSSAA Legislative Council, during a special-called meeting in Hermitage, discussed changes to both the transfer rule and residence rule regarding high school athletes, and approved by an 8-4 vote a proposal allowing athletes one free transfer to another school – without losing a year of eligibility – if they can show proof the transfer is for specific reasons.

The new proposal cites reasons of “significant academic, social-emotional, environmental or mental health needs” as possible motives for a transfer, but stressed the student’s decision must be proven to not be for any athletic or disciplinary reason.

The sending school – meaning the school a student is leaving – may contest the transfer if unable to verify the move is for athletic or disciplinary reasons. If they can do so, the athlete in question would still lose a calendar year of eligibility dating back to their last varsity game. That provision has been in place for several years in the TSSAA, and made students sit out a year of sports unless they had a verified change of address from one school system to another.

Warren County High School co-athletic director Anthony Lippe expressed the school’s wish every athlete wishing to transfer follows the rules set in place by the new TSSAA provision.

“The hope is that everyone follows the rule as it is intended, and that no one tries to take advantage of it,” Lippe said. “This is something that has been a hot topic for some time and we all knew it would come down the pipe eventually. I can say that, on my behalf, Warren County High School will be in full compliance with TSSAA rules and continue to do what is best for our student-athletes.”

The Legislative Council also discussed the residence rule during Monday’s meeting, adding a provision stating there could be no athletic eligibility for an international student who has completed the secondary school requirements in his/her country of origin.