The TSSAA Legislative Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Mt. Juliet to determine whether to amend the Transfer Rules and/or the Residence Rule. All three proposals presented to the Council were denied as written, although the Council had extensive discussion regarding plans for future proposals.

The Council has asked for a special called meeting prior to the regularly scheduled April meeting. In preparation for that special called meeting the staff has been charged to bring language for the Legislative Council’s consideration which would allow a transfer without loss of eligibility if the transfer is for reasons unrelated to athletics. The staff was also charged with bringing back potential changes to the residence rule which would make the rule apply equally to all students.

Their denials of requests included:

Denied the proposed change to Article II (Eligibility) of the TSSAA Bylaws as written, which includes several provisions which would amend the eligibility rules for boarding schools and boarding students (submitted by McCallie School, The King’s Academy, and Girls Preparatory School. b. Denied the proposed change to Article II, Section 13 (Eligible Transfer Students) of the TMSAA/TSSAA Bylaws as written, which would allow students transferring for academic reasons to retain their varsity eligibility, provided the previous school administration confirms the transfer was for educational reasons and unrelated to athletics (submitted by St. Andrew’s – Sewanee School). c. Proposed changes to Article II (Eligibility) of the TSSAA Bylaws (submitted by Baylor School)

Voted to deny as written the first proposal that would allow students to transfer once following completion of the 9th grade without loss of athletic eligibility. Any subsequent transfers would be subject to the current Residence Rule and Transfer Rules.

Denied as written the second proposal would allow a foreign exchange student to participate in athletics for the number of years that correspond with the students’ grade of enrollment at the member school, subject to all other existing eligibility rules.