In response to growing concerns about non-compliant student-athlete transfers, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control voted Wednesday to create a special Task Force to investigate and address the issue.
The decision was the most significant development during the AHSAA’s annual spring meeting, which also included legislative votes and financial approvals for various athletic championships.
UMS-Wright High School head coach and Central Board President Terry Curtis announced the formation of the Task Force following a presentation led by Mountain Brook High School football coach Chris Yeager. Yeager introduced Alma Bryant, head coach Bart Sessions, who shared data compiled by coaches across the state, highlighting the increasing number of questionable transfers.
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“As I travel across the state to district meetings and other AHSAA events, it is clear that the issue of non-compliant transfers of student-athletes is one of our association’s biggest concerns,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. “I am proud that the Central Board is setting up a Task Force. It’s not just an issue in our state. It is an issue all across the nation.”
Curtis said he would work with Harmon to appoint a committee of principals, superintendents, athletic directors, and coaches to examine the matter and recommend possible solutions. The Board unanimously approved the formation of the group.
In addition to launching the Task Force, Harmon confirmed that the AHSAA has been collaborating with DragonFly.com, the organization’s online data partner, to enhance its tracking of student transfer information. He said the goal is to shift from general concerns to more specific solutions by bringing together a group of stakeholders who can examine current rules and systems and propose improvements.
The Central Board also approved financial reports from multiple championships, including the 2024 Super 7 Football Championships, state playoffs, and the 2025 Regional and State Bowling, Indoor Track, and Wrestling events.
During the session, the AHSAA Legislative Council passed two of the 25 proposals submitted by member schools. Notably, Proposal 19 was ratified, which requires all schools to identify and mark student-athletes who transfer in, beginning with incoming ninth graders. Proposal 11, concerning out-of-season transfer eligibility, was also approved but tabled for further clarification due to ambiguous language.
For more information, visit www.ahsaa.com.
