The ability for West Virginia High School athletes to transfer Schools has been a topic of conversation during the recent WV Legislature with High School Athletic directors asking for change.
According to David Viands, president of the West Virginia athletic director’s association student athletic transfers have exploded over the past two years. Students who used to be permitted a one time transfer can now transfer at any time resulting in a very large increase statewide.
In 2023, the passage of House Bill 2820 allowed student athletes to transfer after their freshman year of high school and continue to play. Governor Jim Justice did not sign the bill, and instead allowed it to become effective 90 days from passage.
When students transfer into another school, the prized positions on the team are taken from students who have maintained their role on the team throughout their high school career. In 2023, there were 432 transfers statewide. In 2024, there were 433 student transfers statewide according to Viands.
WV Lawmakers are being asked to consider legislation that allows athletic directors, principals and other stakeholders to work together to create a more equitable rule in hopes of getting away from junior and senior transfers which puts the public schools out of competitive balance.
Legislators will convene for a delayed session Feb. 12 following the inauguration Jan. 13.
