Texas State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins has introduced a bill that could grant Texas high school students the ability to transfer to another district for athletic purposes without penalty. The bill, which seeks to prohibit the University Interscholastic League (UIL) from penalizing such transfers, has sparked debate among high school coaches and athletic directors.
Critics argue the bill could lead to high school recruitment and reduce opportunities for students already in a district. Currently, UIL guidelines mandate that students transferring for athletic reasons must sit out from varsity competition for a year, even if both parents move to the new district. Recruiting at any grade level is also prohibited under UIL guidelines.
Gervin-Hawkins’ proposal would allow students to transfer once between 8th and 12th grade without penalty, similar to a provision passed by the NCAA in 2021. This provision has been linked to a significant increase in transfer portal entries, with 3,083 FBS college football players entering the portal during the 2021-22 transfer cycle, up from 1,717 in 2018-19.
Despite the concerns, Gervin-Hawkins believes her bill would empower parents and student-athletes to choose the best institution for them, particularly in unfavorable circumstances. Many high school coaches in Texas, however, fear the consequences of what they call a “free-for-all,” arguing that the bill could destabilize the public school system and harm high school athletics.
Although the bill’s chances of passing before the legislative session ends on May 29 are slim, Gervin-Hawkins indicated she will remain committed to what she believs is advocating for student-athletes’ rights. The bill is currently pending in committee, with many coaches believing that a discussion about UIL transfer processes is necessary, though few coaches feel that this proposal is the best course of aciton.
