AHSAA Approves New Task Force to Address Athlete Transfers
MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control (CBOC) announced several key decisions during its annual spring meeting in Montgomery. Among the highlights was the creation of a Task Force to tackle the pressing issue of non-compliant student-athlete transfers. The meeting also included the ratification of proposals, updates to event schedules, and other administrative actions that will shape the future of high school sports in Alabama.
Task Force to Address Transfer Challenges
CBOC President Terry Curtis, from UMS-Wright High School, revealed plans to assemble a Task Force aimed at studying and addressing non-compliant transfers. This decision follows a data-driven presentation by Alma Bryant High School head football coach Bart Sessions, introduced by Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager. The presentation underscored the growing impact of these transfers on fair competition across member schools.
AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Non-compliant transfers are a major concern not just in Alabama but nationwide. This Task Force shows our commitment to ensuring fairness and consistency in high school athletics.”
The Task Force, composed of principals, superintendents, athletic directors, and coaches, will explore potential solutions. Harmon also mentioned ongoing efforts with DragonFly.com to better track transfer data digitally, promoting efficiency and transparency.
Key Legislative and Board Actions
During the same meeting, the AHSAA Legislative Council reviewed 25 proposals submitted by member schools. Two notable proposals were ratified:
- Proposal 19 requires all member schools to identify and clearly mark players transferring into their programs, starting with incoming ninth-grade students.
- Proposal 11 addressed out-of-season transfer rules and expedited eligibility for transfer students but was tabled for further clarification on ambiguous language.
Other Highlights from the Central Board Meeting
The Central Board also approved several financial and administrative measures, including:
- Financial reports for major events like the 2024 Super 7 Football Championships, State Football Playoffs, and other upcoming championships through 2025-26.
- Membership approval for Legacy Prep Intermediate Charter School.
- Adoption of the 2025-26 AHSAA Sports and Events Calendars as well as a long-term Five-Year Calendar spanning 2025-2030.
- Updates to the Required Medical Forms for the 2025-26 school year.
- Discussion on the ALSDE Option B Diploma for Alabama public school students.
Additionally, Jerome Woods, Blount High School’s principal, was introduced as a returning Board member for the 2025-26 school year. Terry Curtis and Kim Kiel (Pelham City Schools) were re-elected to serve as Board President and Vice President, respectively, for the 2024-25 term.
Upcoming Dates and Initiatives
Key dates approved by the Board include:
- New Board Member Orientation on June 10
- Legislative Council Orientation on July 23
- Central Board meeting schedule for 2025-26:
- July 23, 2025
- October 15, 2025
- December 10, 2025 (Classification Meeting)
- January 21, 2026
- April 15, 2026
The Board also discussed advancements in injury reporting through a new Digital Injury Report Form and reviewed recommendations from the AHSAA Medical Advisory Committee.