[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Rich1

I ref by night but my day job is coaching HS in Texas. Here is how it works:

If an athlete comes out for my team who was not at my school last year or did not attend one of my junior high feeder schools, I must fill out a "prior athletic participation form" (PAPF). The form is signed by AD and is then sent to the kids old school for the old coach and AD to sign before it is filed with the UIL. If the old school feels the kid has moved JUST for athletic reasons (not a job transfer, etc.) then they note it on the form and UIL will investigate. If not, then the kid is eligible day 1. The athlete may not participate in varsity sports until it is resolved but there is no limition on sub-varsity.

In my 15+ years of coaching I have never denied a kid nor had one denied. I have had some transfer under suspicious reasons (suddenly had apt. on other side of town but rest of family still works & lives here) but its not worth the hassle unless you have solid evidence so it is rarely enforced.

By the way, this applies to athletics only. Yes, a band student can move with no penalty. In fact, a kid can win a $10,000 cash prize for playing the piano but an athlete can'the given anything of real value -- as a coach I can't even give a poor kid lunch money or let them keep the used shoes we play in at the dnd of the season. But, the rules came about out of necessity due to extreme cheating so in reality they are good policies (check out "Friday Night Lights" if your not familiar).

Thanks for providing some insight and facts.