Experienced Attorneys For NCAA, NIL, and CIF Issues
The future of California student-athletes in CIF eligibility disputes, NCAA investigations, and NIL contract negotiations.
CIF Eligibility & Appeals
Find the Help You Need
NIL Contracts
NCAA Compliance
Facing a suspension, transfer issue, or hardship ruling? We fight for your student's right to play.
Areas of Practice
Coaches, Schools & Athletic Staff
Counsel for coaches and administrators in disciplinary actions, investigations, and employment-related sports matters.
CIF Eligibility & Transfer Appeals
Representation in Section and State-level CIF hearings involving eligibility, hardship, and athletic-motivation transfers under Bylaw 510.
NCAA & NAIA Compliance
Advising student-athletes on eligibility waivers, transfer-portal disputes, and reinstatement requests before college governing bodies.
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)
Reviewing endorsement agreements, protecting publicity rights, and ensuring compliance with California’s NIL and amateurism rules.
The Sports Law Practice of Wingert Law
Mark Amador — Partner
Mark Amador, a seasoned trial lawyer, brings over three and a half decades of experience from the San Diego District Attorney's Office. He focuses on guiding families through intricate appeal procedures and, when necessary, utilizes his aggressive trial approach, to build strong cases and secure favorable outcomes.
Licenses:
State Bar of California
United States District Courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California
Education:
University of San Diego School of Law
University of California Los Angeles
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
State Bar of California
San Diego County Bar Association
Lincoln Club of San Diego
San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
UCLA Alumni Association
Enright Inn of Court
Steve Grebing — Partner
Steve is admitted to practice in California, Nevada and Arizona, and has argued successfully before the Nevada Supreme Court. Steve is dedicated to the development of the legal profession. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of both the San Diego County Bar Foundation and the San Diego County Bar Association and is currently a member of the executive board of the San Diego Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Licenses:
State Bar of California 1995
Nevada State Bar in 1996
Arizona State Bar in 2006
United States District Court for the Southern and Central Districts of California
United States District Court, District of Nevada
Education:
Juris Doctor in 1995 from California Western School of Law
American Jurisprudence Award, Trial Practice, 1995
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, History and Speech in 1992
Professional Memberships and Affiliations:
State Bar of California
State Bar of Nevada
State Bar of Arizona
San Diego County Bar Association (Treasurer 2004; Vice President 2005)
San Diego Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (President 2022). ABOTA is an invitation-only organization of experienced trial attorneys who advocate for the preservation of the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.
Clark County Bar Association
San Diego Barristers Club (President 2001)
San Diego County Bar Foundation (Board of Directors)
Master, Welsh Inn of the American Inns of Court
Member, International Society of Barristers (since 2018)
BLOG POSTS
Advocating for athletes, families, and coaches across California.
Headquartered in San Diego and serving clients statewide, California Sports Law represents individuals and schools in athletic-eligibility, transfer, and compliance matters.
Our practice focuses on high-school and collegiate sports law, including CIF appeals, NCAA waivers, and NIL-related legal issues.
Whether you’re a parent navigating a CIF hearing, a college athlete seeking reinstatement, or a coach facing disciplinary review, we bring precision and advocacy to every case.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
CIF, NCAA & NIL Law in California
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A CIF appeal is the process a student-athlete or family uses to challenge a CIF Section’s eligibility decision — usually involving a transfer, hardship, or disciplinary issue. Appeals must be submitted through the proper CIF forms and within strict timelines after the initial decision.
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Bylaw 207 governs transfer eligibility for high school athletes in California. It sets the rules for when an athlete may compete after changing schools and outlines what counts as a valid change of residence or an athletically motivated transfer.
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A Sit-Out Period (SOP) means a student-athlete can practice with their team but cannot compete in official contests for part of the season. CIF assigns sit-out periods when a transfer is not approved for immediate eligibility.
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Sometimes. If the transfer meets CIF’s Valid Change of Residence (VCOR) standard and the family moved together for legitimate, non-athletic reasons, the athlete may be granted full eligibility without delay.
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Hardship exceptions cover situations beyond the athlete’s control, such as medical issues, family illness, safety concerns, or documented personal crises. CIF requires strong evidence and documentation to grant a hardship waiver.
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It’s not automatic. First, you must determine whether your case is eligible for appeal. Not every CIF decision can be challenged — for example, a finding that no hardship exists is generally not appealable, but a determination involving a violation of CIF Bylaw 510 (athletically motivated transfer) usually is.
Once you receive the Section Commissioner’s letter denying eligibility, the clock starts.
You have 15 calendar days to complete and submit the CIF State Transfer Appeal Form. Missing that deadline can permanently bar your appeal, so act quickly and gather supporting documentation right away.
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Yes. While families can represent themselves, attorneys familiar with CIF bylaws can help draft the written appeal, prepare witnesses, and present evidence effectively before the Section or State panel. An attorney can also speak at the appeal hearing.
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Our team also handles college eligibility and NIL compliance, including NCAA waivers, reinstatement requests, and name-image-likeness (NIL) contract reviews.
“Fair play is the most important rule of the game.”
– James Naismith
Get in Touch
Every eligibility issue is time-sensitive. Whether you’re preparing a CIF appeal, pursuing an NCAA waiver, or facing a coaching investigation, early legal guidance can make all the difference.
Let’s discuss your situation and take the next step toward resolving it.