Pre-Enrollment Contact: Understanding CIF Form 510 and How It Affects Eligibility
What is Pre-Enrollment Contact
Pre-enrollment contact is established when a student transfers from their current school of attendance to a CIF member high school after having participated in any of the following activities during the previous 24 months:
Non-School Athletic Team Participation: This includes participating on a non-school athletic team, such as an AAU or club team, that is associated with the new school.
Camp or Clinic Participation: Attending a camp or clinic associated with the new school.
Defining "Associated with the School"
A non-school athletic team is considered "associated with the new school" if it meets one or more of these conditions:
It is organized by and/or coached by any member of the coaching staff at that school.
It is organized by and/or coached by any other person associated with that school.
The majority of the members of the team (participants in practice and/or competition) are students who attend that school
What Is CIF Form 510
When a student-athlete transfers schools, CIF Form 510 becomes one of the most critical documents in the eligibility review process. It is the form used by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to track pre-enrollment contact—meaning any communication, meeting, training, or recruitment interaction that occurred before a student officially enrolled at the new school.
In short: Form 510 is CIF’s main tool to detect potential athletic motivation or undue influence.
Why Pre-Enrollment Contact Matters
CIF rules (especially Bylaw 510) prohibit undue influence, which includes any action by a coach, booster, or school representative that could be seen as encouraging a student to transfer for athletic reasons.
Even something that seems innocent—like a text from a coach, or a player attending open gym—can trigger scrutiny if it happens before enrollment.
CIF defines “pre-enrollment contact” broadly:
Conversations with coaches or school representatives
Attending practices, workouts, or team events
Participating in camps connected to the school
Social media messages about the transfer or team
If any of these occur, the student and family must disclose them on Form 510. Failure to do so—or incomplete answers—can lead to a denial of athletic eligibility.
How CIF Uses Form 510
CIF investigators review the form to identify:
Whether the student had contact with anyone tied to the new school
Whether the transfer appears athletically motivated
Whether a coach or staff member violated undue influence rules
Even one unchecked box or missing explanation can raise red flags. CIF may follow up with both schools, request witness statements, or even schedule eligibility hearings.
Common Mistakes Families Make
Underreporting contact (“We didn’t think a text message counted”)
Coaches communicating through intermediaries (club coaches, parents)
Attending open gyms or practices before official enrollment
Failing to keep records of conversations or invitations
Parents often don’t realize that even a casual introduction or informal tryout can later be interpreted as a recruiting contact.
How to Stay Compliant
Document every interaction: Keep texts, emails, and event invites.
Disclose all contact honestly on Form 510, even if minor.
Avoid pre-enrollment athletic participation (open gyms, practices, workouts).
Seek guidance early before transferring or enrolling.
If the transfer involves a coach, club connection, or former teammate, assume CIF will scrutinize it.
What to Do If CIF Flags Form 510
If your family receives notice of a Form 510 review or Bylaw 510 violation, act immediately:
Request a copy of the full CIF report.
Review the stated basis for the alleged contact.
Prepare documentation showing non-athletic motivation (family move, academics, safety, etc.).
Consider obtaining legal or compliance assistance before responding.
A clear, proactive response can mean the difference between full eligibility and a season-ending ruling.
Our Role
At Wingert, Grebing, Brubaker & Walshok LLP, we help families:
Review and prepare CIF Form 510 responses
Organize transfer documentation and witness declarations
Represent students in Section eligibility appeals and State hearings
Early consultation often prevents a small misunderstanding from becoming a formal denial.
Bottom Line
CIF Form 510 isn’t just paperwork—it’s a declaration of the student’s and school’s integrity. Be transparent, document everything, and seek help before CIF gets involved.
Need help reviewing your CIF Form 510 or pre-enrollment contact situation?
Contact our office for a confidential consultation before submitting your paperwork.
