CIF Transfer Eligibility (Bylaw 207): Complete Guide
I. Introduction to CIF Eligibility and Philosophy
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) governs high school athletics, maintaining that athletic participation is a privilege, not a right, and that students attend school primarily to receive an education. CIF Bylaws, including Bylaw 207 (Transfer Eligibility) and Bylaw 510 (Undue Influence), serve as deterrents against students transferring schools solely for athletic reasons and against individuals recruiting student-athletes.
II. Determining Transfer Status (Bylaw 207.A)
A student is considered a transfer student (moving from School A to School B) if they have completed any of the following actions at their former school:
Attended class.
Played in an athletic contest.
Tried out for or practiced with a team for five (5) or more days prior to the beginning of the school year.
The student must then withdraw from or complete courses at School A and enroll as a full-time student at School B. Students cannot have dual enrollment in two different schools for eligibility purposes.
III. Exemptions to CIF Transfer Rules (Bylaw 207.B)
The general CIF Transfer Rule applies to all students transferring after initial 9th-grade enrollment, except for the following categories:
Valid Change of Residence (Bylaw 206): A student may be residentially eligible if the student's entire immediate family makes a genuine, permanent move, vacating the former primary residence. However, even a move based on a valid change of residence may still result in ineligibility if there is evidence the move was athletically motivated.
CIF-Approved Foreign Exchange Program (Bylaw 208): Students transferring under the auspices of a CIF-approved foreign exchange program may be granted unlimited residential eligibility if specific conditions are met, including that the placement procedures were random concerning athletic participation and that no coach contact related to athletics occurred.
Transfer as a Result of Discipline (Bylaw 209): Students transferring due to a disciplinary action that is in place or pending at the former school are subject to Bylaw 209.
IV. Transfer Eligibility Limitations, Determinations, and Exceptions (Bylaw 207.B.(5))
Transfer students must submit the CIF Form 207 Athletic Transfer Eligibility Application and the CIF Form 510 Pre-Enrollment Contact Affidavit to the CIF Section Commissioner for a determination, usually within twenty (20) business days.
A. Limited Eligibility (Bylaw 207.B.(5).a): A student may be eligible to play at the sub-varsity level for one year in any sport previously played in the prior 12 months if they meet strict conditions, including:
Academic eligibility at the time of transfer.
The principal of the former school attests in writing that the move was not in violation of Bylaw 510.
The student is not found to have transferred to a school where their former high school coach or associated club coach has relocated.
The student has not been determined to have made a transfer in violation of Bylaw 510.
B. Varsity Eligibility with Sit Out Period (SOP) (Bylaw 207.B.(5).b): A student transferring for the first time may become eligible for varsity competition after completing a Sit Out Period (SOP) in sports they previously competed in, provided they meet the conditions listed for limited eligibility (e.g., no Bylaw 510 violation, not transferring due to discipline, not following a coach). Denial of eligibility for the SOP cannot be appealed.
C. Unlimited Eligibility Applications (Hardship Exceptions) (Bylaw 207.B.(5).c): Unlimited residential eligibility may be granted only under specific, documented hardship circumstances, such as:
Court-Ordered Transfers.
Children of Divorced Parents (due to custody change).
Individual Student Safety Incidents (documented).
Foster Children or Homeless Children.
V. Undue Influence and Pre-Enrollment Contact (Bylaw 510)
Bylaw 510 governs undue influence and recruitment. Violation may cause the student to be ineligible for one year and jeopardize the standing of the high school.
A. Definition of Undue Influence: Undue influence is defined as any act, gesture, or communication (including accepting material or financial inducement) that may be objectively seen as an inducement or part of a process to induce a student to enroll, transfer to, or remain in a particular school for athletic purposes.
B. Prohibited Pre-Enrollment Contact (510.C/D): Athletically motivated pre-enrollment contact of any kind by anyone associated with a school is prohibited. This contact includes, but is not limited to, communication "about the athletic programs at a school".
C. Mandatory Disclosure: All transfer students must disclose any and all pre-enrollment contact on the CIF Pre-Enrollment Contact Affidavit (Form 510). Providing false, inaccurate, or incomplete information violates Bylaw 202 and may result in the student being ineligible for up to 24 months, and sanctions being imposed on school personnel.
D. Prima Facie Evidence (Sufficient Evidence): Pre-enrollment contact or an athletically motivated transfer is considered prima facie evidence that the student enrolled for athletic reasons. If a prima facie case exists, the student is ineligible for one year unless sufficient proof is presented to the Section Commissioner to rebut or disprove the evidence.
E. Circumstances Indicating Athletically Motivated Transfer (510.E): Transfer is deemed athletically motivated if one or more circumstances contributed to the transfer, including:
Club/Non-School Team Association: Transferring to a school where the student participated on a non-school athletic team (e.g., club, AAU) that is associated with the new school in the previous 24 months. A club director, club owner, or similar role may be considered a person "associated with the new school".
Coach Relocation: Transferring within one calendar year of a former high school or club coach relocating to the new school.
Facility Use: Transfer prompted by association with club programs or outside agencies that use the new school's facilities.
VI. Appeals Process (Bylaw 1100)
Students or their parent(s)/guardian(s)/legal guardian(s) may appeal a determination of limited eligibility related to:
Following a Coach (Bylaw 207.B.(5).a.(iv), b.(v), or c.(iii)).
Undue Influence/Athletically Motivated Transfer (Bylaw 510).
The appeal must be filed with the State CIF Appeals Office using the required form and fee within fifteen (15) business days of the Section Commissioner’s written decision. Decisions made regarding hardship applications (Bylaw 207.B.(5)c.) are typically final and cannot be appealed.
