TSSAA Removes Residence Rule, Law Passed in Tennessee Senate to "Codify One-Time Transfer"
- ESPN Radio Winchester Sports
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
At the April 2025 meeting, the TSSAA Legislative Council voted to remove the association’s residence rule—something that’s been a major part of eligibility decisions for years. The vote passed 11-1 and is aimed at creating a more level playing field between boarding schools and other member schools.
Under the previous rule, boarding schools could allow students to transfer and gain immediate eligibility without moving, as long as the student was coming from at least 20 miles away.
It’s important to note that this change doesn’t directly affect the current TSSAA transfer rule. Transfer students who have an established athletic record at their previous school will still need a bona fide change of residence to be eligible for varsity competition or they qualify under the revised academic or social-emotional transfer provisions, which state "The first time the student transfers to another school due to a significant academic, social-emotional, environmental or mental health need. The sending school’s administration must attest that the move is not for athletic or disciplinary reasons."
The Council also discussed how this change might give slightly more room for students to qualify under those exceptions, but emphasized that eligibility decisions will still require review and school input.
Meanwhile in the Tennessee Senate, they passed a bill that could significantly impact transfer eligibility rules for high school student-athletes. The legislation aims to codify a recent Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) rule change into state law, allowing student-athletes to transfer once without a change of residence and retain their athletic eligibility.
The bill's sponsor in the House, Representative Scott Cepicky, has voiced skepticism regarding the TSSAA's governance and emphasized aligning the legislation with the association's intended policies.
The TSSAA has expressed reservations about embedding its eligibility rules into state law, arguing that such codification could hinder the organization's ability to adapt regulations as needed. Executive Director Mark Reeves cautioned that this approach might lead to the eventual elimination of transfer restrictions, potentially affecting the integrity of high school sports competitions.
The bill passed the Senate with a 25-4 vote and is now set to be reviewed by the House Calendar & Rules Committee.