Iowa lawmakers want to extend athletes ineligibility period

By Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

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Those who follow high school sports closely can probably think of an example of an athlete moving to another school in order to take advantage of a sports program that is perceived as superior.

Chances of winning championships - which in turn can lead to an athlete being more easily noticed by college recruiters - has become a lure for high school athletes and parents alike.

Now, Iowa legislators are looking into closing a loophole that makes such moves increasingly familiar.

During this session, Iowa lawmakers will be taking another look at expanding the period of time that an athlete must sit out of varsity sports competition when transferring to another school.

Iowa is among a minority of states that has a 90-day ineligibility period for high school varsity athletes who move from a district of residence to a different school district using open enrollment or transfer provisions.

Bills have been drafted in both the House and Senate this session seeking to require that a student be ineligible to participate in varsity interscholastic athletic contests and competitions for the first 180 days of enrollment. .

Dave Anderson, of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, says there is a growing concern: “Absolutely, there are concerns of schools that athletes are moving to schools with a better program in their sport.” .

Changing the relatively short 90-day period to a more standard 180-day policy would go a long way in halting this practice.

We hope to see this discussion progress in this year's legislative session.