CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates has passed a bill repealing the state code that created the controversial “transfer portal” in high school athletics.
HB4425 does not change the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission’s current transfer policy but reverses a state law passed in 2023 that required the WVSSAC allow students a one-time transfer. The WVSSAC would still need to revise its policy if the legislation is completed, and has indicated it would revert to a similar rule that governed transfers prior to 2023.
“If you want a rule change with the WVSSAC, call your principals. Have your parents call your principals. The calls they are getting from the coaches are ‘we don’t like this,’” said Delegate Jeffery Stephens, R-Marshall.
The bill passed with overwhelming support in the House despite a lengthy discussion on the repeal’s impact on student-athletes. Supporters shared examples of how the transfer policy has had a detrimental impact on local athletic teams.
“South Charleston High School has been decimated by this transfer rule. We went from a perennial football powerhouse to winning one game in four seasons,” said Delegate Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha.
Delegate Betsy Kelly, R-Tyler, supported the repeal because the current policy has created what she described as an infinite loop of transfers; students transferring in to a school leading to students leaving for other playing opportunities.
“The current law has created instability in our schools,” said Kelly.
Delegates opposed to the bill contended the law was necessary to protect students and give families the ability to choose the best educational and athletic path forward.
“It hurts homeschooled students, private school students, charter, micro school, even public school students who may have to leave for safety reasons. It does not protect competitive balance,” said Delegate Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam.
Crouse believed repealing the law and limiting transfers could leave students without options if they are in a precarious situation.
“It is a punishment for children. This repeal takes away one safeguard students have when something goes wrong, and when I say wrong, I don’t mean losing a season, I mean bullying, harassment, abuse,” Crouse continued.
Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, opposed the repeal, concerned that students could miss out on college athletic scholarship opportunities.
“Oftentimes, our student-athletes are able to move to a team that would allow them to excel and propel them into a free education, a $100,000 savings to our families. Maybe they even end up being a delegate one day,” said Burkhammer.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
COHEN CRADDOCK SAFETY ACT
The Senate approved a sports safety bill named after a middle school football player who died after a football-related head injury during a practice.
SB657, creating Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act was approved on Tuesday.
A similar bill was considered last year but was not passed into law. Last year’s legislation would have required all youth football players in West Virginia to wear a soft-shell cover such as Guardian Caps on their helmets for organized practice.
This year’s bill makes the use of those helmets permissive, so schools could opt in. The bill also calls for examination of concussion protocol, education and training to prevent concussions — the development of a Concussion Education Prevention and Response Plan.
The bill also establishes the Cohen Craddock Memorial Grant Program to help with funding for football safety equipment that reduces concussions.