A new roadblock for transfer students

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Section commissioners throughout the state have a new tool to deal with transfer students who switch high schools for athletic reasons.

New language in CIF rule 510 that took effect July 1, listed under athletically motivated transfers, empowers section commissioners to deny varsity eligibility for one year if it is determined that the student transferred for athletic reasons even if the family changed residences.

Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton invoked the rule this school year to deny eligibility to two brothers who play football, Jordan and Jamie Canada, who moved from Duarte to West Covina South Hills.

Because the rule is so new, no one knows how it will hold up under appeal or if it is challenged in court. But the rule could come into play this winter, when several high-profile basketball players seek athletic eligibility after switching schools.

-- Eric Sondheimer