On Feb. 21, the IHSAA made a change that will shake up high school sports.

A new transfer rule for all high school athletes allows them to transfer from
one school to another and not face any restrictions as long as they are not seniors.
This rule change opens the door to many athletes who feel they need a change of
scenery.

This rule change is both bad and good for athletes and their schools. It could
give them the opportunity to go to a school/team that is a better fit and sets them
up for better futures. With this rule change, these players can go straight to playing
and seeing the field at their new schools without facing restrictions. In the past, if
they transferred, they would have to sit out for half of the season. This limited many
from switching schools.

The negative side of this new rule is that players will be leaving the places where they spent their
childhoods. The athletes will be leaving behind their friends, which can be mentally taxing for them. As
a result, I think athletes will lose the love they once held for the sports they play. For small schools like
Greenwood, this new rule could break up teams who have been playing together for years, which could
potentially ruin friendships and relationships.

GHS has seen both sides of this rule change with key athletes leaving and other players coming in.
The Woodmen have seen the biggest losses from the football team; however, they have gained key players
as well. Woodmen basketball is another team that has faced some of the bigger gains and losses.
The basketball team lost a key forward from last year; however, the team has gained two more players
through transferring.

In conclusion, the new transfer rule is both beneficial for student athletes and harmful for the teams
that the athletes are leaving behind.