Sports

CIF panels weighing options on how to improve transfer rules

Published

8 months ago

April 13, 2025

CIF panels weighing options on how to improve transfer rules

Discussions are getting serious within the California Interscholastic Federation over the idea of establishing a one-time free transfer rule for athletes during their four years of high school.

There are questions about what happens after the free transfer takes place. Should a second transfer result in a one-year ineligibility for varsity competition? Should a valid change of residence be allowed to establish eligibility after the one-time free transfer is used? What kind of hardship waivers will be allowed?

Currently, if you transfer without moving, you have a one-time sit-out period for half the season. A valid change of residence makes you eligible any time you transfer.

These issues are being discussed as part of seven CIF committees put together to figure out priorities for the coming years. With a record transfer number of more than 17,000 statewide last year and another record expected for this year, there’s growing concern that education-based high school sports is turning into AAU or college sports, where students are switching teams for sports reasons whenever they want without consequences.

The largest section in the state, the Southern Section, made it clear during a discussion last month at the state‘s Federated Council meeting that it would not be in favor of switching to a one-time free transfer rule unless the valid change of residence transfer is disallowed because there would be little change from the current rule allowing wealthier families to keep moving from school to school. The Southern Section would be in favor of waivers for military families if the valid change of residence rule is removed.

Another administrator criticized the idea of any transfer restrictions, warning with college sports creating a transfer portal that allows athletes to switch freely every season, high school sports would be falling behind in the changing environment. Other states are also debating whether to remove transfer restrictions.

Redondo Union basketball coach Reggie Morris Jr. said the changes taking place can’t be ignored.

“It you wanted to enter into the business world, you would go to a school that had courses to prepare you. If you want to pursue athletics, why wouldn’t you do the same?” Morris said.

It’s clear the California Legislature encourages school choice and there are so many permits, magnet programs, charter schools and schools offering online courses that transfers are likely to keep growing. How the CIF intends to protect its mission of being about education-based sports is the dilemma as pro and college teams focus on TV contracts and NIL deals to fuel their growth.

Along with the proposal to allow a one-time free transfer is another idea to discourage illegal recruiting: “Multiple transfers to the same school/school program would initiate a meeting with the Section office with the possibility of further investigation.”

That proposal is already being implemented by the City Section and should be embraced by others. There’s nothing more preventative than making sure parents, coaches and administrators understand an alarm goes off when a group of transfers suddenly show up for one sport. It’s a simple but effective deterrent. Any one-time free transfer rule must come with an increased commitment from section offices to enforce illegal recruiting rules. Otherwise, don’t do anything.

Membership schools need to decide whether investing millions of dollars in high school sports should be about winning championships or preparing teenagers to be adults. Yes, you can do both, but there’s too many people willing to cheat, take shortcuts and ignore rules in the name of “helping kids.”

The rules need to be made to let average students enjoy their high school experiences and make it easy for families who want to switch schools for any reason correct their initial mistake. But those families wanting to play the system, enough. You’re welcome to go pay thousands of dollars to a private coach who will keep telling you how good your son or daughter is no matter the truth.

The CIF understands with college athletes free to keep transferring year after year, the pressure will grow for high school sports to follow. Don’t let it happen. There are too many rogue people interested in ruining the high school sports experience to help their own wallets or egos.

Sports

Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

Published

18 minutes ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

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The Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought increased to 30 years as the team was eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday and then lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Cowboys showed tremendous heart during the season after the defense was gutted when star pass rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas picked up big wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, as well as a tie with the Packers.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Ultimately, the Cowboys lost their last three games and found themselves on the outside looking in on the playoffs once more. Dallas dropped to 6-8-1 after the loss to Los Angeles, and team owner Jerry Jones opened up about some of the team’s shortcomings.

“I really am better when I’m getting my a– kicked than I am when I’m having success,” he said, via The Athletic. “I’ve seen some of the decisions I’ve made work.

“We get one team that gets to go to that Super Bowl every year. Two that get to go to those (conference championship) playoff games. I’m looking forward next year to getting back in that championship game and maybe beyond. And then I’ll be right at the top of the list of how long it’s been since you’ve been to one. And that’s how you do it. Right at the top. And this will all go away.”

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Jones did take away some positivity from the 2025 season. He acknowledged the team “underachieved” but there were some things that the team could carry forward into 2026.

Particularly, Jones said he was impressed with how Dak Prescott played during the year.

Prescott has 4,175 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes this season. He’s leading the NFL in completions (378) and passing attempts (552). Both George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

“I am pleased with what we have in Dak, very pleased going forward,” he said, via the team’s website. “Nothing we’ve done so far this season gives me anything but optimism about going forward at one of the key, if not the key position.”

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Dallas has the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants left on its schedule.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Sports

Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

Published

1 hour ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

It’s time to take a look at the City Section’s top boys’ basketball teams a little more than a month into the season:

1. PALISADES (2-4): The Popoola twins, EJ and OJ, combined with freshman Phillip Reed, make the Dolphins the City Section Open Division title favorites.

2. WASHINGTON PREP (6-4): Jayshawn Kibble is a candidate for City player of the year.

3. CLEVELAND (5-4): Sophomore guard Charlie Adams becomes eligible Friday.

4. GRANADA HILLS (6-3): Help coming when sit-out transfer period ends Friday.

5. SAN PEDRO (7-3): Lots of varsity experience could result in Marine League title.

6. VENICE (5-8): Win over Fairfax, one-point loss to San Pedro.

7. BIRMINGHAM (4-2): Patriots like being under the radar.

8. TAFT (5-4): Turnaround showing progress ahead of schedule.

9. FAIRFAX (5-2): Young players making progress.

10. EL CAMINO REAL (7-5): One-point loss to Chaminade offers hope.

Sports

Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a vicious hit that was scary to look at.

Bryant was attempting to make a catch with just seconds left at Empower Field when Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown came flying in and crashed into him to break it up.

One could hear how hard Bryant was hit with the broadcast picking up the cracking of helmet and pads as he went to the turf.

Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Bryant stayed down on the field after the play, and he wasn’t moving much as Broncos trainers came running out to look at him on the turf.

After several minutes of evaluation, Bryant was loaded onto a stretcher and carted off the field. There was obvious concern throughout the stadium for Bryant, and it was later reported that he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

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Broncos head coach Sean Payton, speaking after his first loss in 12 games, gave an update on Bryant, saying that he “had movement” in his extremities, and it was “encouraging” to see, per 9News’ Mike Klis.

Of course, any time a player is loaded onto a stretcher, thoughts of the worst immediately enter the mind. Luckily, Bryant’s hospital visit was only to ensure everything was fine.

The Broncos moved to 12-3 after the loss at home, a 34-20 defeat at the hands of a red-hot Jaguars squad who have now won six straight games.

At 11-4, the Jaguars remain one win above the Houston Texans for the AFC South lead, though they are likely headed to the playoffs one way or another.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have already clinched their shot at a Vince Lombardi Trophy, having won 12 games this season for the best record in the AFC to date. Only the New England Patriots could reach 12 wins this week if they defeat the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.”

Bryant finished the game with five catches for 42 yards. He has totaled 27 catches for 347 yards and a touchdown this season in a loaded Broncos receiving room.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.